Originals

Leighton Art Gallery hosts collections of superb work by Martin J. Leighton including landscapes, seascapes, portraits, wildlife and his favourite subject the "female form" in all its diversity.

For Martin, applying the first brush stroke to canvas is never daunting as it is always a new challenge for him to translate the sensuality of the female form and that ever fleeting moment of mood and atmosphere. He becomes totally absorbed in the subject and once the model has been positioned, the first stage will commence trying to achieve the mood.

"I aim to make my paintings as realistic and evocative as possible, my inspiration being the beauty and sensuality of women rather than their sexuality. I try to paint their emotions and femininity, often not disclosing their face which enables my models to retain their intimacy and privacy whilst encouraging the viewer to ask the question ‘I wonder what she looks like - what is she thinking about’? I never tire of figurative painting as it is so challenging and satisfying to achieve skin tones and touch on the poignancy of personal moments."