Leigh Rust is a Melbourne-based artist and art tutor working in a variety of mediums, including pencil, pastel, acrylics, oils, watercolour, and scratchboard.

Beginning his career as a wildlife artist, Leigh collaborated with zoos and wildlife organizations. While wildlife remains a passion, his focus has shifted to coastal scenes and landscapes. Often painting en Plein air, he strives to capture the light and atmosphere of a particular place or time of day.

Leigh’s work is distinguished by his use of a primary colour palette and mastery of pure pigments, including the development of his own pastel range. Many of his smaller pieces are created on recycled sign panels, primed for a textured surface.

With over two decades of experience, Leigh has exhibited widely, earning numerous awards and recognition, including ‘finalist’ in the A.M.E. Bale Works on Paper and BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year competitions.