Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery — Attraction in Chester

Chester Center’s Cultural Center

In 2013, Gail and I visited the Musée d'Orsay for the first time and got to immerse ourselves in the French impressionists we had always admired. Less than a year later, largely due to its wonderful music and art scene, we moved to tiny Chester, CT, where we encountered the work of homegrown contemporary impressionist, Leif Nilsson.

Like his French predecessors, Leif is a plein air painter, but rather than working on the Seine, Leif straps his canvasses to his bobbing motorboat to capture scenes of the Connecticut River — from the aspect of the river.

The large canvas pictured here was painted among the boats moored in nearby Essex. In the distance, he includes another local gem, the Connecticut River Museum.

Leif’s vibrant colors and energetic technique were a perfect match for our own enthusiasm as we explored our new surroundings. His expansive portfolio also reflects the changing seasons through his of work from (and of) his gallery dooryard.

We soon discovered that Lief is something of an artistic double threat, with a passion for music equal to that of painting. You’ll find him most weekends and First Fridays on his gallery’s front porch playing banjo with a changing group of local musicians.

And to spread the music to a wider audience, on the heavily wooded incline adjacent to the gallery, (using only his own hands and a tractor) he’s carved out an actual outdoor amphitheater, where he hosts outdoor concerts in an intimate natural wonderland.

You’ll find Leif and his work at Spring Street Gallery. He’d be more than happy to talk to you about his paintings, music and love for the little town that can't get enough of either. You may even catch him outside, putting the finishing touches on his latest...

I've known Leif for many years, and it's been an incredible thing to behold, watching him do what he was simply born to be doing. The gallery is an experience, with his beautiful pieces on full display. I can't recommend it enough for those coming to Chester for the true experience. They also have an incredible...

Lovely gallery and great fun during the May village stroll. Leif is an amazing artist in every sense of the definition of an accomplished visionary...