Doris Leist was born on February 19, 1911 in New Albany, Indiana. Before marrying Ray F. Leist in 1934, she attended art school and worked briefly with an advertising firm. When her only son Ray, Jr. was 13 years old she returned to the study of painting. Leist studied under Eugene Leake at the Art Center Association School in Louisville, KY as well as with Leo Manso and Victor Candell in Provincetown, MA and at Ohio University in Athens. A realist portrait painter working primarily in oils, Leist won numerous awards in local and regional juried art shows. She was commissioned to paint portraits, notably those of Emma L Woerner, principal of Atherton High School; Louisville Mayor Frank Burke; Ky Lt. Gov. Thelma Stovall. Leist was a member of the Arts Club of Louisville, the Crescent Hill Women's Club, St. Matthews Women's club, and Beargrass Christian Church. She volunteered at the V.A. Hospital and Baptist East hospital. Leist died January 14, 2004 at the age of 93.
From the description of Doris Leist Papers, 1947-2004, (bulk 1954-1982). (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 660169664
