Gabriel Lehman is a self-taught artist who began painting in 2009 after 14 years working in construction, specializing in flooring. Without formal training, he developed a style entirely his own: playful, imaginative, and rooted in a deep curiosity about the world around him. His work, which he describes as illustrative surrealism, often features dreamlike landscapes and expansive cloudscapes that invite viewers into a place of wonder, humor, and possibility.

Lehman’s path to art was anything but traditional. Living with dyslexia, he found conventional learning environments difficult, but that challenge ultimately shaped the way he sees and creates. Today, he shares that perspective by speaking with students about different types of intelligence, encouraging them to trust their instincts and embrace the ways they think differently.

Working primarily in acrylic, Lehman paints with a sense of curiosity and play, building worlds that feel both familiar and slightly offbeat. His pieces carry a lightness that reflects his belief that art doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful.

Now traveling the country in an RV with his shih-tzu, Creature, Lehman is continually searching for new places to park, observe, and gather inspiration. Whether it’s a wide-open sky, a quiet roadside stop, or an unexpected color combination at sunset, his surroundings shape the evolving landscapes that appear in his work.