Lee Fearnley

Born into an artistic family, Lee discovered his love of painting at an early age. His father Alan, a prominent and highly decorated artist himself, tutored Lee and taught him how to work with oils. After these early years of developing his artistic talent, it later came as no surprise when Lee decided to attend art college and pursue his passion professionally.

After graduating from Batley Art College in 1988, Lee moved into a career as a successful commercial illustrator and cartoonist. He primarily designed greeting cards, calendars and jigsaws, but his cartoons and illustrations were also regularly published in a variety of magazines for many years.

Having initially concentrated on portraiture, Lee developed a passion for figurative work. Capturing fleeting moments in time and the subtle interactions between people, Lee depicts the friction, affection and occasional absurdity present in our everyday lives. Set in a timeless vintage era, Lee’s subjects escape the modern commercialism and branding that furnish much of our daily experiences today. And with perhaps a nod to his cartoonist work, there is often a gentle humour present, lending an endearing charm to any given scene.

Today, Lee’s work hangs in collections around the world, with locations including the offices of the Law Society in London. Married with three children, Lee lives and works near Barnard Castle in Country Durham. The bustling market town serves as an excellent platform for people watching, providing Lee with a wealth of inspiration for his next painting.