Featured Artist Lisa Botto Lee

Artist Lisa Botto Lee creates striking portraiture in a variety of mediums. See more of her memorable portfolio by visiting her website.

 

 

I grew up in Northern New Jersey, part of a family of artists. My lineage traces back five generations to mural painters in Northern Italy. I can’t help but believe all of this played an instrumental role in my life leading me in the direction of art.

 

 

It just came naturally that I would pursue a career in the arts because creating, whether it was drawing or painting, brought me peace. I feel grateful to be a part of this chain.

 

 

Although I live in the south, my northern roots never left me. Autumn has long been one of my favorite seasons because of the richness of its colors. I can’t help but make the connection of where I am and where I am going as an artist. I work in graphite, charcoal, pastel and oil, and I find my palette of colors evolving to the rustic, warm, earthy tones and a strong desire to be closer to nature.

 

 

It is those warm colors that has led me in the direction of creating a series of American and wildlife art which encompasses portraits, figurative, animals, still life and landscapes. I am currently in the beginning stages, and I am so excited to embark on this journey.

 

 

The threads of life that have been woven by the Native American Indians, the animals that roamed the land freely and the first pioneer settlers that crossed our country created a historical tapestry that should always be remembered.

 

 

I feel moved to record these stories with my art for preservation and create awareness for the conservation of animals.

 

 

I also enjoy telling someone else’s story when I am commissioned for a portrait.

 

 

A simple gesture or look in someone’s eyes can tell so much. It could be a bride on her wedding day, the way her groom wants to remember “that moment” or a wise old man looking back on his life with so much wisdom.

 

 

It is always rewarding to see the look in one’s eyes knowing I captured the essence of someone they love and preserved their memory honorably.

 

 

I do believe in giving back with my art and have worked with many charities. One in particular is one in which Bruce Springsteen is involved. His best friend and agent lost their daughter to a rare sarcoma at a young age. The family created the Kristen Ann Carr Foundation, to which I contribute a piece of art each year. There are many foundations and it is important to give back whenever you can. We are all in this thing together.

 

 

My wish is to have my viewer connect with my art like an old friend and feel drawn into the narrative behind it.

 

Artist Lisa Botto Lee invites you to follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

 

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