Biography

One of the most important lessons I learned as an artist was how to truly observe what I was seeing instead of what I thought I was seeing.

Studying perceptual drawing with Bakersfield artist and educator Phyllis Oliver introduced me to the concepts taught in Betty Edwards’ Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Through her private instruction, I developed skills that continue to influence every painting I create, especially learning to see negative space, abstract shapes, and the relationships between them. That way of seeing transformed not only my artwork but also how I experience the world around me.

Whether I’m painting from direct observation, memory, or imagination, those principles remain the foundation of my work. They give me the confidence to simplify forms, strengthen compositions, and create paintings that capture not just a place or a subject, but a feeling.

In addition to the guidance I continue to receive from Phyllis Oliver, I’ve expanded my knowledge through online classes, workshops, instructional videos, and independent study. Each experience has contributed to my growth as an artist, but my goal has never been to paint like anyone else. Instead, I use what I’ve learned to create work that reflects my own experiences and my appreciation for nature, atmosphere, light, emotion, and the quiet connections we find within the world around us.

Growing up around horses and living on a small horse ranch in the foothills of Bakersfield, California, has deeply influenced my artistic journey. Horses remain one of my favorite subjects—not only for their beauty, but for the trust, strength, and quiet companionship they represent.

My recent work explores the space between realism and abstraction, using light, atmosphere, and simplified forms to evoke a sense of peace, memory, and connection. Whether painting an expressive horse, a peaceful landscape, or a contemporary atmospheric scene, I strive to create artwork that invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and discover a quiet sense of wonder.

Working primarily in oil and acrylic, I embrace both careful observation and intuitive expression. Every painting becomes a conversation between memory, experience, imagination, and the ever-changing beauty of the natural world.

“Life is full of inspiration—we just need to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us.”

— Lisa Miller Faulkenberry