Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Lesley: “I am an artist living and working in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK”

When did you start painting?
Lesley: “I have always drawn and painted, and knew from an early age that I wanted to be an artist of some kind. Luckily, I went to a school that encouraged me, and offered a wide scope of artistic possibilities.”

Did you study art?
Lesley: “I studied Fine Art at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. I have since always continued to develop my painting technique myself.
My first career was as a medical artist, mainly illustrating anatomy books and surgical journals. After many years, an injury led to a change of profession, and I then started to paint full -time. The best decision I have made!”

Fun Fact
Lesley: “I am obsessed with the colour green, in all its variations. I always wear green clothes and have a green house, bike, car, etc!. I love everything it represents, and I usually have green in my paintings too!”

Have you had any exhibitions?
Lesley: “Yes, I have shown in many galleries in Scotland over the years, including solo shows and group exhibitions with friends. I have had work in the Royal Scottish Academy annual show, and at present I am represented by five galleries. A full list can be found on my website.

What is your style?
Lesley: “Painting ‘en plein air’ and completing a painting in one session. It’s a challenge because the light, the tide and the weather are constantly changing , especially here in Scotland. I have a variety of outside gear and clothes to suit all seasons.
I have found that only oils give me the freedom to work into the paint surface before it dries. I can load lots of paint onto my palette knife and leave a thick expressive strokes, dragging one colour into another.”

Which artists inspire you?
Lesley: “Of course I love Monet and Van Gogh, but I also admire the thick impasto work of Welsh artist, Kyffin Williams. And years ago, on a trip to Canada, I discovered the work of Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven. They gave me the courage to get outside and paint directly from nature. It is really a different experience than being in the studio – I feel so alive!”

Connect with Lesley
lesleyskeates@blueyonder.co.uk
www.lesleyskeatesart.com
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