Leila gained a Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) at Chelsea College of Art (University of the Arts London), and then won an award to study for a Master of Fine Art (MFA) at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art. She took a detour to get there, first studying History of Art and English (Joint BA) at the University of Nottingham, and then worked at the Condé Nast Publications for a few years, dealing with images. At 25 however, she couldn’t imagine a future without painting, and moved on to study fine art. She has never looked back. Leila’s paintings are full of vibrant, heightened colour and bold, textured brushwork. A keen observer of the world around her, she looks for the beauty in life and celebrates it in paint. Bold colour and energetic brushwork convey emotion, capturing memories and moments. She is inspired by the season-changing landscape in Britain, and loves travelling for new landscapes, light and colour. Born and brought up in London, Leila lives in Surrey with her husband, three children, and dog Alfie. Her paintings are in private collections in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, the Middle East, Australia and Japan. Commissions include painting the portrait of Dame Zandra Rhodes and equine art for Cheltenham Racecourse and the Jockey Club.