Lehman painting as a featured artist at Indiana Artisan Marketplace. Photo by David Hutchison.

Gabriel Lehman is a self-taught artist who started painting in 2009. Prior to pursuing his passion for art, Lehman worked in construction with a focus on flooring for 14 years. Despite not having any formal training, Lehman’s unique perspective and whimsical style quickly gained him a following. His paintings often feature dreamlike landscapes with a particular emphasis on clouds, imbuing a sense of joy and wonder into his art.

Lehman’s path to becoming an artist was not without challenges. As someone with dyslexia, traditional learning was a torture for him so he now volunteers his time, speaking to students about different types of intelligence and encouraging them to embrace their own unique strengths. It was with perseverance and dedication to his craft that he developed his own world and coined the term “illustrative surrealism” to describe his work.

Using acrylic paint, Lehman creates art that is a reflection of his playful spirit, evoking a sense of childlike wonder in his viewers. Despite not attending college, Lehman has made a name for himself in the art world and continues to inspire others to pursue their passions with joy and determination.