Artist's exhibition will be her last on island after near-50 year stint

After nearly 47 years living on the island and so many exhibitions that she can not count them, Lesley is getting ready for a big move to Somerset with husband John for a new adventure.

Lesley’s pencil-drawings, including ethereal dream-like work and the island’s beautiful birdlife, are on show now at Arran Library, Brodick, until early April - she leaves in May.

Milklady, florist, carpet cleaner, hospitality worker, 29 years as a senior officer at Montrose House, and reflexologist - Lesley has had lots of jobs in her time but she has been an artist since she was just three.

"I can quite clearly remember having a pencil in my hand, trying to draw a daffodil that I’d picked from my grandma’s garden. Art has been with me ever since then. It’s my quiet time," said Lesley.

It has also helped heal, eight years ago when she had breast cancer she focused on producing a Birds of Arran colouring book, depicting them in their habitat. Drawn in ink, the books can still be bought and are available from the library exhibition.

Lesley has also illustrated covers of the Arran Naturalist and carried out lots of commissions which can be found all over Arran, channeling people’s thoughts and dreams onto paper. 

From angels to pagan creature, birdlife to botanical beauty, Lesley’s work has gone on show at numerous venues over the years including Brodick Castle "Which was a hoot to see your picture hanging up next to a Gainsborough," she said.

Her work has also featured at the Paisley Art Institute and she is a regular in Arran’s Open Arts Studio programme that runs every August.

"It’s the right time for a new adventure now for me and John. We’re going to Somerset on the edge of a harbour town. I’ll still be drawing although I think I’ll try painting. I’d like to have a market stall. It’s going to be a change for us, but if we’re going to make a move like this we might as well make it a big one!" she shared with The Arran Banner.