Leah Lopez is an American oil painter and educator with a distinguished twenty-five-year studio practice rooted in the classical chiaroscuro tradition. Born in New Mexico and deeply influenced by her Western roots, Lopez currently operates her studio practice from the Hudson Valley region of New York, where she works directly from life utilizing a single, natural North light source. Her paintings are celebrated for their atmospheric depth, structural precision, and a deliberate balance of light and shadow that captures the true material presence of her subjects.

Lopez’s extensive training includes completing the Instructor Academy program under Larry Gluck, followed by studies at the Art Students League of New York under Gregg Kreutz. Her artistic development was further shaped by intensive, multi-year mentorships with celebrated master painters David Leffel, Sherrie McGraw, and Daniel Sprick.

A dedicated educator, Lopez served on the faculty at the New York Academy of Art for eight years and founded her own private North light atelier in Union Square. She continues to foster the classical tradition through monthly classes and specialized intensive workshops at the Woodstock School of Art.

Lopez is a Master Artist Member of American Women Artists (AWA). Her work has been exhibited nationally since 2005, earning high honors from the country's most prestigious realism institutions. She is a multi-year finalist in the world-renowned Art Renewal Center (ARC) International Salon and a Non-Commissioned Finalist with the Portrait Society of America. Her deep connection to the American West has been celebrated in prominent invitational showings
at the Albuquerque Museum and the Booth Western Art Museum.

A frequent award-winner, Lopez has been recognized with top honors from the National Association of Women Artists—where she received the First Place Solo Show Award—as well as the historic Salmagundi Club in New York City, which has presented her with numerous accolades including the Samuel T. Shaw and Henry Nordhausen Memorial Awards.

Currently, her paintings are on display at the Mark Gruber Gallery in New Paltz, alongside regular monthly pop-up exhibitions at the historic Mohonk Mountain House in cooperation with the Wired Gallery. Her highly anticipated solo exhibition, exploring themes of material presence and the feminine spirit, is scheduled to open at the Wired Gallery in June 2027.

Artist Statement

The Power Within: A Narrative of Creation, Depth, and Transformation

In this collection of eight figurative oil paintings created for The Power Within, I explore the landscape of internal transformation through the lens of classical chiaroscuro, mythic symbolism, and personal mythos. Working primarily through direct observation and layered oil mediums, this series bridges the physical weight of the human body with the expansive, unseen realms of memory, spirit, and cosmos.

At the center of this narrative stands Genesis—the sole male figure in the suite. Rendered as a quiet, enduring anchor holding a luminous galaxy, he redefines strength through receptivity and balance, serving as a grounding axis for the surrounding works. Framed entirely from my perspective as a female artist, this collection explores how opposing energies—masculine and feminine, shadow and light, subterranean depths and skyward elevation—harmonize to reveal the quiet power residing within us all.

From the threshold portals of Into the Unknown and Emergence to the cavernous underworld of Reflection, the fluid serenity of Sleeping Venus, and the ultimate liberation of Ascension, each canvas marks a distinct passage along an internal arc. Together, the collection invites the viewer into a sanctuary of self-realization, resilience, and transcendent light.

LEAH LOPEZ — CURRICULUM VITAE
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & HONORS

• Master Signature Member, American Women Artists (AWA)
• Artist Member, Woodstock Artists Association & Museum (WAAM)
• Artist Member, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
• Member, Art Students League of New York, New York, NY
• Signature Member, Oil Painters of America (OPA)

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Invitational & Solo Exhibitions

• 2026: Group Exhibition, The Power Within, The Lace Mill, Kingston, NY
• 2024–2026: Annual Invitational Exhibitions, Mark Gruber Gallery, New Paltz, NY
• 2023: Art Bazaar, The New Gallery, Hudson, NY
• 2015: Solo Exhibition, Roux & Cyr International Fine Art Gallery, Portland, ME
• 2015: Leah Lopez Atelier Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
• 2015: Miniatures & More, The Albuquerque Museum Invitational, Albuquerque, NM
• 2014: Two-Person Exhibition with John Pototschnik, Roux & Cyr International Fine Art Gallery, Portland, ME
• 2010: Solo Exhibition, Shadid Fine Art, Oklahoma City, OK
• 2009: Solo Exhibition, National Association of Women Artists (N.A.W.A.) Gallery, New York, NY
• 2006–2007: Solo & Group Exhibitions, Downey Gallery, Santa Fe, NM

