Gabriela Cohen (Class of 2016)
LEH alumna Gabriela Cohen (Class of 2016) shares how studying Art at LEH laid the foundations for a career as a professional artist, and why saying yes to opportunities has been key to her success.
From the Studio to the Saatchi Gallery
Creative minds can be scientific minds too
Choosing Art at A Level was an easy decision for Gabriela. It was the subject she felt most passionate about, and one she wanted to explore in greater depth. After leaving LEH, she completed an Art Foundation Diploma before specialising in Fine Art at Arts University Bournemouth, graduating in 2020.
Since then, her career has gone from strength to strength. She was a semi-finalist in Portrait Artist of the Year, completed a year-long artist residency, exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery, secured representation with Blond Contemporary, and has since shown work internationally, including at Sotheby’s. Today, she works as a full-time artist from her studio in the New Forest, preparing for a solo exhibition in London in 2027.
“What I enjoy most about my career is the independence.
I work for myself and have a level of freedom that suits me; it never feels like work.”
Building the foundations
Looking back, Gabriela credits her Art A Level at LEH with giving her the confidence to pursue a creative future and helping her discover the artistic practice she continues today.
Her LEH studies in life drawing, artist studies and art history all played a significant role in shaping her development as a figurative painter, while the close support of specialist teachers encouraged experimentation and helped refine her technical skills.
“I was introduced to life drawing for the first time,
which was the starting point for my current practice
as a figurative painter.”
She also believes LEH’s emphasis on technical excellence gave her a valuable advantage when she progressed to higher education. “The practical focus helped me build strong technical skills. Looking back, that gave me an advantage, as a lot of university-level teaching is more conceptual and there is less focus on developing technique.”
Why an Art Foundation matters
For Gabriela, completing an Art Foundation Diploma proved to be an invaluable stepping stone between school and university.
The course allowed her to experiment with disciplines including film, graphic communication and analogue photography before deciding to specialise in Fine Art. It also strengthened her portfolio and gave her confidence that she had chosen the right path. She believes an Art Foundation is one of the best ways for young creatives to explore their interests before committing to a degree.
“It gives a clear insight into what a creative degree involves, helps build a portfolio and provides flexibility if you’re unsure what to do next.”
Fearless Futures
What advice would Gabriela give to LEH Students?
Create your own opportunities.
Life as a professional artist isn’t just about making art. Gabriela’s journey shows that building a successful creative career isn’t about one defining moment, it’s about continually developing your skills, embracing new experiences and having the confidence to put your work out into the world. Alongside time in the studio, Gabriela spends her time exhibiting work, meeting other artists, applying for opportunities and developing professional relationships. It’s a career built on creativity, resilience and initiative.
“Looking back, my successes have come down to having applied to many opportunities, putting in consistent work and networking at exhibition openings.”
Her advice, therefore, is simple: don’t wait for opportunities to come to you.
Apply. Experiment. Meet people. Keep making work.
Those small, consistent actions can lead to remarkable opportunities. From her first life drawing class at LEH to exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery and Sotheby’s, her story is proof that talent grows through curiosity, dedication and perseverance.
Bold futures don’t happen overnight. They are created one opportunity at a time.
Bold Futures Start Here.
