Meet the Artist
So Lis, what do you do?
I create big, bold, expressive artwork designed to stop people in their tracks.
What makes your work different?
Energy.
I work fast, instinctively and without overthinking. I love the rawness that comes from responding in the moment, allowing the paint, the marks and the ideas to find their own rhythm.
My pieces are often large, vibrant and impossible to ignore. I want viewers to feel something before they even begin to think about what they're looking at.
So it's all about the wow factor?
Without a doubt.
I love creating artwork that commands attention. Big, bold, expressive pieces that make people stop what they're doing and take a closer look.
For me, art should be an experience, not just decoration. It should spark emotion, create energy and leave a lasting impression long after you've walked away.
What inspires you?
Anything with energy.
Dramatic scenery, wild skies, nature, movement, grace and colour all find their way into my work. I'm fascinated by those split-second moments that are full of life and emotion.
I work quickly because I want to capture the feeling, not just the image. The spontaneity, movement and raw energy are often as important as the subject itself.
Why work so quickly?
Because energy can't be manufactured.
I paint instinctively, responding to what I see and feel in the moment. Working quickly allows me to capture movement, emotion and spontaneity before they disappear.
The loose marks, bold brushstrokes and expressive style aren't accidents—they're part of the story. I want the viewer to feel the energy of the subject, not just see a representation of it.
What do you hope people take away from your work?
That moment when something makes you stop in your tracks.
I want my artwork to grab attention, spark emotion and create a lasting memory. The colours, movement and scale are there to make an impact, but ultimately it's about creating a feeling that stays with you.
If people walk away smiling, inspired or still thinking about the piece later that day, then it's done its job.
Describe your work in one sentence.
Unforgettable.
Life’s too short to make forgettable art
Exhibitions & Awards
Lis Naylor MFA
2026
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Open Studios – St Andrews Church Tur Langton part of HAC
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2026 Nevill Holt Arts & Culture Festival – Solo Exhibition
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2025/26 New Walk Museum and Art Gallery Leicester – Leicester Society of Artists Annual Exhibition – Peter Carter Award for Sculpture
2025
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Between Movement and Stillness – The Print Room, LCB Depot Leicester
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Leicester Print Workshop Exhibition – Leicester
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Sir Richard Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester – tutor in oil painting technique of animals
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Rugby Open Exhibition – Rugby Art Gallery and Museum
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The Self Exhibition- Jigsaw Clothing Company, Market Harborough Leicester
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Art Windows - HAC September – Market Harborough
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Harborough Artist Cluster Art Exhibition- Market Harborough Museum and Art Gallery
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2025/26 New Walk Museum and Art Gallery Leicester – Leicester Society of Artists Annual Exhibition – Peter Carter Award for Sculpture
2024
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Open studio Event – Harborough Artist Cluster
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Pop Up Shop – Market Harborough
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Art Windows HAC September
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HAC Theatre Exhibition
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Leicester Open- The Peoples Exhibition 2024/2025
2023
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Leicester Society Artists Annual Exhibition, Sock Gallery, Loughborough
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Market Harborough Artists Windows Takeover
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Working with Zinthiya Trust Global Majority women who have experienced domestic violence, running monthly workshops over 6 months which encompass wellbeing, art therapy and mindfulness for an exhibition.
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Sigri, Greece, September artist retreat run by Tomas Watson, BP Portrait Artist Winner 1998.
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Gypsy Traveller Perinatal Mortality Exhibition, Westcotes54, Leicester. UoL commission.
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Women in Art, Cultural Exchanges Festival Leicester, panel discussion guest & artwork exhibited.
2022
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Leicester Society Artists Annual Exhibition, Newarke Houses & Museums, Leicester.
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Untold Stories, Cultural Ambition Funded Exhibition at BetaX, Leicester highlighting the plight of women from Global Majority communities who have experienced domestic violence.
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UppInArt pop up art exhibition, Oundle, Rutland.
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Sigri, Greece, September artist retreat run by Tomas Watson BP Portrait Artist winner 1998.
2021
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Master of Fine Art, De Montfort University
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Emergence2021, Two Queens Gallery, Leicester.
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Two Queens Members Show, Two Queens Gallery, Leicester.
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Inspired by Lockdown, Green Dragon Square, Leicester.
2020
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Love Art Exhibition, Leicester.
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Loving Lockdown Leicester (run by New Walk Museum).
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Sock Gallery, Loughborough, NHS Portraits 4 Heroes, Online Exhibition.
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Hub Gallery Leicester – Solo exhibition, contemporary figurative sculpture and paintings.
2019
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UppInArt pop up art exhibition, Uppingham, Rutland.
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Rutland Open Studios.
2018
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New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester, LSA annual exhibition of ‘Vernal’ sculptures.
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Richard Attenborough, award winner for ‘Vernal’ sculpture – LSA Annual exhibition.
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‘Vernal’ in The Nail That Sticks Out short film, premiered at Phoenix Cinema and Pinewood Studios.
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Fine Art BA – (Hons) Degree Show, De Montfort University, Leicester.
2017
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‘Art in Sustainability Festival, Brevard County, Florida’, public sculpture ‘Carmadillo’.
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Cank Street Gallery summer exhibition award winner, selected from 500 artists.