My Journey
British artist Leanne Pearce creates tender, realistic portraiture exploring human experience, connection and the stories that shape us. Working from her home studio in Newcastle upon Tyne, her practice moves between personal work, collaborative projects and significant institutional commissions, with a particular interest in creating artwork that has meaning beyond the canvas.
Alongside her studio practice, Leanne develops Portraits with Purpose — projects created in collaboration with charities, healthcare organisations, universities and community groups to celebrate people, raise awareness and explore subjects that matter. Her work has included projects around breastfeeding, early years and parenthood, including Breastfeeding the Brave, Connecting Hearts with the Human Milk Foundation and Hearts Milk Bank, and commissions with Family Hubs in Gateshead, Blackburn and beyond.
Leanne has also received many notable commissions from Durham University, painting portraits of the past and present Principals of the historic colleges that make up the university. These commissions reflect her ability to create portraits that honour institutional history while capturing the character, leadership and legacy of the individuals who have shaped these communities.
Her Portraits with Purpose projects have also explored homelessness, bereavement and lived experience. Continuing Bonds, created in collaboration with families supported by St Oswald’s Hospice, brought together a collection of portraits honouring loved ones who had died. The project was exhibited in Newcastle during Dying Matters Week and later at Newcastle Cathedral.
Leanne has appeared on three nationally televised art competitions. She reached the semi-finals of ITV’s A Brush with Fame and has twice appeared on Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year, most recently painting actor Jim Carter in 2022. Her work has also been exhibited widely and recognised through a number of selected exhibitions and awards.
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Her work is held in public and private collections in the UK and internationally. She continues to live and work in Newcastle, creating both her own paintings and collaborative portrait projects with people and organisations across the UK.
