Artist biography - Jayne Leighton Herd

Creative since the day I could crawl, so my mother tells me, being consistently involved in some form of expression of this has always been as essential to me as breathing! And in 2006, I showed my paintings in public for the first time! A scary yet amazing experience, I loved sharing my work and loved even more the response I received from those viewing it.

Since then my painting has continued to evolve and I have fulfilled my desire to become a professional artist. I have regularly exhibited my work over the last few years, and increasingly I undertake commissions from both private and commercial clients. A number of my paintings already feature in private collections.

I am a self-taught artist with a creative background in marketing, communication, branding, event design, graphic design and advertising, which gave me a multitude of amazing opportunities to develop my creative and design skills, as well as a keen eye and attention to detail.

Though British-born and currently based in Berkshire, I have lived in France, and am quite well-travelled. For me, travelling is about exploring off the beaten track, discovering the natural beauty of the country and experiencing its culture and people. And you will find aspects of the environment, nature and cultural diversity, as well as human emotion, influencing my work. I like to ‘zoom in’ on specific segments and facets of these and to explore form, texture and feeling.

As an abstract artist, my aim is not to depict reality in my work. It is for the eye of the beholder to create the painting’s reality, or perhaps their own. While I influence the idea behind each piece, I never tire of hearing the story that the viewer in front of it describes.

I delight in producing unique, visually-rich art that becomes both a talking and a focal point. The majority of my paintings are produced using acrylics and, in my own words, I create “vibrant, textural experiences that satisfy both sight and touch”. I introduce energy and movement to much of my work, and combined with texture, I intend to draw not only the eye, but also to incite a tactile urge.

And when I’m not painting and designing, I love: spending time with my partner; a great evening with friends, laughing and enjoying good food; going for exhilarating walks with my camera in hand; an excellent book I can get lost in; music that makes my skin tingle; dancing until my feet hurt; travelling and discovering new places that captivate me; and finding inspiration wherever I go...

I also own and run Chez-Vous HomeStyle which provides a range of property styling and interior design services.