We recently had the chance to connect with Lisa Botto-Lee and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time in my studio. Once I start painting, I fall into this rhythm where everything else fades out. It’s just me, the canvas, and the moment. There’s something meditative about watching an image slowly take shape. Each brushstroke becomes a conversation between intuition, curiosity, and experience. It’s in those quiet exchanges that the painting begins to hold its own presence and tell a story.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I come from a long line of artists, and painting wildlife, portraits, and horses has always felt like home to me. Art has been woven into my life and family for generations, and that legacy continues to inspire everything I create. I am driven by my passion for art, and I strive to bring each subject to life in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. My work is a blend of realism and emotion that aims to invite the viewer not only to see but also to feel a connection with each piece.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My earliest influence was my father, Richard A. Botto, a master artist. I can still remember sitting on his lap as a little girl, from the age of three, watching him mix oils and paint. Even then, I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. I spent countless hours in his studio, not just learning how to paint and draw, but talking about what makes art great and exploring the lives of history’s most celebrated artists. Watching him work, I discovered that painting is not just about technique; it is about storytelling -what you say with your art. He was constantly creating and took the time to render each piece with meticulous precision, no matter how big or small. From him, I inherited not only a respect for skill and discipline but also a profound understanding of how art can resonate, communicate, and connect long after the paint has dried.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could speak to my younger self, I’d encourage her to embrace discipline and focus on her art while trusting her own vision. I would say, work harder, work smarter, and be intentional with your time in the studio. But I’d also remind her that every painting, drawing, lesson, and mistake is part of growth. To understand that patience and persistence are as important as talent.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
For the past two and a half years, as time allows, I’ve been working on a book that weaves together the stories of the artists in my family with my own journey. It traces five generations, spanning more than two hundred years, from ancestors who painted frescoes in churches across France and Italy to my own life as an artist today. This book reflects not only on our art but also on the personal struggles we faced and how we overcame them, showing how resilience and creativity can endure across generations. This heartfelt project is a tribute to my family’s history, the power of creativity, and how art can inspire, connect, and transform lives. No matter how long it takes, I am dedicated to bringing their story—and mine—to life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as an artist who painted with heart, passion, and authenticity—someone who honored her family’s legacy while following her own path. I like to convey not just what is seen, but what is felt, creating a connection and inviting viewers to experience the same empathy, wonder, and reverence for life that inspire me every day. My greatest hope is that my art leaves a meaningful legacy—work that resonates long after the moment has passed and reminds people of beauty, strength, and the natural world around us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisabottolee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabottolee/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-botto-lee-25aa395/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisabottoleeart/
Image Credits
Photo of Artist: Patty Tropea
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