Born and raised in Newcastle Upon-Tyne, Leigh began to draw as soon as he was able to hold a pencil, and family and teachers alike recognised his artistic talent in particular his attention to detail and ability tell a story with his paintings.

When the family relocated to Warwickshire in 1996 it was then Leigh focused on the development of his technique. Relocating also focused Leigh on his surroundings and his once industrial home was now replaced with the countryside surrounding him in Warwickshire, and it was then he fully appreciated his home of Newcastle and used this as the inspiration for his art.

Today living back in his home town Leigh paints from his garden studio, capturing everyday scenes, each with their own injection of nostalgia and humour.