Epiphany Art
Lena L
Lena is a self-taught portrait artist specialising in oil painting and charcoal. Drawing on her background as a psychologist and clinical scientist, she explores the human mind, emotions, and individuality through carefully observed, realistic portraiture.
Mediums: Oil · Charcoal
Themes: Portraiture · Human emotion · Psychology & the human mind · Realism· Beauty of God's creation
Location: London, UK
Available for all types of commissions
About Lena
Lena is a self-taught portrait artist specialising in oil painting and charcoal. Having discovered her passion for painting after completing her doctoral studies, she brings together her background as a psychologist and clinical scientist with a deep fascination for the human mind, emotions, and individuality.
Lena's artwork is characterised by meticulous observation, realistic representation, and a sensitivity to the subtle expressions that reveal the inner life of her subjects. Inspired by the classical masters, including Bouguereau, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Sargent, she seeks to capture not only physical likeness but also the soul and essence of each person she paints.
Lena views each sitter as a unique creation of God and approaches painting as an act of contemplation, gratitude, and prayer. Through her portraits, she celebrates the beauty, dignity, and quiet presence of the divine reflected in the human person.
In their own words
"As a psychologist and clinical scientist, I have always been intrigued by the human brain, mind and emotions. My scientific background has shaped my work, which features detailed analysis and representation of the subject matter, along with a strong emphasis on the subtleties and range of emotional expressions."
" To me, the whole painting process is akin to the Benedictine motto of “Ora et labora”, where my creative work feels like a spiritual form of meditation."
"I often marvel at the uniqueness of each individual sitter as a beautiful creation of God. This can often transform each painting session into a fulfilling and contemplative encounter for me personally, as I attempt to capture their true essence and personality on a blank canvas."
Faith and the creative act
For Lena, faith is deeply woven into the act of painting. Inspired by the sacred artworks found in churches and cathedrals, she sees creativity as a form of worship — a way of reflecting the beauty of God’s creation and drawing closer to Him.
Her practice is shaped by the Benedictine principle of Ora et Labora (prayer and work), where the careful process of observing, painting, and revealing the character of each sitter becomes a contemplative encounter. Through portraiture, Lena seeks to honour the individuality, dignity, and beauty of each person, transforming the canvas into a space of connection, reflection, and prayer.
Selected works
