We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leah Lopez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Leah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2007, I took a leap of faith by relocating from my home state of New Mexico to the bustling city of New York in pursuit of my creative passions. Back in Santa Fe, I was beginning to make a name for myself in the art scene. While I had received training in traditional oil painting from established artists, I was largely self-taught. I decided to take a chance on the opportunities awaiting me in the Big Apple. With just enough savings to cover a few months’ rent and an invitation to attend a class and work as a monitor for an instructor at the Art Students League, I embarked on an exciting new chapter in my artistic journey. Seventeen years later, I’m still in New York, and my work is exhibited and collected all across the world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Spanish American artist specializing in oil painting. My artistic journey began with traditional drawing and oil painting, inspired by the mystical environment of my home state. I discovered a fascination for the storytelling potential of surrealism and found a connection to the visual and physical movement in art from the 16th to 19th centuries, particularly Baroque, Rococo, and Romanticism. While studying the masters, it became very clear that, regardless of the art movement or era, light would play a role in my development as an artist through the technique of Chiaroscuro, painting light and shadow.

When I’m painting, I focus on something beyond the obvious reality. I experience the mood, the movement, or the drama at play and attend to the way oil paint can elegantly reflect the essence of an idea. I work with art dealers and art galleries that represent my work. I keep selected works available for purchase in my studio in New York and at www.leahlopez.com.

I also work closely with galleries and collectors to produce personalized paintings and commissioned artwork. As a professional artist with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in creating exquisite oil paintings on linen, metal, and wood panels. My diverse portfolio showcases a focus on still-life and figurative compositions, often intertwining with serene landscapes and outdoor settings.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a child, my creativity was stifled by my religious family. I imagined a life where I could freely express myself, and at 18, I decided to pursue it and was rejected by family and friends. Shortly thereafter, my sister passed away. It was through her loss that I learned the importance of pursuing my dreams. I’ve never looked back.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I wake up every day feeling grateful to do what comes naturally to me. It brings me so much joy to know that the work I do not only fulfills me but also brings inspiration and joy to others. Nothing makes me happier than hearing from individuals, couples, and families who have collected my work and shared their unique experiences with it. I am also thrilled to be able to play a part in the lives of young and aspiring artists by being a teacher and mentor. It’s incredibly fulfilling to pass on the joy of creating and to help the next generation of artists build a strong foundation to achieve their artistic dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leahlopez.com
• Instagram: @leahlopezartist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeahLopezFineArt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahlopezartist/