PSYCHE by Vanessa Lemen

Conversations with Artists is an ongoing series that I am doing for Muddy Colors. This month, I was able to have an insightful conversation with artist and Muddy Colors contributor Vanessa Lemen. We talked about her intuitive approach to painting, the importance of playful experimentation in a sketchbook and her ongoing connection to the natural world. In addition, we also discussed her new book called Sentience, where the artist eloquently expresses both her voice and vision.

Sentience is authored and illustrated by Vanessa Lemen (co-published by Spiridon Giannakis and Editions Caurette). The book originally was published in two versions, a standard (still available for purchase) as well as a premium version (only available through the original Kickstarter campaign).

 

Check out the full video interview below between artists Vanessa Lemen and Lisa L Cyr :

 

“Art is a voyage, a companionship in solitude, a perseverance. It’s connection, dialogue, a space for stillness, development, contemplation, patience.”  – Vanessa Lemen

(excerpt from Art is the Experience as featured in the book Sentience)

 

SHADOW TELLER by Vanessa Lemen

 

Throughout the interview, Lemen is painting a figurative work entitled Anemoi. Currently a work-in-progress (although almost finished), the piece is a beautiful amalgamation of the artist’s thoughts on life and art.

 

 

Lemen is using a lead-primed ALLINPANEL from Artefex, which is a linen canvas mounted on an ACM (aluminum composite material) panel. Artefex Allinpanel™ is a professional art panel for oil painting with 100% linen canvas oil-primed in Italy and adhered with BEVA 371 film to a two-sided aluminum composite panel, consisting of two aluminum sheets laminated to both sides of a black polyethylene core. This panel is 3mm thick and is available in Medium (536), Fine (537), and Extra Fine (538) in sizes from 8 x 10 to 20 x 24 inches.

 

OUTRIDERS by Vanessa Lemen

 

To rent or download a Muddy Colors exclusive video showing the artist working on the painting featured above, go to Vanessa Lemen FLOW.

 

 

 

copyright 2025 Lisa L Cyr, Cyr Studio LLC, all rights reserved