Marc van der Leeden was born in 1951 in Springfield Massachusetts. HE graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. In addition to actively painting, he continues to practice medicine.
Largely self-taught, van der Leeden did not start painting until his early 30’s, and then painted for only three years. While developing his medical practice and helping to raise his two daughters, he did not paint at all. It was only recently that he developed his on style of painting, seen as impressionistic expression rather than a strict representation of architectural and landscape subjects. Utilizing a very limited palette and simplicity of design, he creates watercolor paintings that are clearly his own.
Since his first juried show in 1999, his art career has moved quickly, earning him several first place award and solo shows in New York City, and Vermont. He was featured in Watercolor magazine, and in addition van der Leeden has been included in the 2002 edition of New Art International.