The Art of Seeing
More Than an Art Class—An Aspen Experience.
Private art experiences for families, couples, friends, and visitors—creating memories together in the beauty of Aspen. No experience necessary. All supplies included.
Book Your Aspen Art Experience
Meet Lea
Your Creative Guide
Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the first time, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a unique Aspen experience, my goal is to help you relax, have fun, and create artwork you'll be proud to take home. Every experience is personal, encouraging, and designed to help you discover your creativity in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Throughout my career as a professional artist and instructor, I've had the privilege of helping children, adults, families, and visitors discover that creativity isn't about being perfect—it's about enjoying the experience, building confidence, and creating memories that last long after the paint has dried.
Whether we're painting your beloved pet, celebrating a family vacation, hosting a birthday party, or enjoying a quiet private lesson, every experience is thoughtfully tailored to your interests, your pace, and your group. My goal is simple: to help you create something meaningful while making your time together as memorable as the artwork itself.
From private lessons and Paint Your Pet experiences to family gatherings, celebrations, and community events, every experience is thoughtfully designed to bring people together through creativity.
You don't need to be an artist to enjoy the experience. All you need is a willingness to try something new, relax, and enjoy the creative process. I'll take care of the rest.
My greatest joy is watching people leave with a smile, a painting they're proud of, and a memory they'll always associate with their time in Aspen.
Signature Experience
The Aspen Pet Portrait Experience
Create a timeless portrait of your beloved pet in a relaxed, guided art experience—no experience necessary. Perfect for visitors, families, couples, and anyone looking for a meaningful creative experience inspired by the animals they love.
Create lasting memories through a relaxed, guided Pet Portrait Experience. Whether you're celebrating a family vacation, birthday, special occasion, or simply looking for a fun thing to do in Aspen, you'll enjoy a welcoming experience with all supplies included.
Private sessions · Group events · Charity fundraisers · Aspen & Snowmass
Creative Experiences in Aspen
Lea Studio Art offers private art lessons, pet portrait experiences, kids art classes, family painting experiences, and creative events throughout Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether you're visiting Aspen or live here year-round, there's a creative experience designed just for you.
Choose Your Aspen Art Experience
- Private Lessons — one-on-one instruction at any level
- Paint Your Pet — guided pet portrait sessions
- Kids Art Classes — creative exploration for children
- Creative Events — parties, retreats & community gatherings
Explore Aspen Art Experiences
Discover creative experiences designed for visitors, families, businesses, and the Aspen community. Explore each experience to find the perfect fit for your visit or special occasion.
Private Family Art Experiences
Celebrate birthdays, family reunions, vacations, and special occasions with a private family art experience designed for all ages. Whether you're gathering in a park, at your vacation home, or another beautiful Aspen location, everyone creates a painting to take home as a lasting memory of your time together. Every gathering is thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity, strengthen connections, and ensure every guest takes home a personalized work of art and a lasting memory of their time together.
Kids Art Classes in Aspen
Kids discover creativity through fun, hands-on art classes designed to build confidence, imagination, and creative confidence. Family participation is welcome — parents and children create together in a beginner-friendly, encouraging environment surrounded by the natural beauty of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.
Ready to Plan Your Creative Experience?
Whether you're visiting Aspen, celebrating a special occasion, planning a family gathering, organizing a corporate retreat, or simply looking to explore your creativity, I'd love to help you create something memorable. Private art lessons, Paint Your Pet experiences, children's classes, family events, and custom creative gatherings are available throughout Aspen, Snowmass, and the Roaring Fork Valley.
As Seen In
The Aspen Daily News
Lea Novgrad's art programs, creative experiences, and community events have been featured in The Aspen Daily News, recognizing her work with visitors, families, schools, charities, and organizations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.
From Pet Portrait Experience fundraisers and family art events to private lessons, children's art classes, and creative workshops, Lea's goal is simple: to make art approachable, engaging, and rewarding for artists of every age and experience level.
Private Lessons & Creative Workshops
Creative Moments in Aspen
From private art lessons and Pet Portrait Experiences to family art events, children's art classes, and creative workshops, every experience is thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and create lasting memories.
Kind Words
What Guests Are Saying
"I arrived convinced I couldn't paint and left with a portrait of my dog that now hangs in my home."
"Our family did Paint Your Pet during our Aspen vacation and it became one of the highlights of our trip."
