Biography

Lisa Harris Meriwether is a native of New York City where she experienced the broad artistic offerings available there from an early age. While attaining a college degree in French, she travelled extensively in Europe and lived in Lyon, France for a year. She continues to draw much of her inspirations from french and italian subject matter.

In 1968, Meriwether moved to Atlanta, Georgia and enrolled in The High Museum of Art where she studied for three years under the tutelage of the artist, Ben Shute.

During the next ten years, she continued to paint in watercolor under the guidance of Clint Carter, Dorothy Mizell and Selma Beard. Following the death of Ben Shute, she travelled with his wife, Keenan, to Maine where she developed the “plein air” method of painting.

In the 1990’s, she discovered the joys of painting two regions, both a contrast in setting. The blue skies, aqua waters of Harbour Island, Bahamas provided further inspiration. It’s sandy, shaded lanes, the brightly painted early Colonial houses, gardens brimming with bougainvillea and hibiscus and windblown palm trees are all subjects showing her love for this island to this day.

In contrast, the rustic mountains of North Carolina have provided for her a totally different color palette. She has depicted the aging buildings nestled in the wheat fields surrounded by the mountain peaks as well as quiet ponds dotted with ferns and wild flowers. As seen in these impressionistic watercolors, she has a true affinity to this region.

Recently, Meriwether has shown a keen interest in figure drawing. She has worked with the artist, Ben Smith and later, the watercolorist, Marie Matthews, resulting in developing her own technique in this genre.

To date, she enjoys the mediums of watercolor, collage as well as pencil, charcoal and pastels.

She has also reproduced her paintings in note cards as well as created her own Christmas / Holiday cards. Her works of art are placed in residences and professional buildings throughout the United States.