Leah Lopez grew up in the heart of Northern New Mexico where the influence of a rich culture of artisans fed her imagination and inspired the exploration of creative interests. Drawing and painting was a continual means of expression and inspiration, and in time led her to practice traditional techniques in Southern California then, later to the University of New Mexico. At 23, she was exposed to the timeless, enlightening philosophies encouraged by artists, Gregg Kreutz, Sherrie McGraw, and David Leffel. Over the next four years, studying with these artists eventually took her from the Southwest to the Art Students League in New York where she resides, today.

Leah’s artwork has made its way into the hearts and homes of collectors all over the country. She has been represented by fine galleries in Santa Fe, Edmond, Scottsdale, Carmel, Pasadena, Jackson Hole, and Bronxville and she participates in group shows in New York and across the states. She’s been honored with awards and accommodations, from esteemed organizations such as, Scottsdale Artists School, American Women Artists, Salon International, and National Association of Women Artists.

Leah enjoys the privilege of mentoring and teaching. Regarding one of her favorite topics in class, she says, “We use our subject matter, still life for example, as the vehicle in which to explore the visual elements that can make a painting appealing, stimulating, interesting, realistic, or dramatic.” She teaches at the New York Academy of Art and is invited to instruct at art institutions along the East Coast.

Exhibitions
2011 The Salmagundi Club Annual Members Exhibition
2011 American Women Artists
2011 Oil Painters of America - National
2011 The Salmagundi Club's Junior Members & Scholarship Exhibition
2010 Solo Exhibition, Shadid Fine Art
2010 American Women Artists
2010 Faces of Winter, Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists
2009 Solo Exhibition, N.A.W.A. Gallery
2009 Winter Miniature Show, Sage Creek Gallery
2009 Oil Painters of America - Eastern Regional
2009 Miniatures, The Albuquerque Museum
2009 American Women Artists
2009 Salmagundi Club Non-Member Exhibition
2009 Oil Painters of America - National
2009 National Association of Women Artists
2008 American Women Artists
2008 Hudson Valley Art Association
2008 Oil Painters of America - National
2008 Salon International
2007 Miniatures, The Albuquerque Museum
2007 Solo Show, Downey Gallery
2006 Allied Artists of America
2006 The Best and Brightest, Scottsdale Artists School
2006 Miniatures, The Albuquerque Museum
2006 Still Life Group Show, Downey Gallery
2006 A World of Flowers, Art Center at Fuller Lodge
2006 Salon International
2005 American Women Artists
2005 Miniatures, The Albuquerque Museum
2005 Featured Five x 2, Art Center at Fuller Lodge
2004 Traditional Fine Arts, Art Center at Fuller Lodge

Awards
"First Place, Solo Show Award", National Association of Women Artists 2009
"Award of Merit" American Women Artists 2008
"First Place Oils" The Best and Brightest 2006, Scottsdale Artists School
"Honorable Mention" Salon International 2006
"First Place Award" Traditional Fine Arts 2004, The Art Center at Fuller Lodge

Teaching Experience
2009-Present Rockport Art Association, Rockport, MA
2009-Present Hudson River Valley Art Workshops, Greenville, NY
2008-Present New York Academy of Art, New York, NY
2008-Present Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, CT
2008-Present Cape Cod Art Association, Barnstable, MA
2007 Yenny Art Classes, Los Alamos, NM
2007 Valdez Art Classes, Santa Fe, NM
2006 Art Center at Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos, NM
2001-2002 University of New Mexico, Los Alamos, NM
2000 Mission: Renaissance Fine Art Studios, Glendale, CA

Education
2007 Art Students League of New York
2005-2006 Andreeva Portrait Academy
2005 Loveland Academy of Fine Art
2004-2006 Fechin Institute
2004-2007 Scottsdale Artists School
2000 Mission: Renaissance Fine Art Academy

Memberships and Affiliations
American Women Artists, Signature Member
Oil Painters of America, Associate Member
Salmagundi Art Club, Junior Member
Art Students League of New York, Member