Alex McLeod

Alex is a special young man living with autism in Qualicum Beach. His amazing community continues to support him in so many ways.  

In spite of his severe communication deficit, Alex loves to learn. With the support of his amazing tutors and community, he leads a full and rich life. He paints, plays piano and guitar, participates in the Qualicum Beach Triathlon and Victoria TC 10k annually and loves to hike, kayak and go snowshoeing. He volunteers and works in Qualicum Beach and has a busy Pet Treat business (thecaninekitchen.net) with product sold locally at Lighthouse Feed & Garden, in Bowser. 

Alex started to paint with watercolours about 2017 when a wonderful young woman named Caitlin Duggan came into his life. In line with how Alex learns, he progressed with support in a directed, step-by-step way, first drawing by referencing shapes then adding colour, mixing colours, adding texture techniques and developing his own whimsical style. Then he began painting cards for friends and family.

Since those early days, Alex has produced two popular Christmas collections, a Mexico set and was even commissioned to paint one of his prints on a wall in Mexico!

The McLeod family is forever grateful to Alex’s talented tutors and amazing community for providing such rich experiences for Alex. He is living a life of dignity, purpose and options.