Lisa Fitzgibbons

Little events change our lives in big ways. It's called happenstance. I could never have guessed that being a flight attendant would set my art career in motion. But life changed the day I was called out for an unexpected trip to Paris. So what does one do with 24 hours in the city of light? The ... moreLittle events change our lives in big ways. It's called happenstance. I could never have guessed that being a flight attendant would set my art career in motion. But life changed the day I was called out for an unexpected trip to Paris. So what does one do with 24 hours in the city of light? The Louvre of course, and seeing a collection of Russian Icons. Yes, I was captivated and I knew I wanted to recreate this gorgeous art form.
I really didn't know where to begin. Even though I studies art in college, I hadn't picked up a brush in ages, let alone painting icons! I was happy flying my trips and having a steady paycheck. But something was calling me. So with a little natural talent and a lot of time off, I started experimenting. I tried everything under the sun.
Most of my early pieces were pretty terrible. So I took some classes. My work improved and I got up the nerve to approach some design studios in Dallas, where I lived. To my amazement, they liked my work!
Small projects turned into bigger ones and my "old world" style took off when Neiman Marcus commissioned me to paint 2 large pieces for their downtown store. After that, 19 murals for III Forks restaurants.
I was still flying my trips and wondering how I'd ever get it all done when happenstance struck again. My airlines offered me an early buy-out and Eureka! That's how I became a full time professional artist.
It's been many years and I've been creating old world inspired art ever since. Yes, my style is kind of unusual but I want my viewers to feel like they're looking into the past. I make my own canvas to get an aged effect and I build intricate frames around each image for another layer of art. I don't use patterns. I just work piece by piece until I know it's done. (Is it EVER?)
I love working on special requests. I have a large outdoor mural at The Franciscan Renewal Center. It's based on Our Lady of Guadalupe and I've painted many (lost count) personal saints and guardian angels over the years. In between my old world art, I paint seascapes and I teach several workshops each year in both subjects.
Phoenix has been my home since 2002. Thanks for reading my story of happenstance.


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