Eastern and Western influences intertwine in Christine Leong’s artwork, which is the subject of the next exhibition at the Buenaventura Gallery.

“Palette of Nature” is the title of the show, which will be on view April 24 to May 19 in the downtown Ventura gallery operated by the nonprofit Buenaventura Art Association. A reception for the artist will on April 28 from 4-7 p.m. In addition, Leong will be on hand during First Friday Gallery Crawl on Friday, May 4 from 5-8 p.m.

Leong, who immigrated to the Camarillo area from her native China 10 years ago, uses the techniques and materials of her homeland — Chinese watercolors on rice paper — to create colorful glimpses of the natural world. Her specialties are koi and florals, she says.

“Nature has a unique language,” Leong says. “My paintings reflect my desire to capture the moment to be displayed and enjoyed in a traditional Asian manner.”

Her passion for creative arts is divinely inspired, in a way: When she was 8 or 9, she says, her parents gave her paper and a pencil at church on Sundays, and “I drew through the whole service without creating trouble.”

Soon after coming to America in 2002, Leong began entering shows locally, earning awards in many venues. Since 2006, she’s been an artist in residence at Studio Channel Islands Art Association, and has held membership and leadership roles in several area arts organizations, including the Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks art associations. A fine arts instructor as well, Leong also served as president of the Camarillo Art Center from 2006-09.

Examples of her work can be found at www.artofchristineleong.com and www.asianartstrokes.com.

The Buenaventura Gallery is at 700 E. Santa Clara St. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit their website at www.BuenaventuraGallery.org.