Leopold Segedin, a dedicated artist from Evanston, has died at 97, leaving behind a legacy of gritty cityscapes and self-portraits.
Leo painted gritty cityscapes and self-portraits, often inspired by his childhood in a diverse neighborhood. His son, Paul, shared that Leo didn’t always enjoy painting, but it was essential to him.
As he aged, his studio moved from the attic to the first floor of his home. After retiring from teaching art in 1987, he painted daily, capturing scenes from his youth, including vacant lots and L stations.
His paintings often had a hint of menace, reflecting his experiences growing up. Despite the darker themes, he also created joyful works, like “Old Men Dancing,” which showed him enjoying life.
Leo passed away from natural causes at 97. He once said, “My paintings should speak for themselves,” highlighting his belief in the power of art over words.
Born in Chicago in 1927, Leo was encouraged by his mother to pursue art from a young age. He studied at the University of Illinois before serving in the Army during the Korean War, where he painted a portrait of President Eisenhower.
After retiring from teaching, his late wife encouraged him to focus on his art. His work often reflected his past, depicting childhood memories and experiences.
His paintings were showcased in various galleries, with one selling for $13,000. He enjoyed sharing his art but didn’t let sales define him.
Leo was also involved in community theater and organized monthly luncheons for friends to discuss various topics. A book of his art was published in 2018, and his work is currently displayed at the National Veterans Art Museum.
He is survived by his sons and a granddaughter, with a celebration of his life in the works.
