Mary Leach gained a degree in Art, Design and Marketing at Lancaster University, focusing on illustration and graphic design. Her graphics background is still a big influence on her current painting style which is evident in her use of strong tonal contrast, bold colours, and sharp lines. She enjoys exploring the tension between light and shade, celebrating the shapes created by the negative space, which help create drama in her artworks.
Mary likes to get inspiration from her travels, capturing people quietly going about their everyday lives. However, she often finds herself being drawn back to painting flowers, enjoying the beauty in the kaleidoscope of colours and exciting shapes that can be found in nature.