Doncaster artist turns her passion for painting into a career in lockdown

And fast forward a year and Laura Lee already has a waiting list for her in demand pieces of art.

As well as building up a client base, creating new pieces and a new website in lockdown, Laura has also teamed up with Doncaster-based LH Interiors Ltd to create a bespoke, exclusive range of art.

Laura, who is based in Bawtry, said: “I think lockdown allowed all of us to put the brakes on and assess our lives and see what is really important to us all.

"Our homes and who we share our lives with are extremely important.

"With so many people now working from home and having spent so much time in their space they really value it and recognise how important it is to make it suit them.

"So, the opportunity to make pieces of art that are accessible, is meeting those needs.

“Lockdown certainly allowed me to tap into more projects and have time to consider and focus on my new ideas.

"I used my time wisely to produce some pieces I’m really proud of.

“It allowed me the time to move forward with my business and get my website up and running.

"It has been tricky as I work on great big canvases and Brexit and Covid-19 meant these were as rare as flour and yeast.

“So, I’ve ended up sourcing new su ppliers from all over the world which has had its many challenges.

"Arranging for pallets of canvases from Italy through customs was fun.”

As well as working with LH Interiors’ customers to help bring their bespoke art dreams to life, Laura has also created a luxury hand finished canvas that will be available exclusively through LH Interiors.

Owner of LH Interiors, Lisa Hensby, said: “It’s great to have Laura Lee on board with LH Interiors, it means that we can work closely with Laura to bring an exclusive bespoke range to our collection.

"Living locally to each other means that we can work together in great detail focusing on what LH clients want.

"Laura is extremely talented and together we are making some stunning pieces.”

Laura's professional art journey started just last year after she struggled to find a piece of art for her own home.

She said: "I couldn’t find anything or anyone out there who could take my colour palette and create a piece to balance the room.

"I first started using resin, inks and acrylics on big canvases and the first piece I created sold so I created another and that sold so I created another but this time I decided I should reproduce it into fine art prints to make sure I got to keep the original one.

"The third piece prints have been very popular and also sold to be reproduced as wallpaper.

"It was at this point I recognised the demand for bespoke pieces and started recreating to order.

"I never say no to trying new things and constantly change methods and techniques."

Although Laura has only been selling her pieces for the last year, she already has a waiting list of customers keen to get their hands on her impressive pieces.

*LH Interiors is owned by entrepreneurial and community ambassador Lisa Hensby.

A mother of three beautiful children.

Her passion for luxury Interior Design started in 2013, with her first property in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

With years of experience she launched LH Interiors to help others to transform their house into a home.

If you're looking for home decor inspiration LH Interiors has an eclectic range of beautiful and fun home accessories to suit all styles.

Let your imagination and creativity run wild and indulge in quality items to make your vision a reality.

Not only does LH Interiors Ltd provide customers with stunning home furnishings and accessories, they also provide a one-stop professional and affordable interior design and styling service to both residential and commercial clients around the UK.

Lisa said: “LH interiors, strives to stand out from a crowd. So researching the latest on trend designs is key to making that happen.

"We collaborate with leading suppliers and other businesses around the UK to bring you handmade bespoke treasures.

"We cater for every style, from glamour to boho chic.

"To make your rooms into beautiful spaces to fulfill your dreams and expectations.

She added: “Our promise is to create exquisite interiors to fulfil your dream home, with a friendly, approachable service.”

For more information on LH Interiors or Laura Lee please visit their websites lhinteriorsltd.co.uk or www.lauraleeartist.com

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.