Lisa Onstad is an abstract painter based in the Pacific Northwest whose work explores our shifting connections to self and place. She balances intention and chance, structure with spontaneity—always seeking surprise in the outcome. Travel is a central source of inspiration in Lisa’s work. It heightens her senses and helps her see the world with fresh eyes—a feeling she brings back into the studio. Drawn to the vibrant but sometimes overwhelming visual stimuli encountered on her journeys—unexpected colors, bold patterns, rich textures—she often uses the familiar patterns of checks, plaids, and stripes to bring order to her experiences. This comforting repetition of pattern and color allows her to fully embody those moments. Through her process, Lisa is able to slow down, appreciate the richness in the details, and find wonder and meaning in both the familiar and the unfamiliar. This openness expands both her creative work and how she moves through the world. Lisa has worked as an art therapist, managed a letterpress print shop, and taught painting and book arts workshops in Oregon and California. She studied art at Lewis & Clark College, the San Francisco Art Institute and the Oregon College of Art and Craft. Her work is held in both public and private collections in the U.S. and abroad.