"My work is concerned with exploiting the tension between subject matter and the application of paint. I am interested in exploring how different techniques and painterly styles can affect the overall atmosphere and mood of the painting."

McLeod is inspired by abandoned places and crime scenes, gathering source material from films and the internet. Whilst the style of his work is representational, McLeod's paintings remain ambiguous as he applies paint over the finished scene, obscuring elements of the work and suggesting something sinister behind the surface.

McLeod received the highest number of public votes throughout the exhibition for his work Drained. Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, presented him with the Visitors' Choice Prize for £10,000.

Born in 1982 in Norfolk, McLeod lives and works in London. He was awarded a BA in Fine Art, Painting at City & Guilds of London Art School.