Leo was born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Her studies in fine art at Newcastle University were followed by two years painting and teaching in Sicily. Returning to the UK she became senior lecturer in painting at Falmouth School of Art, and a member of the NSA, and a member of NAG's Council for a short time.  Latterly she gave up teaching to paint full time, and established a summer school in painting and the arts in Italy with her colleague and partner, David WESTBY.

Together they have renovated an amazing set of ruins and constructed a residential centre for the fine arts in Italy (Il Collegio, Puglia)  which welcomes working visits from international artists. The story of their hard work and creative determination has featured in the BBC series, Grand Designs. Her passionate interest in the Romanesque and early Renaissance painting has contributed to the visual treat that their Italian home presents.