Meet Lisa Temple: Artist/Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Temple and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Being a visual artist is risky. Each day that I go into my studio and begin my work of putting paint to canvas is an open and vulnerable activity of letting go. I can’t worry about an outcome, just paint in the present. Not every day is a good painting day, most are, and other days are good “cover up what you painted” days. The good, bad, and ugly are all a part of the process. The act of creating is boundless and if you push through the fear of perfection and failure–whoa, you’ve entered into new discoveries about yourself, art, life. It’s an opportunity that you, as an artist, take each day. Then there’s the risky business of presenting it to the public. The viewer ultimately completes the painting. Will you form a connection with the viewer? This final step of showing your work is what completes the process. It can be scary! But when that connection is made, there is nothing like it. Magical!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love the voice that painting gives me. I am an introvert at heart and painting freely allows me to speak my heart and mind. I paint a lot of abstract lowlands and beach landscapes that instinctively come from my Florida roots. I equally enjoy painting faces full of emotion and mood along with contemporary expressive pieces. In June 2019, I moved my studio from my home to MillHouse McKinney, located in the Cotton Mill McKinney. Being surrounded by other artists is fuel for creativity. Sharing ideas and collaborating with the other women and resident artists of MillHouse McKinney has helped me grow exponentially as an artist and business owner. I am most proud of HeArt of Hope, a ministry I created in 2011 to raise awareness and needed funds through art for a non-profit organization called Make Way Partners (now known as Lift Up The Vulnerable/LUV). LUV is committed to the prevention of trafficking and oppression of vulnerable children and women. I organized over 30 artists to paint portraits that tell the story of these woman and children and helped raise funds for their cause. In 2012, I was able to make the journey to Sudan with MWP.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my best friend comes to visit, we would need to start off with breakfast at Spoons Cafe. From there we would walk around downtown McKinney visiting boutique shops such as Cotton Hearts, Landry Kate, Me and Mrs. Jones, and Birds and Words. We would also hit the many quaint antique shops. On a nice day, we would have a late lunch outside at The Yard, Afterward, I would take her to my favorite hangout, my studio at MillHouse McKinney. We’d have to also visit LAST Art Gallery, where some of my artwork is displayed. We’d dress up a bit at night and head to Rick’s Chophouse for the best bone-in ribeye and chocolate pecan pie. We would definitely take a day trip to Ft. Worth and wander down Magnolia St., then find our way to the National Cowgirl Museum and Kimbell Art Museum. On another day, we would explore the Bishop Arts District in Dallas and perhaps enjoy a Mavs game. We would wind up the week relaxing on my front porch with a glass of wine, watching a nice Texas sunset.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Robb, is my biggest fan! He supports all of my creative efforts, crazy ideas, and promotes me to whoever will listen. My three adult children are always there for me as well. They come to my shows, openings, and encourage me in all my endeavors. Also, my sister, Jacqui, flew down from Cincinnati for an outdoor show in Ft. Worth, outfitted “Texas style” in her cowboy boots, jeans, and customized shirt that read “Buy My Sister’s Art”. There is nothing like the support of family! I have to also give a shout out to my fellow Artblock studio mates at MillHouse McKinney, who share ideas, encourage, and collaborate with me regularly.

Website: lisatemplefineart.com
Instagram: @lisatemple_fineart
Facebook: Lisa Temple Fine Art

Image Credits
Jamie House