Lesley Anne studied at the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Barcelona. She works from her studio in Scotland as a freelance artist and also spends one day a week working for Scotlandart.com where many of her pieces are available for purchase. From an early age lights at night were a fascination for her combined with the effects of Scotland’s dramatic weather conditions including rain, sleet and snow. Living in an industrial town in central Scotland reinforced this fascination and the lights of the man made industrial scene are also a strong influence in her work.
She recently completed a successful series of atmospheric New York nightscapes and her exhibition with Scottish textile artist, Pat Archibald to be held later this year brings to life one of the most dramatic skylines in the world – Hong Kong harbour.
Lesley Anne aims to produce work that allows the viewer to experience their own version of the subtleties of movement, light and sound that she herself experiences when producing the work.
What is your job title?
Freelance Artist.
Who do you work for?
For myself plus I work one day a week in Scotlandart.com.
What do you do all day?
I paint most days.
What are you doing today?
Attending the presentation of commission I produced for the Royal Navy.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Doing something I love.
And the worst thing?
Long days.
How did you get into it?
After graduating from Glasgow School of Art I decided to pursue painting as my career.
Who’s been the biggest influence on you, career-wise?
Working in a gallery has been my biggest influence.
Tell us a little about your latest project?
“The Colours of Hong Kong” This is a joint exhibition with me and textile artist Pat Archibald and is based on our travels to Hong Kong.
What’s been your biggest professional achievement so far?
Selling my work in New York and California.
Who is your favourite artist?
Edvard Munch.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the arts in Scotland at the moment?
Having to compete financially with other good causes.
Where would you like to go from here, career-wise?
I hope to continue developing my work and expanding my market.
If you could have a complete career change and do something else, what would you go for?
A career within mental health.
Colours of Hong Kong showed in October at the Dundas Street Gallery, Dundas Street, Edinburgh.
