Jan Leitner’s career as an artist began when she was 10 years old. During a visit from family friends of the parents, her water color artwork was noticed posted on the refrigerator. The guest was so absorbed with the artistry that he sent several of her paintings to an acquaintance who owned a gallery. All of the water colors were sold and the owner asked for more paintings. Upon graduating from high school, Leitner had 11 offers for art scholarships. She settled on Boston School of the Museum of Fine Arts. While her works are diverse, Leitner mainly paints portraits. She uses such detail that once a client of hers by the name of Muhammad Ali told her that the portrait of him looked more like him than he did.