Lesli studied at West Surrey College of Art and Design (now the University for the Creative Arts) and Wimbledon School of Art obtaining a B.A.(Hons) in 1980 and Certificate in Graphic Design in 1983.

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Having graduated, Lesli practised as a freelance illustrator, designer and maker as well as teaching part-time in secondary, further and art degree course education until 1995. After retraining and practising as a barrister for 25 years, Lesli returned to artistic studio practice in 2018.

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Lesli's studio sits surrounded by the Bow Back Rivers of Stratford, East London, where she has refreshed her observational skills while exploring new materials and processes, including expanding the use of monoprint techniques (formerly used in her illustration practice).

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Influenced by her surroundings - whether the waterways, locks and bridges of East London or her annual visits to the South of France - the resulting images, or “impressions”, are driven by the choice of media and methods employed.