What Happens When an Artist Learns from Her Students?

This interview features Texas artist Lesa Shaw, who balances life in the classroom with days in her studio. She discusses where her ideas originate, why colour is the thread that binds her work together, and how she navigates between figures, abstract forms, and dreamlike moments. Lesa’s background in Interdisciplinary Studies and years spent teaching young creatives are reflected in her approach to thinking and working. There is structure in her process, but curiosity has a seat beside it.

Lesa walks us through the start of a painting in a way that feels familiar to anyone who has ever tried to shape an idea. She begins with a sketch, snaps a quick photo, and plays with colour on a simple markup tool before picking up a brush. From there, she lets the surface guide her. Colours shift in response to one another, shapes change mid-process, and the final path reveals itself gradually. She explains that when she reaches for oils, acrylics give her room to experiment with ideas, and that alcohol inks bring an element of surprise. She shares a recent project in which she layered polyurethane, acrylics, and oils to achieve richness and clarity, demonstrating how experimenting with materials can lead to new approaches.

Her figures feel familiar yet slightly transported, and she explains that this mix allows viewers to step into a scene that feels familiar while still inviting imagination. Teaching fuels her energy, too. Her students bring fearless ideas and remind her to stay curious and flexible. Showing her work in juried shows and publications has widened the conversation around her themes, allowing her to hear how others see and experience her paintings.

By the end of the interview, we learn how Lesa enters a painting, how she chooses her materials, and why both planning and spontaneity matter in her studio. We also see how community, classroom voices, and exhibition feedback shape the way she continues to grow and explore as she works.

Lesa Shaw is a contemporary painter born in 1968 in Dallas, Texas, who currently works from her studio in Crowley, Texas. She holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas and is also an art educator. Known for her vibrant use of colour and form, Lesa paints figurative, abstract, and surreal works through a unique process that seamlessly blends personal significance with universal themes. Her artistic journey invites viewers to connect with her work on multiple levels, fostering an appreciation for the beauty that can be found in everyday moments.

My artistry primarily focuses on oils, but I also enjoy exploring other mediums such as acrylics and alcohol inks, which allows me to embrace my identity as a multidisciplinary artist. I view my creative process as a scientific study, where each brushstroke reveals discoveries. I’m deeply intrigued by the psychological aspects of colour and its ability to evoke emotions and joy. Through my work, I often depict subjects with an abstract flair, weaving together vibrant colours that resonate with viewers on multiple levels. My style skillfully balances realistic figures with abstract and surreal elements, creating a unique connection with my audience that invites them to engage more profoundly with my art.

In my work, I seek to connect with viewers, encouraging them to interpret my art in their own way and derive personal meanings. I draw inspiration from the vivid colours of nature and human experience, highlighting the beauty found in everyday moments. My creative philosophy celebrates individuality while reflecting shared human experiences, inviting viewers to pause, engage, and reflect on their own stories as they explore my creations.

1.  When you sit down to start something new, how do those first shapes and colours usually lead you somewhere unexpected?    

I generally begin with a methodical approach to shapes and colours. I dedicate time to taking a photo of my sketch and using a simple markup tool to design the colours I want to incorporate. Even though there’s a foundation process, I remain open to serendipity. As I begin to paint, the paint transforms the shapes and each area influences the next, much like a puzzle that all comes together in the end. My perspective transforms in ways I don’t often foresee, such as how hues interact when blended, creating interesting connections and depth. My paintings then become something more vibrant and cohesive than I had anticipated.

2. Your figures feel familiar yet dreamlike. What pulls you toward blending what we recognise with elements that feel a little surreal?  

I’m drawn to blending familiar figures with surreal elements because it fosters a dialogue between reality and imagination. My viewers can explore their own experiences and perceptions of the world, reflect on the interplay between the recognisable and the fantastical. I aim to provoke thought and curiosity, leading to more profound reflections on identity, perception and the nature of existence.

3.  Oils, acrylics, alcohol inks… each behaves like its own personality. How do you decide which one gets to join you on a particular piece?  

My decision often hinges on the mood and intent of the piece I’m creating. Because of the slow drying time and for more nuanced expressions in my figurative work, I turn to oils. I choose acrylics when I want to do something more versatile, experimental and usually abstract. When I want an element of surprise, fluidity and vibrancy, I turn to alcohol inks. Ultimately, my choice depends on the emotional tone and visual outcome I have for each artwork.

4. You describe your studio process a bit like scientific exploration. What kinds of discoveries have surprised you recently while experimenting?  

One recent discovery I made while working on a triptych painting began with acrylics and alcohol inks. To achieve the effect I envisioned, I applied a polyurethane layer to reduce porosity, enabling smoother interactions between the media. After that, I layered acrylics for depth and vibrancy, then finished with oil paint for the final details. As the piece nears completion, I’m thrilled with the richness and vitality that have emerged. This process not only enhanced my understanding of how different media can interact but has also reinforced the beauty and experimentation in my work through the media I use most.

5. You spend your days helping young creatives find their voice. How does being in that environment influence the way you see and make things?  

As a high school art teacher, I find great fulfilment in fostering creativity and supporting my students’ skill development. Their unique ways of expressing themselves continually inspire me. Witnessing how they use their voices to communicate personal ideas and emotions reminds me of the importance of authenticity in art. Their enthusiasm and willingness to experiment challenge me to think differently and push my own creative boundaries. I’m constantly amazed by their innovative approaches and fresh perspectives, which not only influence my own work but also reinforce my passion for teaching. The energy in the classroom creates a vibrant artistic community that enriches the experience for both my students and myself.

6.  Your work has reached audiences both locally and abroad. How has participating in juried exhibitions and publications helped you expand the conversation around the themes you explore?

Showcasing my art to diverse audiences, both locally and abroad, allows me to engage with different perspectives and interpretations. The feedback from peers and art professionals is incredibly validating and inspires my continued creativity. It opens new avenues for exploration in my practice. Likewise, being featured in publications also helps my work reach a broader audience, sparking discussions that extend beyond gallery walls.

At the core of Lesa Shaw’s work is a curiosity about people, colour, and the mood that happens when the everyday slips just slightly into the dreamlike. Her figures feel familiar enough to recognise, yet open enough for viewers to bring their thoughts and experiences to the scene. Through careful planning mixed with a willingness to let things shift in the moment, she builds paintings that grow layer by layer.

Her journey shows how steady practice, a love of learning, and time spent guiding young creatives have shaped the way she sees and makes things. From experimenting with different paints to learning from students and sharing work in exhibitions, her path reminds us that growth in the studio can come from structure, play, and paying attention to what unfolds along the way.

To learn more about Lesa, visit the links below.

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