Lisa Tahar was born in 1963 in Leipzig, where she continues to live and work today. After a full and busy life in other professions and after raising four children who are now adults, she entered a new chapter upon retirement. In 2018, she began painting landscape scenes in oil on canvas, transforming a long-held admiration for art into a passionate and steadily growing artistic practice.
Today, Lisa Tahar is known for her serene landscapes that invite viewers into quiet, contemplative worlds. Her journey demonstrates that creativity does not depend on age, but on dedication, sensitivity, and the courage to begin.
A Late Artistic Awakening
For many years, Lisa Tahar’s life revolved around professional responsibilities and family. Art was present as a quiet interest, but not yet as a central focus. It was only after retirement that she allowed herself the time and freedom to explore painting more deeply.
Beginning in 2018, she immersed herself in oil painting, concentrating primarily on landscapes. What started as a personal exploration quickly developed into a serious commitment. Through consistent practice and self-discipline, she refined her technique and gradually built a distinctive body of work.
Her artistic path is a reminder that it is never too late to pursue one’s passion. In fact, the richness of lived experience often adds depth and emotional resonance to creative expression.
Inspiration and Influence
A significant influence on Lisa Tahar’s early artistic development was the American painter and television personality Bob Ross. Known for his calm teaching style and his program The Joy of Painting, Bob Ross inspired countless viewers to believe that painting is accessible to everyone.
Lisa Tahar was particularly moved by his philosophy of painting with confidence and joy. The idea that art could be both meditative and expressive resonated deeply with her. While his approach encouraged her first steps, she gradually moved toward her own motifs and interpretations.
Today, she paints both original compositions and landscapes inspired by reference images found online. Her work reflects a personal sensitivity to atmosphere, light, and seasonal transformation. Although influenced by Bob Ross, her paintings possess their own character, shaped by her environment and her individual perspective.
The Language of Oil and Nature
Lisa Tahar works exclusively with oil paints on canvas. The medium allows her to create subtle color transitions and layered depth, which are essential for capturing the quiet mood of her landscapes.
Her compositions are characterized by tranquility. She avoids dramatic or overly complex scenes, focusing instead on rivers, forests, and open natural spaces. The absence of human figures or distracting elements is intentional. By simplifying the visual field, she amplifies the sense of stillness and harmony.
Nature, in her paintings, is not wild or overwhelming. It is balanced, peaceful, and reflective. Light plays a crucial role, gently illuminating trees, water, and sky, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition without force.
“Autumn Is Coming”: A Study in Quiet Transformation
One of her representative works, Autumn Is Coming, illustrates her artistic philosophy with clarity and sensitivity. This oil painting on canvas measures 50 x 70 cm and depicts a tranquil river landscape at the end of summer.
In this scene, the green tones of summer begin to fade. The forests slowly shift into warmer hues, signaling the arrival of autumn. The river flows calmly, reflecting the surrounding trees and sky. There is a sense of balance and stillness that dominates the composition.
Importantly, the painting contains no distracting elements. There are no boats, no buildings, no figures. This deliberate simplicity preserves the absolute calm of the scene. The viewer is invited to pause and immerse themselves in the gentle transition of seasons.
Autumn symbolizes change and maturity. In many ways, the theme resonates with Lisa Tahar’s own artistic evolution. Just as nature moves into a new phase, she embraced a new creative chapter later in life, allowing transformation to become a source of beauty.
Expanding International Presence
Since beginning her artistic journey, Lisa Tahar has steadily built an international exhibition record. Her works were shown multiple times at Galerie Onil in Bremen between 2021 and 2022, including a duo exhibition in April 2022.
Her artistic reach expanded further through collaborations with VERUM under the direction of Mauro Giampieri. She exhibited in Venice in September 2023 and in Rome at Galleria La Pigna in April 2024. Additional exhibitions followed in Rome with ROSSOCINABRO in March/April 2025 and in Naples at Galerie Spazio57 in June 2025.
Her upcoming and recent exhibitions include presentations in Milan, Bratislava, Florence, and Prague, as well as participation in the Venice International Art Fair 2026 organized by ITSLIQUID GROUP. These international platforms reflect the growing appreciation of her peaceful landscapes and her consistent dedication to her craft.
Painting as Reflection and Presence
For Lisa Tahar, painting is not merely a technical exercise but a form of reflection. Each canvas becomes a space of calm contemplation. In a world often defined by noise and constant movement, her landscapes offer the opposite: silence, balance, and the gentle rhythm of nature.
The absence of dramatic storytelling allows viewers to project their own emotions and memories into her scenes. The quiet river, the changing forest, and the open sky become mirrors for personal reflection.
Her art reminds us that beauty can be found in subtle transitions, in seasonal shifts, and in moments of stillness. Through oil and canvas, Lisa Tahar captures these fleeting impressions and preserves them in timeless compositions.
Her journey continues, rooted in Leipzig yet reaching audiences far beyond. What began as a post-retirement exploration has evolved into a meaningful and expanding artistic career, defined by serenity, dedication, and a deep respect for the quiet poetry of landscape.
