Famous for his naïve paintings and books on cats Martin Leman was born in London, son of a Covent Garden fruit porter. Leman studied at Worthing School of Art and later at London’s Central School of Art. He later worked as a designer, illustrator and typographer in advertising and publishing for several years.

In the early 60’s Leman turned to painting as his main occupation. A turning point in his career was a painting of a small tabby cat situated in a decorative interior. It sold immediately and so begun his long association with cats. He is also well known for his often humorous paintings of the female form.

He has exhibited internationally, and is a regular exhibitor at London’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. His lifelong love of cats has become widely appreciated through reproductions in over twenty books devoted to his art.

He continues to paint and exhibit mainly in the UK where he lives.