Derek “Notes” Leitch is a fine artist known for carved wood-grain illusions and layered textures that transform natural patterns into surfaces with striking depth, movement, and energy. His work blends craftsmanship with bold visual storytelling, drawing inspiration from street art, public installations, and contemporary design. Through intricate detail and organic forms, he creates pieces that feel both modern and timeless, inviting viewers to look closer and experience the rhythm within each layer.

He began his artistic journey with a pencil sketch in 1993, earning his first major recognition by designing a high school mascot. What started as a love for drawing quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to creativity. Soon after, he moved to Southern California, where sketchbooks expanded into walls, streets, and public spaces. Immersed in a vibrant art culture, he sharpened his style and developed the signature visual language that would later define his career.

There, he co-founded Evocal15, collaborated with Save Our Youth (S.O.Y.) and TOMS Shoes, and later brought his crew to paint at the legendary 5Pointz with support from Sony. These projects helped establish him as an artist capable of bridging grassroots creativity with nationally recognized platforms, all while staying connected to community-driven values.

Returning to Portland, Derek continued to merge art with community impact. He helped shape the local creative scene through pop-up warehouse exhibitions and the Bridges collective, creating spaces where artists and audiences could connect, collaborate, and grow. His commitment to public art as a tool for inspiration and accessibility has remained central to his work.

More recently, he has partnered with the Portland Street Art Alliance and For the Love, including the creation of a 100-foot mural at the International School of Portland. His murals and installations often become landmarks pieces that energize neighborhoods, spark conversation, and reflect the identity of the communities around them.

Beyond murals, Derek’s fine art practice explores texture, motion, and perception. By carving and layering surfaces, he creates works that shift with light and perspective, giving each piece a living presence. Whether on canvas, wood, or concrete, his art carries the same intention: to transform ordinary surfaces into experiences of depth, story, and connection.

Today, Derek continues to push boundaries across fine art, murals, and collaborative public works. With decades of experience and an ever-evolving vision, he remains dedicated to creating immersive works that inspire curiosity, celebrate culture, and leave a lasting impression.