Gift cards for the art-lovers on your list – order by Dec. 22.
-

Leigh Nelson

Artist member since 2019
Toronto, Ontario

B. 1980

My name is Leigh Nelson, and I am a digital artist from Toronto, Canada.

I create digital artwork that begins with my photography—fragments of the world as I see it, shaped by my experiences, dreams, and the music moving through me in the moment. I’m drawn to the angles of buildings, the quiet rhythm of cities, and the unnoticed poetry of tunnels. These spaces often appear in my work as metaphors for movement, introspection, and transformation. I work intuitively layering, distorting, composing until something clicks in my gut and I know it’s complete.

I always include people, usually women, always real. My figures are anonymous but intentional, inviting viewers to bring their own story into the piece. I don’t believe in telling people what to feel. My work isn’t about giving answers—it’s about holding space for ambiguity, emotion, and becoming. I’m fascinated by the way we move through life unseen, our stories unwritten.

My style is layered but restrained. I work with a limited colour palette because I believe in saying more with less. My pieces are portals—for reflection, projection, or even rebirth. Some see tunnels as dream symbols. Others feel them as birth canals. To me, they are thresholds: a space between who we were and who we’re becoming.

I create for those who value self-trust, subtlety, and soul. For those who are done being quiet, but don’t need to be loud, for those who know that freedom, like art, is something sacred.

e. leighnelsonart@gmail.com


Work


Inside the Studio


Q+A

Everyone should know about

I've been wearing mismatched socks since 1996.

What do you listen to when you work?

Mostly top 40, or any electronic music

Favourite artist(s) right now

Sebastian Merk

I'm really good at making (a) ...

artwork from my solo trips

Favourite medium

Photoshop

How long have you been creating art?

My whole life.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Toronto

Select Past Exhibitions
2025

Toronto
Juried Show-Keeping Dreams-Women’s Art Ass. of CA

2024

Toronto
Gladstone Hotel-2nd Level-May-Sept.

2023

Toronto
62nd Toronto Outdoor Art Show

2022

Toronto
Juried Show ‘Echoes’-Women's Art Association of Canada

2020

Toronto
Mistletoe Magic Fundraising Show

2020

Toronto
Artwalk in the Square-Online

2019

Toronto
Juried Group Show-IMPACT-Neilson Park Creative Center

2019

Toronto
58th Toronto Outdoor Art Show

2019

Toronto
Nelson 2

2019

Toronto
TA2-Recording Company

2018

Toronto
Overzealous Fine Art Exhibition

2016

Toronto
One Earth – One Chance Rebecca Gallery

Accolades
2011


Illustrator Gold Award

2010


Photoshop Gold Award

Press
2019

Brock Women In Business
Podcast Episode #4 -

Education

Canadian Business College
Digital Media Diploma

Toronto School of Art
Fine Art Diploma

Social
What do you mean, “try”?

Try-before-you-buy with a 3 month rental. 100% of your rental payments go towards the purchase (interest free). Message the artist directly, and start the conversation.


Art made (truly) affordable

We make it easy for you to try art with smart payment plans and try-before-you-buy models.

See How It Works
You’re covered.

Artwork protection is included on all art rentals up to $10K. Our Customer Care team is always here to help.

Contact Us
Unlock Trade Access

For industries including interior design, film/TV production, & real estate staging: rent original pieces that fit with your project vision, budget and timeline.

Apply for Trade Access

1% from every transaction goes towards a Canadian arts nonprofit.