About Me...

Lester West is an Illinois-based, self-taught artist whose work bridges traditional and digital media. A decade in the U.S. Army took him to places like Germany and Italy and deepened his curiosity about people and place — a curiosity that finds its way into every piece he creates.

From childhood doodles to award-winning high school works (including recognition in Who’s Who in America, 1983–84), art has always been his compass. Though not formally trained beyond high school art, Lester taught himself across many mediums: watercolor remains a favorite, and he now explores digital painting with pen displays and Adobe Photoshop. He also works in pen and ink, colored pencil, charcoal, oils and acrylics, and has experimented with Corel Painter.

Lester draws inspiration from storytellers and masters alike — Norman Rockwell’s narrative warmth, the boldness of Picasso, and the technical brilliance of Michelangelo — while following his own path.