I am excited to introduce you to a Brit living on the West Coast who has a penchant for color that draws me in.  Enjoy getting to know this artist on the rise. 

Lesley Grainger

Newport Beach, California

   

What is your training?

I have a BA First Class Honors degree in Illustration and Design.

What inspires you and your designs?

I’m inspired by my faith, family and nature. I have a passion for color, shapes, and pattern. I also love to paint intuitively, just letting the paint evolve from what I’m feeling and thinking.

 

 What is your favorite piece? pictures if possible…

Listen To That Voice – 36×36 mixed media on canvas. This painting is about listening to that inner voice and believing we know what we know.

 

How has the your area influenced your work?

I’m originally from England so that still inspires me, but now I live in Southern California, so nature and the beach has a big influence on my work.

 

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 What is your favorite restaurant in your city?

I love Mexican food, Javier’s in Newport Beach. They have the best salsa!!

  

 

What is your favorite cocktail?

Well since we’re talking about Mexican, I would have to say a delicious Margarita on the rocks with salt. Cheers!

How do you balance personal life and work?

It’s a juggle but over the years I’ve got a pretty good system going. I try to do most of my work when the kids are at school. I work from home so I spend 30 minutes doing house stuff then I start work at 9am. I do my social media and emails first and I like writing lists to keep me on track. I also like to respond to emails quickly because I have found if I don’t, I forget about them. I do paint mostly everyday during the week and weekends if I can.

 

Dream trip?

I’ve always wanted to go to Italy. My brother lives in Switzerland, he drives to Italy for dinner! I would love to visit him some day. Also, I’m originally from England, so going home is always wonderful.

 

Dream commission?

I huge canvas that I can just spend hours on, preferably painting it outside.

 

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

It sounds silly but I like to give people the tea I drink from England, people love it! Yorkshire Gold. If not that, then wine or flowers is always good.

 

 

Who is your style icon?

Lately I’ve been loving Gwen Stefani. She’s been on the voice and I love her style, it’s edgy and fun.

 

Your favorite up and coming artist?

Jaime Derringer, her work is so interesting to me. 

Orange Prison and it it 36”x36” mixed media on canvas.

 What is your most treasured possession?

My photographs, I love looking at pictures and seeing how much our kids have grown and thinking about the precious memories.

What are you reading?

I’m not a big reader, I actually like listing to books. I’m big into spiritual growth. It has to be something that I will grow to keep my attention. One of my favorites is Eckhart Tolle

 

What are you listening to?

I love listening to all kinds of music when I work. Ed Sheeran is one of my favorites at the moment and he’s from Yorkshire too.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

 

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Here are just a few favorites from her vast portfolio.

You can shop Lesley’s works HERE.

Be sure to follow her on PINTEREST, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK AND HER BLOG.