Lisa Flahive

Capturing Chicago’s Figures in Motion

Lisa Flahive is most widely known for her expressive drawings and watercolors of jazz musicians, created live, in the moment, on the bandstand. This allows her to improvise, react, and communicate with the musicians. She chooses watermedia because it reflects the life of the music and must be created boldly, in the moment.

Lisa paints and sketches what inspires her, such as inviting cafes or wonderful chefs in the kitchen. She also loves to capture the energy of a city in her vibrant street scenes, and paints many en plein air, at night. 

Lisa is in her tenth season as the artist in residence for Chateau Chantal Winery in Traverse City, Michigan and paints live on the bandstand every Thursday during their popular Jazz at Sunset series. She also paints the Jeff Haas Trio live every Wednesday at The Union in Northport, Michigan.

A popular instructor, Lisa enjoys demonstrating her techniques in both urban sketching and watercolor as a way of encouraging others and helping them to find their own voice.  Lisa’s work can be found in hotels and businesses throughout the region, and was featured in Blick Art Supply’s Fall Sales Flyer 2015. 

Lisa can be contacted through her website at Lisa Flahive.com.

Find Lisa online at 

Facebook:  Lisa Flahive Artist 

Web:  lisaflahive.com