Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Botto Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lisa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I grew up in a very creative environment and knew from a really young age, this was my arena. Both of my parents are artists, and a had tremendous influence on me. On my father’s side, my artistic lineage goes back five generations to mural painters in northern Italy. It’s like a family of trapeze artists or singers. Art is what we do. My childhood was filled with an abundance of art, museums, exhibitions, and extensive travel throughout the US. We also spent a great deal of time in the outdoors hiking and being with nature. We hiked Bear Mountain in New York all the time. One of my favorite places to visit was Yellowstone National Park. To see a herd of buffalo, elk, moose or a bear up close in the wild was exciting to me as a child. As an adult, I traveled abroad in Europe, which widened my sense of art and the world. Art was always in my life, so I never questioned my purpose…it is my touchstone.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My primary focus is representational, narrative portraits and wildlife art. The mediums I enjoy working in are oil, graphite, and charcoal. We live in a fast-paced world and technology moving at light speed. My escape is to document the natural world around us through meaningful art. It is my friendly reminder of the beauty around us. Photographing subject matter can be unpredictable. You start out with a plan, and then something extraordinary happens in an ordinary moment, I love that.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
It comes down to hard work, drive, and perseverance. To never give up in the pursuit of your dream despite setbacks. My greatest setback was the loss of my husband almost 19 years ago. It shattered me, but with time, I slowly rebuilt my life and got back on my art track. It’s important to keep moving forward. Being an artist isn’t for the weary. Some folks have this romantic notion that it is all bliss, and we are on easy street. It’s not, lol. If you want it, you gotta chase it.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Someone who loves art and resonates with mine lol. I can create a piece of art for a reason, although a hundred people can look at the same piece for a hundred different reasons. That’s what makes art special. My happiest moment is when someone sees my art and feels connected to it as if it was made just for them. I also love to collaborate with clients and create custom pieces whether it be for private or commercial businesses.
I teach many classes at The Coral Springs Museum of Art. My students range from ages 5 through adults. Some of my classes include…Intro to Drawing, Intro to Oil Painting, Portrait drawing, Figure Drawing, Plein Air Painting, Teen Painting & Drawing, Creative Art for Young Students, Full Day Workshops, Summer Camps, birthday parties for all ages, and Private Art Lessons. Registration for the Coral Springs Museum of Art: 954-340-5000 andhttps://coralspringsmuseum.org/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisabottolee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabottolee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisabottoleeart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-botto-lee-25aa395/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lblartist