"Lea has a way of making painting approachable and enjoyable, even for complete beginners."
Young Artists & Families
Kids & Family Art Experiences in Aspen
From outdoor painting adventures and family art days to hands-on creative projects, every experience is designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and create lasting family memories in Aspen.
What We Offer
Let's Plan Your Aspen Art Experience
Whether you're looking to develop your artistic skills, celebrate a special occasion, or create lasting memories with family and friends, Lea Art Studio offers creative experiences designed for all ages and skill levels.
Plan Your Aspen Art Experience
Call or Text Lea at 970-618-3368In the Community
Community Events & Creative Experiences
Featured in Aspen Daily News
Community art events, Paint Your Pet fundraisers, and creative experiences featured in local media.
Looking for a unique way to support a cause or bring people together? Custom painting events can be tailored for charities, nonprofits, schools, businesses, and special occasions throughout Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.
Corporate & Team-Building Events
Marianne Sefton, owner of PARC Aspen, welcomes her team back each season with an inspirational speaker, lunch, and a private painting experience with Lea Studio Art. The painting session encourages creativity, teamwork, communication, and connection in a relaxed environment. No painting experience is necessary.
Guest Experiences
First-time painters often discover artwork they never imagined possible in a welcoming and supportive environment. Many participants arrive with no previous experience and leave with a completed painting, new confidence, and lasting memories of their time in Aspen. The goal is not perfection—it's enjoying the creative process and having fun.
Bring Art to You
Private Events & Group Experiences
Group art experiences bring people together through creativity, conversation, and painting. Whether indoors, outdoors, at a private home, or in a community space, Lea Studio Art creates welcoming art experiences for birthdays, reunions, celebrations, visiting families, and private group events.
Family Art Experiences
Celebrate birthdays, family reunions, vacations, and special occasions with a private family art experience designed for all ages. Everyone creates a painting to take home as a lasting memory of your time together in Aspen.
Corporate Retreat
Creating together is one of the best ways to build confidence, friendships, and lasting memories. Whether painting with a sister, a friend, or a family member, every experience is filled with laughter, creativity, and the freedom to make each painting uniquely your own. No painting experience is necessary—just bring your imagination and enjoy creating something special together.
Outdoor Painting Experiences
Experience the beauty of Aspen through outdoor painting in inspiring locations surrounded by mountain scenery. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, every session is thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity, encourage connection with nature, and leave you with a personalized work of art to take home as a lasting memory of Aspen.
Celebrations & Special Occasions
Whether hosted in a private home, vacation rental, hotel, or community venue, every celebration is thoughtfully designed to bring people together through creativity. From children's birthday parties to family gatherings and vacation activities, guests of all ages can enjoy painting together while creating a unique keepsake to remember their time in Aspen and Snowmass.
Every guest takes home a personalized work of art—a meaningful keepsake and lasting memory of their time in Aspen.
Aspen Pitkin Senior Center
Adults discovering their artistic abilities in a supportive and welcoming environment. Beginner-friendly instruction with personalized guidance, celebrating creativity, lifelong learning, and social connection at any age. Every participant takes home a personalized work of art and a lasting memory of the experience.
Birthday Party Painting Experience
A private painting celebration designed for families and special occasions. Guests create a personalized keepsake while celebrating a milestone — fun, creative, and unforgettable for birthday parties, family gatherings, and private events.
Fun Whimsical Pet Painting Charity Event
Hosted in a private Aspen home, this Paint Your Pet charity event brought guests together to create one-of-a-kind pet portraits while supporting a meaningful cause. Beginner-friendly instruction, all supplies provided, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Family Reunions & Private Celebrations
When families gather in Aspen, shared creative experiences often become the most memorable part of the visit. For this private family reunion, an Aspen resident hosted a custom painting event in honor of her mother's birthday, bringing multiple generations together for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and connection.
Perfect for family reunions, milestone celebrations, vacation gatherings, and special occasions, every guest leaves with a personalized work of art and a lasting memory of their time together in Aspen.
Original Works
Artist Gallery
Original paintings by Lea Novgrad reflect a lifelong passion for color, light, and storytelling. Inspired by the landscapes, people, and spirit of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, each piece represents a unique artistic vision developed over more than three decades as a professional artist.
