Leila Ward is an artist with a lifelong passion for watercolours, having used them since childhood. After studying at Loughborough University School of Art and Design, she began teaching workshops in watercolours, drawing, and acrylic painting in 2017. Working across various mediums including watercolours, acrylic, pencil, and charcoal, Leila skillfully blends looseness with more detailed work in her art. Her love for watercolours shines through in her technique, where she allows the paint to flow freely while also incorporating more controlled, intricate details. Animals and nature have long been her favourite subjects, but recently, she has begun exploring themes of symbolism, drawing from her Ukrainian heritage. Her most recent pieces embrace surrealism, reflecting the unique ideas and contrasts that occupy her imagination. One such work features a whimsical image of a chick perched on top of a car—soft, playful natural elements juxtaposed with controlled, architectural elements. She enjoys the technical side of painting and trying to capture light and shine on objects in different mediums, and also painting detailed street scenes and buildings in watercolours.
Through her art, she aims to evoke joy, inspire curiosity, and make viewers ponder the meaning behind certain elements.
Leila’s work has been shown in exhibitions including the Royal Cambrian Academy's open exhibition, the Pensychnant Open exhibition, and joint and group shows. She has competed in events such as the Windsor en plein air competition and Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year. Previously working in healthcare, Leila values art’s positive impact on wellbeing, bringing this insight into her teaching. She has led workshops for various groups, including at the Natural History Museum, and WI, and finds great joy in helping others develop their creativity.
Her work, appreciated for its themes and technical skill, is sought after by collectors and clients, through sales and commissions.

Offers: Demonstrations, Workshops, Talks, Appraisals/Critiques, Mini workshops, Holidays, Online sessions

Media: Watercolour, Acrylic, Pencil, Charcoal

Subjects:

Introduction to watercolour painting, acrylic painting, and drawing,
Improvers watercolour painting, acrylic painting, and drawing,
How to paint Expressive watercolour landscapes (letting go),
Painting impasto landscapes with acrylics (letting go),
How to draw and paint different animals such as big cats, cats, elephants, birds etc;
Portrait drawing and painting,
How to draw hands,
Landscapes in charcoal,
How to show more shape in your drawing,
How to paint in the style of well known artists - such as in the style of Turner (using watercolours or acrylics),
Painting in the style of Monet,
How to paint or draw reflections and shiny things (pencil, charcoal, watercolour/ acrylic/ gouache),
Painting water in watercolours,
Negative watercolour painting and use of masking fluid,
Watercolour sunsets and night skies,
Painting buildings or street scenes in watercolour,
Portraying distance in landscape painting and drawing,
Colour theory
How to draw specific facial features - eyes, noses, mouths, ears;