How Lisa Bramhill Captures the Beauty of Wild Life with Colorful Portraits

Lisa Bramhill is a talented self-taught artist from Northern Alabama, whose vibrant and bold paintings are inspired by her love of nature and wildlife. In this interview, Lisa shares her journey to accepting her identity as an artist, how she finds inspiration in the natural world, and the creative process behind her striking animal portraits. She opens up about the joy and challenges of being an artist, including heartfelt stories like a painting she created in memory of her late brother. Lisa also offers an honest look at how she tackles creative blocks and what she hopes people feel when they experience her art.

Lisa Bramhill, a self-taught visual artist based in Northern Alabama, draws inspiration for her vibrant and bold paintings from her experiences in nature. She works with acrylic or oil paint, using a variety of brushes and solid color backgrounds to emphasize her subjects and captivate viewers’ attention.

Her artwork reflects her deep appreciation for the natural world, aiming to create a connection between the viewer and her personal perception of nature. Inspired by her time spent observing the beauty of wildlife and natural surroundings, Lisa incorporates bright and bold paint colors to evoke a sense of joy and invite contemplation.

Her creative process often involves using different brushes and solid backgrounds to make her animal subjects stand out, bringing them to life with a distinct personality. Lisa admires the resilience of the creatures she paints, finding a parallel to the way people persevere and find a way to thrive, no matter the challenges.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

First, my family—my husband and two sons—are the most important part of my life. They are my biggest supporters and encourage me in everything I do. Second, it took me longer than most to truly believe in myself as an artist, and that’s perfectly okay. I believe everything happens when it is supposed to happen. Third, I am a lover of nature and a dreamer, and I think both of these characteristics influence my creative process.

My inspiration comes from my time in nature, where I observe the beauty surrounding me as well as wildlife.

Lisa Bramhill

2. What inspired you to become an artist?

From as far back as I can remember, I have always been a creator. As a little girl, I dreamed, colored, wrote plays, made things, and as a teenager, I drew to escape. As a mother, I enjoyed being crafty. Being an artist is an integral part of who I am. Creating is where I feel most like myself; I can lose myself in my studio and feel free.

3. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

My creative process is quite simple. It starts with the thought, “What if I did…?” I tend to sketch out my ideas and journal my thoughts, including colors I might want to use in my paintings. When painting an animal, I usually do a rough draft of that image on my canvas using either a pencil or a paintbrush. Depending on the size of the piece and the time limit I set for myself, I can finish a painting in a day or it may take months. I like to work on several pieces at different stages so that I always have something to focus on.

4. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

I have several pieces that I am proud of, but one in particular hangs in my home—it’s a painting of my older brother who passed away. While it may not be my best work, it holds special meaning as one of my earliest paintings. It reminds me of my brother and how he was always someone I could count on while growing up. He would be so happy and proud of me.

Through my animal paintings, I strive tobring the viewer up close and personal with the subject, giving them a sense of personality. I admire the resilience of these creatures in their ability to survive, always finding a way much like people do.

Lisa Bramhill

5. How do you know when a piece of art is finished?

I can usually tell when a painting is finished simply by how I feel about it. However, there are times when I complete a piece and, months later, wish I could change certain aspects. Generally, I don’t go back to make adjustments unless something truly bothers me.

Through her bold use of color and deep connection to nature, Lisa Bramhill’s art invites viewers to see the world—and the animals that inhabit it—through a lens of appreciation and wonder. Her journey as an artist, filled with self-discovery and heartfelt storytelling, reminds us of the power of creativity to heal, inspire, and connect. To learn more about Lisa, visit the links below.