My name is Leila, I'm an artist working from my tiny London Studio, in which I create paintings on large cotton canvases using mainly acrylics.

My paintings explore simple, folk-inspired, softly whimsical scenes-quiet moments that often carry a subtle sense of humour. I'm drawn to narratives that feel familiar and accessible, inviting the viewer to connect, enjoy the composition, and not take things too seriously.

I work predominantly with a muted palette, incorporating tones such as sage green, soft coral, and warm browns, while also experimenting with bolder, more expressive colour. I layer texture and pattern through classic, contemporary English-inspired motifs—polka dots, stripes, and delicate florals—alongside influences from my studies of Asian and Turkish art. These elements come together in a balance of clean shapes and intricate detail, resulting in work that sits between modern and classic—timeless, with a quiet, playful edge.

I finish each art piece with a satin Liquitex varnish to ensure lasting, archival quality. Craftsmanship is central to my practice, and I am committed to producing work that feels both refined and enduring.

My story

As a child, there was nothing more wildly exciting than escaping into a well-illustrated storybook. At school, I would find myself dreaming of bedtime, where I would tuck into my cosy bed and be transported into a far away world, full of magic, adventure and wonder. I remember staring at the illustrations of my story books for ages, soaking up all the detail and admiring every brush stroke; indeed they filled me with so much amusement and happiness. The illustrations of Sir Quentin Blake, in particular, would fill me with such deep awe and inspiration.

As a child, I loved drawing and painting and crafting so so much. I still remember making a sausage dog in Art class in secondary school. My English teacher, Mrs Hartley, loved it so much as it reminded her of her own sausage dog. She offered to buy it for £5. I was ecstatic that my art had made someone so happy and I immediately agreed!

I went on to study Art at a higher level, in which I experimented with lots of different materials and mediums. One topic we studied was Eastern Art Traditions, in which I was introduced to many different art techniques and influences, including calligraphy and Iznik patterns.

Slowly but surely, I grew up and was immersed in the responsibilities that come with being a grown up. I worked hard, so hard in fact, that my precious dream of pursuing art slowly became drowned and lost........

And then, in a moment, the world came to a stand still in 2020. And I had to stop working so hard ... my box of childhood books gently invited me back, and I allowed myself, for the first time in decades, to find my dream again, and to enjoy the magic again. And I promised myself that this time, I would keep this magic alive, for as long as I could. So I started drawing and painting my own stories. I wanted to hang these in every room, to remind myself that magical stories and fun adventures and humorous moments lie everywhere, yearning to be celebrated...

This creative journey is a homage to the whimsical dreams of childhood, a promise kept to cherish the enchantment of the everyday and share it with the world.