My work has always explored the exuberance and translucence of natural form when touched by light. The sea has always been an inspiration and has recently becoming more significant in my work.
I often take my paints outside, taking advantage of the stunning Welsh coastline, my T25 campervan and my partner’s need for long, all weather walks. I work rapidly to capture the mood of the landscape before taking my painted sketches inside to develop or to become the source of inspiration and reference for new studio pieces. More recent work has seen me back on the coast path and shore, focussing on the wild energy of the sea, and the vibrant colours of the land.
Before becoming a full time painter, I was a set designer for film and TV following my degree in Fine Art from Sheffield. I now paint, teach my own classes and run workshops.
My work features in galleries across Wales and has been in many group and solo shows over the years.
I have a feature article, ‘How I Paint’, in the May 2021 edition of the Artists & Illustrators magazine. Click on the A & I image to go to the magazine.
“Immersion in the West Wales coast … has resulted in a new series of textured and thrilling landscape paintings.” “Lesley Dearn shares the methods behind her Turner-esque works.” Steve Pill, Editor Artists & Illustrators
Sea Views, Freshwater East was shortlisted for the Wales Contemporary Art Competition 2022 and is on show at the Waterfront Gallery Milford Haven from 1 October – 12 November 2022, it will then go the gallery@oxo, South Bank, London from 30 November to 4th December 2022.
Copperopolis, Afon Nedd was selected for the Royal Cambrian Academy Annual Open Exhibition 2021, and was on show in Conwy in January 2022.
I am delighted to have had ‘Wet Gold’ selected to hang in the Royal Cambrian Academy Annual Open Exhibition. The exhibition can be seen online and in person in the gallery in Conwy. The exhibition will run until Saturday 5 June. Very pleased to have sold Wet Gold during the exhibition.
I am thrilled to be one of the shortlisted artists whos work was selected for showing at the Wales Contemporary Art Competition 2020. ‘The Meeting’, below, is currently on show at the Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven, and will move to the gallery@oxo, London from 25 February.am