Lisa Jefferson started to draw as soon as she could hold a pencil and was lucky to receive a generous amount of encouragement along the way from family, friends and teachers.  A native of California , she spent her early years in Colorado .  Lisa received a BFA in Graphic Design and Illustration from Colorado State University in 1978.

Although Lisa’s art background and early career experience centered around  graphic design and illustration, she has always painted.  Her work was represented in several galleries and shows in Colorado.  Since relocating to Minnesota , Lisa has devoted most of her time to raising her family, but she has continuously kept her hand in painting.  Self employed as a freelance artist since 1987, Lisa has recently been doing commissioned paintings for clients’ children in landscape settings.

Lisa chooses to begin a painting when the sun is shining, usually early morning or late afternoon when there are distinct shadows and highlights.  She develops her paintings by taking bits and pieces of subject matter from some of her many slides of Northland lakes, shores and woods where she walks.  One of her primary goals is to technically present a strong sense of bright light whatever the subject matter.  By building up layers of transparent glazes, she achieves the rich color and high contrast she desires.  Lisa is particularly attracted to the transparency and purity of watercolor and finds it the ideal medium for painting the water, rocks, and foliage that make up the Northland landscape.

Top quality materials are important in the watercolor process.  Lisa uses only the highest grade of acid free paper, red sable brushes and top quality, permanent paint.

for Lisa Jefferson

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