Paintings from life, memory,
and the heart of Chicago.
Lisa DePinto is a Chicago-based oil painter, portrait artist, and art instructor whose work captures people, places, animals, and everyday moments with honesty, color, and emotion.
See Lisa’s classes & instruction →Lisa DePinto is a Chicago-based artist, portrait painter, and instructor creating original oil paintings, figurative works, cityscapes, still lifes, and commissioned artwork — each one made by hand, from observation and feeling.
A Painter’s World
Featured Paintings
A look across portraits, animals, cityscapes, still life, and figurative work — painted in oil, from life and photography.
A Painting Created Just for You
A commissioned painting is more than a photograph recreated on canvas — it is a personal work of art, made with attention, observation, and feeling, to be cherished for generations.
Portraits
Individual and family portraits, children, and loved ones — painted from life or photography.
Pet Portraits
Dogs, cats, horses, and beloved animals captured with character and warmth.
Homes & Cityscapes
Chicago homes, neighborhood scenes, and the meaningful places that hold a story.
Memorial Paintings
Tasteful, emotional paintings honoring a person or pet who is dearly missed.
Gift Commissions
Anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, retirements, and family milestones.
Special Pieces
Have something else in mind? Lisa loves a meaningful, one-of-a-kind idea.
Learn to Paint with Lisa
Beyond her own canvases, Lisa is a dedicated instructor — teaching drawing, painting, figurative work, still life, and painting from life with a focus on observation, composition, light, color, and personal expression.
She is faculty at the North Shore Art League in Winnetka, where she is described as a professional figurative, portrait, and mural artist.
Essentials of Building a Painting
Instruction for students learning to start and complete a painting — inspiration, subject matter, composition, light and dark patterns, color, and demonstrations.
A Chicago Painter’s Life’s Work
Lisa DePinto is a Chicago-born artist, oil painter, portrait artist, and teacher whose work is rooted in observation, storytelling, and the human presence.
She studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, the Art Students League and New York Academy of Art, and the School of Visual Arts in New York — and has painted and taught for decades.
“I feel most alive when painting from life.”
Meet Lisa
From Clients & Students
The portrait Lisa painted of our family is the first thing everyone notices when they walk in. It feels alive.
Commission ClientLisa taught me how to actually see — light, shadow, and color. My painting changed completely.
North Shore Art League StudentA portrait of our child that we will treasure forever. Thoughtful, patient, and so talented.
Portrait Client
Written testimonials shown as examples — real client & student quotes to be added.
Ready to commission a painting or learn more about Lisa’s classes?
Whether you’re dreaming up a portrait, a tribute to a beloved pet, or you’re ready to pick up a brush yourself — let’s talk.