We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Temple. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.

Lisa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

This just happened recently. I was asked to do a large abstract commission piece for a company. The CEO had purchased other pieces of mine for her personal residences. When told that I would present her with a mock up, she replied, “no need to, I know her work and trust her.” This is one of the nicest compliments I have gotten in the business. Trust is everything and it freed me to create from a place of abandonment. That makes a great painting.

Lisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into the world of visual arts started later in life, despite always having a strong creative inclination. Much of my childhood and adult life was dedicated to dance. My focus was mostly ballet and jazz and I later taught and choreographed, an experience that has greatly influenced my path as a visual artist.

My venture into painting began at the age of 40 when I found some spare moments amidst raising young children. However, it wasn’t until a few years later that I started taking art more seriously, particularly focusing on painting faces and figures that convey deep emotions.

To improve my skills and broaden my artistic horizons, I attended various classes and workshops led by renowned portrait painters and landscape artists. Along this journey, I discovered my passion for abstract art, sparked by a friend’s request for a large-scale abstract piece.

My appreciation for the business aspects of art grew during my co-ownership of a gallery with four other artists in 2006. Today, I own a studio/gallery at Millhouse McKinney, situated in The Cotton Mill McKinney. Visitors are welcome by appointment or during regular hours from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

One of my current and most cherished projects involves collaboration with the talented Nino Gordeladze. Together, we’ve successfully executed six projects that blend the talents of three artists: a painter (myself), a dancer, and a photographer (Nino). In two of these projects, I not only painted the dancer but also created the canvas backgrounds. The dancer’s graceful movements interact with the canvas, transforming the painting as she moves, resulting in a captivating visual experience.

My craft brings immense joy and fulfillment to my life. It feels like I’ve discovered my true calling, a blessing I hope to share with my community and fellow artists on their own creative journeys.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Throughout my journey as a professional artist engaged in the business side of things, I’ve come to appreciate a significant shift in mindset. It’s the commitment to consistently show up day after day and be willing to put in the hard work.

As creatives, we often have the tendency to only “show up” when inspiration strikes. There are times when I don’t feel like painting, perhaps due to a bad mood or simply not being in the mood. However, I’ve come to realize that this approach doesn’t hinder the quality of my work; instead, it adds depth and authenticity to it.

Painting isn’t just my passion; it’s my job. I’ve learned that I need to show up and do the work, even during those challenging moments when I’m not feeling particularly inspired. Surprisingly, some of my finest pieces have emerged from these seemingly unproductive times when the muse was elusive.

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

Growing up, I was quite a shy child, often finding it difficult to speak up for myself. Being the youngest in the family, I had the advantage of others speaking on my behalf. Even today, articulating my feelings through words remains a challenge. However, art has provided me with a unique form of expression.

In my artistic journey, I prefer to work on large canvases with bold strokes. Through art, I’ve discovered the freedom to communicate and convey my inner self. It’s a deeply fulfilling experience in itself.

Yet, what truly brings me joy is when viewers connect with my paintings. There is nothing like seeing someone stand in front of one of my pieces and see and feel something there. It speaks to them on a profound level. It’s a full circle moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: lisatemplefineart.com
• Instagram: lisatemple_fineart
• Facebook: Lisa Temple Fine Art

Image Credits
Nino Gordeladze