Sydney Lemmon is a representational painter whose work blends vibrant colors with whimsical subject matter. Currently based in Texas, Sydney was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado where she developed her skills in traditional drawing and painting. With her mom being a high school art teacher and her grandfather a Plein Air painter, she was exposed to the arts at a very young age. Her natural talent for drawing and painting was nurtured growing up through consistent practice and discipline. Now as a student at Texas A&M University she was officially introduced to oil painting by Professor Felice House where she fell in love with the Alla prima technique.
Her work stems from her fascination with color theory and the emotional impact of light and shadow, which affects her work of all subject matter. Whether portraying expressive animals or atmospheric landscapes, Sydney Lemmon creates captivating works of art.
About Me
Artist Statement
From expressive depictions of cats to abstract interpretations of lemons, my work spans a wide spectrum of subjects. Through this diversity, I aim to tell hidden stories throughout my art. I enjoy pairing unlikely objects in uncommon scenarios to create a narrative that invites the viewer. Whether the tone is witty or somber, each piece aims to evoke meaningful connections, offering layers of discovery for both myself and my audience.
My creative process is guided by a deep understanding of light and color. I approach shadows and highlights with the principle that shadows are cool and highlights are warm, shifting the conventional black-to-white value scale to a spectrum of blue to yellow. I completely omit black from my palette and minimize the use of white, allowing a full range of unmuted, vibrant colors to emerge. Central to my work is the color yellow, which serves as a unifying foundation rather than a mere accent. Yellow amplifies vibrancy, enhances spatial depth, and diffuses beautifully into highlights, tying the composition together with energy and cohesion.
To set the tone for a piece, I begin with a bright underpainting, allowing it to peek through in subtle yet intentional ways—often in unexpected details, such as the pupil of an eye or the grout between tiles. This transparency, combined with thick brushstrokes, creates a layered and dynamic interplay between highlights and shadows, adding dimension to the work.
By merging bold, playful imagery with technical precision, my paintings celebrate representational art in a fresh, contemporary context, inviting curiosity and connection through both narrative and technique.
Awards and Exhibitions
Best in Traditional Flatwork • Viza-go-go (2024) – Traditional Flatwork
Best in Traditional Flatwork • Viza-go-go (2023) – Traditional Flatwork
Best in Videogame Design • Viza-go-go (2023) – 3D Digital Game
SRISA Gallery of Contemporary Art Florence, Italy: Exhibition Spring (2024)
Wright Gallery FRESH FORWARD II: Annual PVFA & SOA Student Exhibition (2023)
2nd Place Winner • MSC Gallery ArtFest (2023) – Oil Painting
People’s Favorite • MSC Gallery ArtFest (2022) – Drawing & Illustration
Visualization Department Scholarship (2024)
Silver Medal • National Scholastics Award (2021) – Drawing & Illustration
Gold Key • Scholastics Award (2021) – Drawing & Illustration
Honorable Mention • Scholastics Award (2021) – 3D Multimedia
“Best Teen Art 2021” Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Publication – April 2021
Colorado Art Educator’s Association Award and Scholarship (2021)
Sid Richardson Memorial Scholarship (2021 – Current)
Fall Show Visualization (2021) • 2D Design, Various Pieces
Fall Show Visualization (2022) • Life Drawing & Painting, Various Pieces
Fall Show Visualization (2024) • Life Drawing & Painting, Various Pieces
Viza-go-go Spring (2022) • 3D Design & Drawing, Various Pieces
Viza-go-go Spring (2023) • 3D Design & Drawing, Various Pieces
Viza-go-go Spring (2024) • 3D Design & Painting, Various Pieces
Gold Key • Scholastics Award (2019) – Drawing & Illustration
American Visions Award • Scholastics Art and Writing (2019) – Drawing & Illustration
Gold Key • Scholastics Award (2018) – Drawing & Illustration
