"I want my paintings to be sanctuaries, where viewers get lost, find their own meaning, and connect emotionally. Just as I do when creating them."

Artist Lisa Carney captures the beauty of our planet in her abstract paintings. Being close to nature, her compositions often evoke images of wildflower fields, petal bouquets, and coral reefs. Lisa grew up in an artistic and musical family, which deeply shaped her creativity. She further cultivated her talents by pursuing an undergraduate degree in the visual arts. When she is not busy working in her basement studio, Lisa spends her time playing with her cats, cycling, or singing and listening to music.

In this interview, Lisa shares insights into her life, inspirations, and journey as an artist.

Please tell us about yourself. What’s your home life like? What are your special interests?

My daily routine includes both personal time and work activities. I reside in a comfortable, sunlit home and work from a dedicated basement studio. Time spent with my husband and two cats, whether preparing meals, listening to music, or enjoying outdoor activities, continually fuels my curiosity. My areas of interest include art, nature, music, interior design, and fashion. I also engage in gardening and cycling within suburban green spaces. These activities sometimes influence my artistic work.

What are you most proud of—whether in art or another part of your life?

I’m very proud of my career as an artist. Over the years, I have dedicated a great deal of time and effort, often pushing myself beyond my comfort zone to grow and evolve. This commitment has opened the door to wonderful opportunities, such as having my work curated in numerous online collections, especially on UGallery. Last year, I was honored to complete a large commission for a luxury cruise ship that travels the world, which was an incredible experience. More recently, I purchased a cottage on Prince Edward Island, where I plan to set up a summer studio to continue creating and finding inspiration in nature.

Do you have any studio rituals that help you get into a creative flow?

I turn on some music or an art-related podcast and begin choosing and mixing colors. This gets me warmed up and ready to start painting.

How do you structure your day?

My days begin with a comforting cup of coffee while I catch up on emails. In the mornings, I work in the studio. Sometimes I’m painting, and on other days I’m photographing my artwork or carefully packaging a painting that has just sold. I dedicate my afternoons to other important tasks, like listing new pieces, editing photos, and managing bookkeeping. This balance keeps my creative flow steady and my business running smoothly.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

Many things inspire my art. Working in my flowerbeds, seeing open fields on road trips, visiting the beach near my childhood home, watching design shows, and listening to music. All these help shape my creativity and guide my work.

Tell us about your evolution as an artist.

Since I can remember, I’ve balanced my love for both painting and singing, sometimes focusing more on one than the other. I sang in rock bands while studying visual art in my twenties. In my early thirties, music became my primary passion as I worked full-time. Eventually, I began painting more seriously, showcasing my work in solo and group exhibitions, and being represented by local galleries. That was also when I started selling my art online. Over the years, my focus shifted increasingly toward my career as an artist. Though I miss singing, I no longer have the luxury of time to pursue both creative outlets. My art is currently my sole focus, occupying most of my time and creative energy.

How do you decide when an artwork is finished?

My process when painting is deeply intuitive and personal. I carefully build up both thick and thin layers of paint, allowing textures and colors to interact until the overall composition feels right and satisfies me in that moment. Often, the painting evolves organically as I work, responding to my emotions and thoughts. Sometimes, I revisit my pieces years later, feeling inspired to make subtle changes or additions, bringing the artwork up to date with my current perspective and artistic growth. This ongoing dialogue between me and my work keeps each piece alive and connected to my creative process.

What is the most interesting observation someone has made about your work?

A recent comment on my work described the colours as vibrant and hypnotic and noted that each viewing feels both stimulating and relaxing, always revealing something new.

Is there an artwork from another artist that has had a significant impact on you?

I would have to say that it is a mix of innovative styles and unique techniques developed by more than one remarkable artist that has had a significant and lasting impact on me. Here are three incredible artists that I deeply admire and the reasons why they inspire me: Gerhard Richter’s revolutionary squeegee technique that creates captivating textures and layers; Jackson Pollock's dynamic and energetic drip technique, which brings a raw, spontaneous quality to his work; and Cy Twombly’s romantic and poetic style, conveying emotion through expressive scribbles and gestures.

What’s your favorite museum?

My preferred museums include the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Tate Modern. Each institution features works by artists I greatly admire.

Is there anything else you’d like to share to help viewers better understand your work?

I want my paintings to be sanctuaries, where viewers get lost, find their own meaning, and connect emotionally. Just as I do when creating them.

Discover more artist features on UGallery

If you enjoyed this article about Lisa Carney's life and artwork, we recommed reading about Leslie Ann Butler's minimalist abstract paintings and Shannon Amidon's nature-inspired encaustic art.