Museum & Group Exhibitions

• 2005–2024: American Women Artists, National Museum & Gallery Exhibitions
• 2009–2024: Salmagundi Club, Selected National Exhibitions, New York, NY
• 2013–2024: Oil Painters of America, National & Regional Exhibitions
• 2023–2025: Arts Society of Kingston (ASK), Selected Exhibitions, Kingston, NY
• 2023–2024: The Lace Mill, Selected Exhibitions, Kingston, NY
• 2024: FLESH, 33 PA, New York, NY
• 2023: Homes, Hamlets & Villages, Spencertown Academy Arts Center, Spencertown, NY
• 2023: Artists Painting Artists, 33 PA, New York, NY
• 2023: Women Artists Exhibition, Dacia Gallery, New York, NY
• 2014–2021: Art Renewal Center (ARC) International Salon, Finalist Exhibitions
• 2016: Portrait Society of America, Members Only Competition
• 2014: Nunc Veritatem, Dacia Gallery, New York, NY
• 2014: Boston International Fine Art Show, Boston, MA
• 2014: Prevailing Winds, Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, GA
• 2014: American Artists Professional League, New York, NY
• 2014: She Depicting Her, Alex Adam Gallery, New York, NY
• 2014: Loved and Observed, Hersh Fine Art, Glen Cove, NY
• 2006–2014: Salon International, Greenhouse Fine Art, San Antonio, TX
• 2012: New York Academy of Art, Tribeca Ball, New York, NY
• 2011: Wethersfield Academy for the Arts, Wethersfield, CT
• 2010: Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, CT
• 2009: Winter Miniature Show, Sage Creek Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
• 2005–2009: Miniatures, The Albuquerque Museum Invitational, Albuquerque, NM
• 2008: Hudson Valley Art Association, NY
• 2006: Allied Artists of America, New York, NY
• 2006: The Best and Brightest, Scottsdale Artists' School, Scottsdale, AZ
• 2004–2006: Art Center at Fuller Lodge, Selected Exhibitions, Los Alamos, NM

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• 2023: Honorable Mention, PleinAir Salon
• 2016: Second Place Honors, Noble Nocturne Exhibition, Salmagundi Club
• 2016: Non-Commissioned Finalist, Portrait Society of America
• 2016: Sylvia Maria Glesmann Floral & Still Life Award, Salmagundi Club
• 2014: Henry Nordhausen Memorial Award (Second Place), Salmagundi Club
• 2014: Samuel T. Shaw Memorial Award, Salmagundi Club
• 2013: Third Place Award, Olana Plein Air Festival, Columbia County Council on the Arts
• 2013: Certificate of Merit, Sylvia Maria Glesmann Exhibition, Salmagundi Club
• 2013: Certificate of Merit, Spring Auction Exhibition, Salmagundi Club
• 2012: John N. Lewis Memorial Award, 104th Annual Thumb-Box Exhibition, Salmagundi Club
• 2012: Louis C. Tiffany SCNY Award, Fall Auction Exhibition, Salmagundi Club
• 2012: Certificate of Merit, Sylvia Maria Glesmann Exhibition, Salmagundi Club
• 2012: Frederick S. Church SCNY Award, Salmagundi Club
• 2011: Third Place, Premier Fine Art Competition, Wethersfield Academy for the Arts
• 2010: Finalist, The Artist's Magazine 27th Annual Art Competition
• 2010: Emerging Artist Recognition, Southwest Art "21 Over 31" Competition
• 2009: First Place Solo Show Award, National Association of Women Artists
• 2008: Award of Merit, American Women Artists
• 2006: First Place Oils, The Best and Brightest, Scottsdale Artists' School
• 2006: Honorable Mention, Salon International, Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art
• 2004: First Place Award (Traditional Fine Arts), Art Center at Fuller Lodge

