California artist D. Lisa West creates large-scale paintings that explore transformation through texture, color and storytelling. Find more of her portfolio on her website.
“Universal” acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 48″
As I sit at my easel, the large expanse of recycled plywood towering in front of me, I’m struck by the textures and colors beneath the surface. My latest series of paintings, each one five feet square, reflects more than just the paint I’ve layered on—they embody my journey as an artist and teacher of creativity.
“Underwater” acrylic on board, 30″ x 42″
I often tell my workshop participants, “Art isn’t just what you create; it’s how you express the world around you.” Each painting is a conversation—a dialogue between what was and what’s emerging. I love repurposing materials, breathing new life into what once was. It’s a bit like life: we all have layers, experiences that shape us, and painting becomes a metaphor for transformation.
“Mystery” acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 48″
In my workshops, I encourage participants to embrace their messiness. Creativity flourishes in imperfection. I often paint over old canvases, allowing traces of earlier work to show through. It’s about honoring the past—the missteps, discoveries, and the unexpected beauty that surfaces when we stop trying to control the outcome.
“The Universe 2″ oil on canvas, 44″ x 30”
One day, I invited participants to make a self-portrait with their eyes closed. No mirrors, no photographs—just memory and intuition guiding their hands. What emerged was raw, expressive, and deeply human. Laughter filled the room as colors mingled and forms appeared. That exercise wasn’t about likeness; it was about truth—the kind that reveals itself only when we stop looking and start feeling.
“Crow Goddess” acrylic on wood, 48″ x 48″
My recent paintings draw inspiration from old family photographs, glued into yellowed albums. In one, an awkward family stands stiffly in a yard; in another, a young man leans proudly against his car.
“Sisters Healing” acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 48″
I reinterpret these moments, layering paint until emotion replaces likeness. The recycled plywood, with its scars and stories, speaks to resilience. I mix acrylics and oils to build luminous layers, allowing the surface to whisper its history.
“Mother Mary” acrylic on wood, 40″ x 18″
Each brushstroke feels like a step toward wholeness. My teaching and painting practice are intertwined; both are acts of exploration and faith. Standing back, watching a piece catch the soft light of my studio, I’m reminded that art isn’t merely what we produce—it’s how we come to know ourselves.
“Family Photo with Aunties” acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 48″
Through every layer, every conversation, and every shared moment of discovery, I hope to inspire others not only to see the artistry around them but to uncover the artist within.
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