Leasley Anne Derks was born in Falkirk, Scotland in 1977 and brought up in Grangemouth which is predominantly an industrial town. Her father worked at the BP plant for 30 years until his retirement. The plant which dominates much of the skyline of Grangemouth always had a deep fascination for her. She was amazed that something that appeared so grey and somewhat ugly during the day could become so beautiful at night.
 
Grangemouth in her early years at school would always make some appearance in her art work. In 1994 she left senior school and did a 1 year Art and Craft course at Falkirk College of Technology. In 1995 she was accepted into Glasgow School of Art where she completed a BA Hons in Fine Art Drawing and Painting. Again Grangemouth would make some appearance in her work all be it in a very abstract manner. It wasn't until her final year and after a 3 month student exchange in Barcelona she became fascinated with night scenes. It was then she realised the thing she really loved painting was nightscapes. Back home the inspiration was right on her doorstep. For several years Grangemouth became the main inspiration for her work. She then progressed this love of night onto cityscapes. However, the early halos of colours and strange glows from Grangemouth are still apparent in her work.