Lesley Whelan

From my studio on Coventry’s historic Canal Basin, I create vibrant, textured paintings that explore the deep connections between people, plants and place.

I am fascinated by the way in which different cultures use and value plants, and I reimagine these stories in colour and texture to spark curiosity and connection.

I have undertaken various residencies in a variety of places - botanic gardens, parks, schools and have worked alongside botanists, archaeologists and mathematicians. Notable achievements include being awarded Artist in Residence at the University of Birmingham Botanic Garden for a year, and touring the UK with a solo exhibition of my residency work.

My paintings have found homes with collectors across the world, including private buyers, interior designers and businesses looking for original artwork that brings life and energy into their spaces. Work is held in the following corporate collections:

TCW Investment Group, London/New York
MODRU Dept, Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, England
St. Joseph's Hospice, London, England
Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, England
Murdoch Bowers, London, England
RJD Ltd, Essex, England
Birmingham International Airport, England
J. Foreman Architects, Brough, England...

Art Education, Birmingham University - 1982 - 1985
NOCN - Train the Artist Facilitator levels 1 and 2, Fircroft College, Birmingham - 2010
Art and Crafts, Coventry University - 1994

'Taken Root' - venues across the UK
Art Kitchen, Warwick, 2025
'Is Anyone Out There, LSA 2025
'The Heat is On' LSA, 2025