Lisa

Bartell

Lisa Bartell is known for her expressionist figurative oil paintings in which she explores the theme of self-identity. Bartell’s work has been impacted by Chagall’s fantasy paintings and the curvilinear forms of Art Nouveau. Bartell received a BFA in design from Kent State University, and an MFA from Memphis State University. She studied drawing and painting at Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, Pa. Bartell began her career in graphic design and illustration. She began oil painting in 2004 as a personal expression. Bartell has had several solo and group exhibits, including the Durham Art Guild, the Raleigh Fine Arts Society, Manhattan Arts International, Providence Gallery, Charlotte, NC and Carlton Gallery, Banner Elk, NC. She received the Showcase Award and Award of Excellence from Manhattan Arts International, Certificate of Merit from Light, Space and Time Gallery and Honorary Mention from the Durham Art Guild. In 2022, Bartell received an Artist Support Grant from the Durham Arts Council. Bartell has been featured in local newspapers in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, the Woven Tale Press Arts and Literary Magazine, Art Professional Magazine (formerly Art Calendar Magazine) and Artsee Magazine in NC. One of her paintings was shown in the July 2026 issue of HGTV magazine. Bartell’s painting “Sunflowers Resting”, was featured on Good Morning America’s segment, “Bob Woodward Reports, Unsung Heroes: Families of Wounded Soldiers.” Bartell currently lives in Durham, NC. with her husband Gary and dog Brooklyn.

Years ago, I began retrieving memories that altered my self-perception. Since this time, the growth and transformation of personal identity has been the focus of my paintings. Each body of work has led to a progressive insight into who I am. This self-exploration has led to different styles and iterations about the same subject. My goal in painting is not only personal. It is to create room for the viewer to discover their own narrative. My current body of figurative expressionist oil paintings focuses on an imaginary and abstracted interpretation of the natural world. This world is sometimes juxtaposed with a human or animal figure. Each painting begins with either an original drawing or a discovery of imagery while painting. I love playing with color. This results in a bright and bold pallet which interacts with expressive brushstrokes and patterns representing the changing cycle of our identities.

Oil / Alkyd

https://www.lisabarellart.com

@lisabartell

@lisabartellart