Artist Statement

I'm inspired by Renaissance painters who capture  the flow of shapes and textures of flesh and fabrics.  I am compelled by a  photorealistic style of painting because of the challenge of capturing the soul and essence of a subject.

My subjects inspire my curiosity.  I am inspired by the personal narrative of each subject.  I have recently explored the perspective of the lifestyles and cultures of women from around the world.

As decades of life experiences have shaped my character and interests, so has my art evolved over time.  Working with different mediums, I've sought the perfect vehicle to express my vision – today I am an oil painter.  I've experimented with painting in different styles, often interpreting artists I admire such as surrealist Rene Magritte.

I view being an artist as a life-long process of discovering the beauty of the world around me!

Artist Biography

Teresa Shea is an accomplished artist based in Los Angeles.  Teresa has an AA degree in fine art from West Los Angeles College, and has continued her art education in drawing, watercolor, trompe l'oeil and oil painting at various institutions.  One of her instructors at Otis College of Art and Design gave her the highest complement by referring to her as, “the best student I've ever had”.  She has explored graphite and watercolor mediums, and her current passion is painting in oils.  Teresa continues to expand on her experience of making art by attending a variety of classes at Otis College of Art and Design.  She is a member of Oil Painters of America, National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society, National Guild of Professional Paperhangers, and Fallbrook Artists' Guild. 

Teresa spent over 40 years as a self-employed decorative painter and master wallcovering artist.  Her projects included free-hand painting from custom-designed stencils and murals and decorative wall finishes.  She was regularly asked to do installations for the Pasadena Showcase House of Design and the Design Mart in Downtown L.A., as well as numerous interior designers and construction professionals in the Los Angeles area.

At the 3rd Annual Fallbrook Artists' Guild Show, held in May of 2014, Teresa's painting, “Geisha”, was awarded 1st place. Geisha was accepted for exhibition at the 2014 California Open Exhibition at the Tag Gallery, Bergamot Station in Santa Monica.  "Geisha" was also one of 150 accepted entries in the Fall 2014 International On-Line Exhibit of the National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society.  The Orange County Creatives Gallery in Laguna Beach selected "Geisha" for their Faces 2015 exhibit.  Z Cafe in Fallbrook, California, hosted a solo exhibition of Teresa's paintings in 2017.  In November 2020 Teresa was selected to exhibit her work at the 19th Japan International Art Exchange Exhibition and was honored to be part of the U.S. contingent at the exhibition at the National Art Center Museum, Tokyo.