Featured Artist Lynne Meneses

From secret childhood art lessons in Beijing to bold, color-saturated canvases in New York, Lynne Meneses paints with unstoppable energy and heart. View more artwork on her website.

 

 

If you’d met me as a child in 1960’s Beijing, you probably wouldn’t have guessed I’d become a working artist in New York decades later. Back then, my artistic dreams seemed almost impossible—after all, the Cultural Revolution made all forms of creative expression off-limits and paralyzed schools.

 

 

Still, I was lucky to find an unexpected mentor: a friend’s father, 陈永祥 (Chen Yong Xiang, 1925 – 2012), a professional artist who quietly opened his home to a couple of us kids. We’d gather in his makeshift classroom, learning to see the world a little differently, one stroke at a time. Looking back, it’s remarkable how those secret art sessions became the foundation for everything that followed.

 

 

When I first arrived in New York, it was to study engineering in graduate school at City College—not art. But the city’s creative pulse was irresistible. Before long, I switched to the Art School on campus, finally chasing the dream that had always lit me up inside.

 

 

Professor Madeleine Gekiere (Swiss American artist 1919-2014) was truly inspiring. She challenged me to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and to push my boundaries, explore new ideas, and turn inspiration into art. She, along with her friend, artist Roz Roose, who generously gave me a place to stay in Manhattan during my studies, helped me feel at home in a new country and a new world.

 

 

Those experiences—scrappy beginnings in Beijing, a leap of faith across the globe, and the kindness of mentors—have shaped not just my art, but my whole approach to life. In 1987, I earned my MFA at City College, a milestone that made me believe I could really pursue this path. Since then, my career has woven together both art and engineering, each discipline enriching the other.

 

 

In recent years, I’ve focused solely on creating authentic art. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my work in exhibitions across the U.S. and overseas, with highlights in New York and Venice. Seeing my paintings featured in publications and on respected art platforms is always a thrill, but the best part is hearing from someone who connects with my art—especially when people who’ve purchased my paintings reach out to share how a piece resonated with them. Those personal messages are truly amazing and remind me why I paint.

 

 

Influenced by the boldness of the Blue Rider artists and the vivid colors of Matisse, I’ve developed a style that reflects both my inner journey and my lived experiences. I hope my art gives viewers a spark of wonder, beauty, and transformation—because I truly believe creativity can flourish anywhere, even in the most unexpected places.

 

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