SELECTED PRESS, INTERVIEWS & MEDIA
Editorial Features & Press

• Hudson Valley One: "Painter Leah Lopez Carves Out Depth on Flat Surfaces" by Maura Rosner (July 20, 2026)
• CanvasRebel Magazine: "Meet Leah Lopez" (Featured Artist Profile & Interview)
• The Brooklyn Rail: "She Depicting Her: A Woman's Perspective" by Christopher Green
• Fine Art Connoisseur: Print Features (Feb 2015 Vol. 12/1, Oct 2014 Vol. 11/5, June 2014 Vol. 11/3)
• Fine Art Today: Featured Articles (Jan 2015, Dec 2014, Oct 2014, July 2014) by Andrew Webster
• American Art Collector: Feature Article (May 2009)
• Southwest Art Magazine: Feature Article (October 2010)
• Edmond Life & Leisure: Feature Article (October 2010)
• The New York Optimist: Editorial Feature & Interview

Interviews & Online Features

• John Pototschnik Fine Art: "Artist Interview: Leah Lopez" & "The Value of an Art Education"
• Lines and Colors: Studio Feature by Charley Parker
• Oil Painters of America: 18th Annual National Exhibition Catalogue Feature
• 33 PA: Group Exhibition Spotlight, FLESH

TEACHING & ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

• 2025–Present: Instructor, Woodstock School of Art, Woodstock, NY
• 2021–Present: Private Studio Instruction & Mentorship
• 2013–2020: Founder & Principal Instructor, Leah Lopez Atelier, Union Square, New York, NY
• 2008–2015: Instructor, New York Academy of Art, New York, NY
• 2009–2015: Workshop Instructor, Hudson River Valley Art Workshops, Greenville, NY
• 2012–2015: Artist-in-Residence, Eastchester High School, Eastchester, NY
• 2014–2015: Workshop Instructor, Oyster Harbors Club, Osterville, MA
• 2013–2014: Instructor, Art Students League of New York, New York, NY
• 2012–2014: Workshop Instructor, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
• 2011–2014: Private Master Workshops, Provence, France & New York, NY
• 2008–2014: Workshop Instructor, Cape Cod Art Association, Barnstable, MA
• 2011: Workshop Instructor, Coastal Maine Art Workshops, Rockland, ME
• 2010–2011: Workshop Instructor, Amelia Island Artists Workshops, Amelia Island, FL
• 2009: Workshop Instructor, Rockport Art Association, Rockport, MA
• 2008–2012: Instructor, The Art Center, New York, NY
• 2008–2012: Workshop Instructor, Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, CT
• 2007: Fine Art Instructor, Valdez Art Classes, Santa Fe, NM
• 2007: Fine Art Instructor, Yenny Art Classes, Los Alamos, NM
• 2006: Instructor, Art Center at Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos, NM
• 2001–2002: Adjunct Instructor, University of New Mexico, Los Alamos, NM
• 2000: Fine Art Instructor, Mission Renaissance Fine Art Studios, Glendale, CA

EDUCATION & ATELIER TRAINING

• 2007: Art Students League of New York (Studied under Gregg Kreutz)
• 2005–2006: Andreeva Portrait Academy
• 2005: Loveland Academy of Fine Art
• 2004–2007: Scottsdale Artists' School
• 2004–2006: Fechin Institute
• 2000: Mission Renaissance Fine Art Instructor Academy (Under Larry Gluck)

PRAISE & REVIEWS

• "As an artist she is a rare talent... As a human being, none finer." — Leo Graham• "Gorgeous paintings and a pleasure to work with!" — The Bennington Center for the Arts
• "Leah Lopez's art is of the highest quality... She is able to convey her knowledge with clarity and generosity." — Manu Saluja
• "Many years ago I purchased a small still life painted by Leah when she exhibited her art at The Downey Gallery in Santa Fe. Everyone in my family loves it!" — Heather Allebes Phillips
• "Leah Lopez is a professional artist who does beautiful work. She is also at the top of her game when it comes to all matters business in the art world." — Laurie Stevens

Read All Google Reviews & Testimonials