Born in 1909, Sainte-Flore, Mauricie, Québec. Léo Ayotte was educated at the Collège Sérigraphique and at the Trois-Rivières seminary, and finally in Nicolet; however, he is a self-taught painter. Ayotte work for many years as a model and as a janitor at the Écoles des Beaux-Arts in Montréal, where, being in constant contact with art students and teachers, he developped his taste for art. He started to paint in the 30’s. By 1945, he decided to devote himself entirely to his art. In the early 50’s, he became friends with Pellan and writer François Hertel. During a trip to Europe in 1963, he discovered the new Realism wich will have a certain influence on his method of expression. He passed away in Saint-Hyacinthe, december 21, 1976. Ignored by most of the galleries for years, he gained belated recognition towards the end of his life. He is especially known for his landscapes but he also took an interest in still life and portrait painting.