About the Artist

Nominated two years in a row for International Wildlife Artist of the Year Award.

Returning from seven winters in Alaska, living in the Interior and the Arctic circle to paint her experiences. These sweeping brushstrokes and flair of a fantasy film set are nothing less than inspirational. Leila’s motto is simple, Dream it. Do it Paint it. Just not always in that order.

Leila painted her way to live in the wilderness, covering over 4000 miles of Alaskan trail with a team of huskies. Travelling through blizzards and over thin ice, with cracking trees and charging moose around her before finally taking a trip during which she did reach the Gates of the Arctic.

“The Arctic is full of stunning phenomena, from ice flowers, sled dogs, wild animals and the northern lights. I try to capture a moment of live energy on the canvas, the beauty of the experience and the tale it’s telling.”

Leila became an internationally recognised artist when she became the Yukon Quest Artist in 2014, following the release of ‘Spirit of the Quest’ which is the 1000 mile sled dog race across Canada and Alaska.

Leila’s paintings are large, powerful and immersive – you feel lost in the snow just looking at them – and while her palette is unquestionably arctic, it includes strong rich colours alongside whites and greys. ​

Click play to hear Leila’s interview about the Alaskan adventures with Al Ryan, BBC Oxford