About Leah!

Leah Payne is an illustrative artist based in Maine who grew up surrounded by the Maine woods, where she’d play and search for forest treasures and fairies. Her childhood experiences amongst nature were highly influential in her artistic practice today. Leah’s connection with nature is the primary inspiration for her work, wherein she brings an imaginative quality to natural scenes, reminiscent of the childlike wonder of exploring the woods. 

In addition to loving nature, Leah also has a fascination for all things spooky. Things like Halloween and witches and ghosts have also inspired many of her works. Oftentimes she combines elements from both fascinations in a fun and playful way. 

Leah mainly works in gouache paint, but also enjoys watercolor, mixed media, digital media, printmaking, and ceramics. Leah received a BFA in illustration from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and is currently teaching art to both children and adults. 

If she’s not in her studio, you might find her baking cookies, exploring the woods, making a sweater for herself, or just hanging out with her pets!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any illustration work you’d like Leah to do for you!