We recently connected with Shana Levenson and have shared our conversation below.

Shana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I feel incredibly fortunate to say that I make a living as a full time artist. It’s not necessarily all through art sales. I also teach workshops nationally and internationally as well as mentor students online. In the beginning, before I was selling regularly, I was teaching young kids classes in my studio as well as putting together summer camps for kids in my studio. I slowly started building up to teaching adults on top of improving my craft in storytelling within my paintings. I started getting into big exhibitions and group shows and eventually got into my first gallery in Santa Fe where they immediately started selling my work.
It didn’t all happen at once. It was a slow progression and I’m an incredibly impatient person. I had to learn patience… and to keep going to the easel day after day…no excuses.

Shana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Shana Levenson, an accomplished representational painter based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My artistic journey began with a BA in Fashion Design from The University of Texas, Austin. After the birth of my children in 2009 and 2010, I pursued and completed an MFA in Fine Art Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. My work primarily focuses on portraiture and the figure, often capturing people who are significant in my life. I aim to tell each person’s story in an authentic and meaningful way, drawing inspiration from my own experiences.

I am known for my hyperrealistic style, where I emphasize delicate and feminine details in my subjects, like body shape, lace, and jewelry. My background in fashion has notably influenced my latest series of paintings featuring lace. Additionally, I incorporate surrealistic elements in my current work, highlighting the strength and beauty of women.

Beyond my painting career, I am deeply involved in education. I teach workshops out of my studio, mentor students, and conduct workshops worldwide. These teaching experiences have shaped my patience and approach as an artist, allowing me to tailor my guidance to each artist’s individual journey.

My exhibition experiences have been significant and memorable throughout my career. My first exhibition in Louisville, CO, was a pivotal moment, where I realized the potential for my work to connect with a broader audience. My artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions across the United States and internationally. I exhibit in galleries around the United States including Rehs Gallery in NYC, Sugarlift gallery in NYC, Corey Hellford Gallery in LA, and Abend Gallery in Denver.

My work has evolved over the years, and I continue to challenge myself with each new piece, striving for growth and improvement. My commitment to my art and my community, both as an artist and an educator, makes me a notable figure in contemporary realism.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In the tapestry of life, each thread represents a unique story waiting to be woven. For me, that thread is art—an ever-flowing stream of colors, emotions, and expressions that intertwine to create the masterpiece of my existence. As a woman, I’ve discovered an immense strength in embracing my identity as an artist—a journey I invite you to embark on as well.

Being an artist isn’t just about wielding a brush or sculpting clay; it’s about surrendering to the boundless creativity that resides within. It’s about embracing vulnerability and authenticity as catalysts for self-expression. Through art, I’ve learned to celebrate imperfections as strokes of beauty, each one adding depth and richness to the canvas of my life.

In a world that often tries to confine us to predefined roles and expectations, embracing our creativity is an act of rebellion—a declaration that we refuse to be confined by societal norms. As women, we possess an innate ability to nurture and create, whether it’s through the strokes of a paintbrush, the melody of a song, or the rhythm of a dance. Our creativity knows no bounds, and when we harness it, we tap into a wellspring of power that can move mountains and inspire change.

But being an artist isn’t always easy. Doubt, fear, and self-criticism can cloud our vision and dampen our spirits. Yet, it is precisely in those moments of struggle that our strength shines brightest. For every brushstroke marred by doubt, there are countless others infused with determination and resilience. Each piece of art becomes not just a reflection of our creativity, but a testament to our unwavering courage to pursue our passions in the face of adversity.

As women, we are the architects of our own destinies, the weavers of our own stories. And through art, we reclaim our narratives, rewriting them with every stroke of the brush, every note sung, every step danced. Our voices echo through the corridors of history, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

So, to my fellow women, I say this: Embrace your inner artist. Let your creativity flow freely, unencumbered by the constraints of doubt or fear. For within you lies a wellspring of strength and beauty waiting to be unleashed. You are the artist of your own life—bold, brilliant, and boundless. And in realizing the power of your creativity, you inspire others to do the same. Together, let us paint a world where every woman knows the depth of her own strength and the limitless potential of who she can become.

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

For many artists, the resilience needed to bounce back from rejection is a familiar struggle. Whether it’s a gallery, an art competition, or a client, hearing “no” can be disheartening. Yet, I’ve learned to cherish each rejection letter I receive. They serve as a reminder of my courage to put myself out there, despite the possibility of rejection. Each “no” is not a failure, but rather a valuable lesson in growth. It encourages me to persevere, knowing that I can’t evolve as an artist unless I share my work with the world.

I didn’t choose to become a painter seeking acceptance; I did it because of my burning passion to create something genuine and meaningful. Painting is my sanctuary; it’s where I find solace regardless of my emotions—whether I’m happy, sad, or struggling with depression. Every day, standing before my easel brings me a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Through rejection and acceptance alike, I continue to embrace my journey as an artist, fueled by the desire to express myself authentically and connect with others through my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: ShanaLevenson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slevenson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shana.levenson.5/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-levenson-40830815/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/shanalevenson

Image Credits
Shana levenson paintings