Lea Novgrad's work has received professional recognition throughout her career. Her paintings have been juried into exhibitions at the Boca Museum, featured in respected galleries, and collected by private collectors. Works from her Black Diamond collection were exhibited at the John McHugh Gallery in Aspen, where original paintings were offered with asking prices of up to $15,000.
Kind Words
What Guests Are Saying
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is watching people discover confidence, creativity, and joy through the artistic process. Here are a few of the experiences participants have shared.
"Our family participated in a Paint Your Pet experience during our Aspen vacation, and it became one of the highlights of our trip."
"I arrived convinced I couldn't paint and left with a portrait of my dog that now hangs proudly in my home."
"Lea made the process fun, encouraging, and surprisingly easy. I left with a painting I never thought I could create."
As Seen In
Featured in The Aspen Times
Featured in The Aspen Times, Lea Novgrad's work has been recognized for bringing creativity, community, and meaningful art experiences to Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. The article highlights her passion for inspiring visitors, families, and local residents through creative experiences that build confidence, connection, and lasting memories.
Read the Article
About the Artist
Inspiration from Nature.
Guidance from Experience.
My passion for art has been shaped by more than three decades of painting, teaching, and helping people discover their creativity. Inspired by the beauty of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, I create welcoming art experiences where visitors and locals of every skill level can relax, explore their creativity, and leave with a personalized work of art they'll treasure.
Start Your Art ExperienceGift Certificates
Give the Gift of Creativity
Looking for a meaningful gift? Surprise someone with an unforgettable Aspen art experience they'll remember long after their visit. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, family celebrations, and special occasions.
Lea Art Studio gift certificates can be used for Paint Your Pet experiences, private art lessons, family painting sessions, and special creative events.
Lea Art Studio Gift Certificate
Paint Your Pet Gift Certificate
To purchase a gift certificate or donate an experience to a local fundraiser, contact Lea Art Studio.
Purchase a Gift CertificateHave Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any art experience?
No. Every experience is designed for beginners as well as experienced artists. You'll receive personalized guidance in a relaxed, encouraging environment, and everyone leaves with a work of art they can be proud of.
Are supplies included?
Yes. All supplies are provided unless otherwise noted for a special event or custom project.
How long are lessons and events?
Most sessions are approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the experience.
Do you offer private art lessons?
Yes. Private lessons are available for individuals, couples, families, and small groups.
What is Paint Your Pet?
Paint Your Pet is a guided painting experience where participants create a portrait of their pet using a pre-sketched canvas and step-by-step instruction.
Do you host birthday parties and private events?
Yes. Lea Art Studio offers birthday parties, family gatherings, bachelorette celebrations, and other private creative experiences.
Do you offer corporate team-building events?
Yes. Custom painting experiences can be designed for businesses, retreats, and team-building activities.
Can I purchase a gift certificate?
Yes. Gift certificates are available for art lessons, Paint Your Pet experiences, and special events.
Do you travel to homes and vacation rentals?
Yes. Many experiences can be hosted at private homes, vacation properties, and event venues.
How do I get started?
Complete the contact form or call/text Lea at 970-618-3368 to discuss your experience and schedule a session.
Do you travel to homes and vacation rentals?
Yes. Many art experiences can be hosted in private homes, vacation rentals, and event venues throughout Aspen, Snowmass, and the Roaring Fork Valley.
Can I book a private event?
Yes. Private painting experiences are available for families, couples, groups, celebrations, and special occasions.
How many people can attend an event?
Experiences can be customized for individuals, small groups, families, and larger private events.
What should I bring?
Just bring yourself and your creativity. All supplies are typically provided.
Do you work with children?
Yes. Lea Art Studio offers creative experiences for children, teens, adults, and families.
Can Paint Your Pet experiences be used for fundraisers?
Yes. Lea Art Studio has donated Paint Your Pet experiences and gift certificates to local nonprofit organizations and fundraising events throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.
Can I take my painting home?
Yes. Every guest takes home their own personalized work of art at the end of the experience. It's a meaningful keepsake and a lasting memory of your time in Aspen.
Get in Touch
Plan Your Creative Experience
Whether you're interested in a private art lesson, Pet Portrait Experience, family gathering, birthday celebration, corporate event, or outdoor painting session, I'd love to help you create a memorable Aspen art experience. Complete the form below, and I'll be in touch personally.