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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 34 Artist is victorious when skills were put to the test by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver Artscene "Connected to your Community" Leanna TenEycke has never liked being the centre of attention. But when she found herself battling other artists in front of an audience, she loved it. And she won. A graduate from Sheridan College with a Bachelor's degree in illustration, Leanna creates art for book covers, video games and trading cards. She also teaches art lessons and runs a handmade jewelry business. Her mother, Barb, who is also an artist, convinced her to participate in Art Battle Live Competitive Painting. The international league pits six to eight artists against each other as they paint their best work in 20 minutes. Audience members vote for their favourite by smartphone. The painters go three rounds until a winner is declared. Leanna won her first competition when it was held at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre in Oakville. Then she kept on winning -- the Golden Horseshoe Regional competition in Mississauga and the national competition in Ottawa. She advanced to the final round of six at Art Battle PanAmania International in Toronto during the Pan Am Games. The outdoor competition was called due to inclement weather. "I was honestly surprised to get that far. In the beginning I kept telling myself it wasn't possible but I would try anyway," Leanna said. "It's been a great exercise in becoming more confident. It was sort of a personal challenge I wanted to overcome." Barb, who is a professional landscape painter, has competed in seven art battles, winning events in Mississauga and Oakville. She battled her daughter at the regional championship. They both made it to the final round before Leanna took the victory that night. Barb loves the atmosphere of Art Battle, which she describes as like being at a nightclub with an emcee and music. "It is so much fun and there is such a positive vibe. Clockwise, from above: Leanna TenEycke holds her Art Battle trophy; the Art Battle PanAmania International competition was held in Toronto during the Pan Am Games where artists competed on a platform on the water; TenEycke's painting. | photo above submitted; photos by Scott Lennon ­ special to the Beaver Having to paint that fast is kind of crazy," she said. "It allows you to paint more fearlessly and you have to get over yourself because any dreams of perfectionism are gone. I was terrified the first time. It gets easier every time and now it's just sheer excitement." Leanna, who remains undefeated, just can't wait for next season. "All of the Art Battle organizers are such friendly people on top of being professional, and I found it really energizing to be surrounded by all of those great artists as well," she said. "I'm thankful I got to compete." See the beSt Of AuguSt 171 Speers Road (at Kerr) Oakville 905-338-6397 www.film.ca facebook.com/filmca @FilmCaCinemas General: $8.50 Children ( 3-13): $6.50 Seniors ( 65+): $6.50 miSSiOn impOSSibLe STraiGhT OuTTa COmpTOn (18a) ameriCan uLTra (18a) The man FrOm u. n. C. L. e. (pG) Tuesdays: $5.00