Hello & Welcome

Welcome to My World: A Journey of Reconnection and Creation

Hello and welcome to my very first blog post! I’m thrilled to have you here, and I’m excited to share a bit about myself and my art journey with you. If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about who I am and what drives my passion for art. So, grab a cup of tea (or coffee, if that’s more your style), and let’s dive in.

I’m Jessica Leigh, a visual artist based in North East England, and my work is all about the vibrant dance between humanity and the natural world. I use acrylics and oils and a whole host of other mediums to explore this relationship, blending techniques from various art movements into an expressive, eclectic style.

Think of it as a conversation between old masters and modern sensibilities, all through the lens of botanical beauty.

Growing up in Teesside, I was lucky to be surrounded by stunning landscapes—the rugged beauty of Northumberland, the serene Lake District, the sweeping Yorkshire Dales, and the ever-changing sea. Nature was always a part of my life, but somewhere along the way, the grind of working in the smog-filled chemical industry made me lose touch with that natural inspiration. It felt like a part of me had dimmed. In 2022, I decided to hit the reset button. I stepped away from the 9-to-5 hustle and embraced the quiet, restorative power of nature. This break was more than just a change of scenery; it was a journey back to myself. I reconnected with the natural world, and with that, my passion for art was reignited.

Now, my paintings reflect this revival. I paint intuitively, letting the canvas guide me to create vibrant colours and dynamic compositions. Sometimes my approach is methodical and deliberate, like the sturdy presence of an old oak tree. Other times, it’s spontaneous and fleeting, capturing the delicate, ephemeral beauty of a mayfly’s brief flight. Through my work, I aim to explore how we interact with and transform our environment. I want to evoke feelings of joy and peace, inviting you to pause and appreciate the natural world’s wonders. My hope is to inspire a deeper awareness of our role as stewards of the planet and to highlight the importance of preserving the diverse forms of life we share this world with.

So, what’s next? I’ll be using this blog to share updates on my latest creations, insights into my artistic process, and the occasional behind-the-scenes peek into my studio. If you’d like to keep up with my artistic adventures and stay informed about new blog posts, YouTube videos, and special sales, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. It’s like a studio diary straight to your inbox, full of the latest news and exclusive content, and I won't lie, I'm a bit of a busy bee recently so I definitely don't have time to spam your inbox!
Thank you for joining me on this creative journey. I can’t wait to share more with you and to hear your thoughts along the way. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a beat!