Born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, Leigh has studied art from her early years all the way through college. She studied privately under a locally noted artist, and majored in art at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, as well as at Northwest Missouri State University.

Professionally, Leigh has gained extensive experience in various media as a commercial designer, illustrator and exhibiting artist. Her work in oil painting was noticed early, with subjects ranging from portraits to scenics, and techniques which range from palette knife spontaneity to brush stroke realism.

Leigh is well known for her line of dogs, cats and wild animals (the largest collection in the United States), Christmas, Masks and custom work. A good deal of attention has also been drawn to her departure into unusual and unique designs -- a flexibility that has long been evident in her custom work, such as people's portraits, pets, homes, scenic designs, florals, and business logos.