Lydia Farrell

Works
  • Lydia Farrell, Hungry Ghosts, 2025
    Hungry Ghosts, 2025
  • Lydia Farrell, Witchery, 2025
    Witchery, 2025
  • Lydia Farrell, Augury for Nex, 2025
    Augury for Nex, 2025
  • Lydia Farrell, Pallbearers, 2024
    Pallbearers, 2024
  • Lydia Farrell, Funereal Moon, 2022
    Funereal Moon, 2022
  • Lydia Farrell, On The Corner, 2022
    On The Corner, 2022
  • Lydia Farrell, Undertow, 2022
    Undertow, 2022
  • Lydia Farrell, "Thank You, Friends", 2023
    "Thank You, Friends", 2023
  • Lydia Farrell, Premature Burial, 2022
    Premature Burial, 2022
  • Lydia Farrell, Firebug, 2022
    Firebug, 2022
  • Lydia Farrell, Burning Wilderness, 2021
    Burning Wilderness, 2021
  • Lydia Farrell, Doom Hymn, 2021
    Doom Hymn, 2021
  • Lydia Farrell, Cthulhu's Oubliette, 2021
    Cthulhu's Oubliette, 2021
  • Lydia Farrell, Branches, VT, 2017
    Branches, VT, 2017
  • Lydia Farrell, Suburban Park III, 2016
    Suburban Park III, 2016
  • Lydia Farrell, Untitled (Neighborhood House), 2024
    Untitled (Neighborhood House), 2024
  • Lydia Farrell, Untitled (Mountains and Pine), 2024
    Untitled (Mountains and Pine), 2024
  • Lydia Farrell, Untitled (Highway), 2024
    Untitled (Highway), 2024
  • Lydia Farrell, Untitled (Cemetery), 2024
    Untitled (Cemetery), 2024
  • Lydia Farrell, Night Tree, 2017
    Night Tree, 2017
  • Lydia Farrell, Conference Room, 2017
    Conference Room, 2017
  • Lydia Farrell, Tanglewood, 2020
    Tanglewood, 2020
  • Lydia Farrell, Tales From the Crypt, 2020
    Tales From the Crypt, 2020
  • Lydia Farrell, Loose, 2020
    Loose, 2020
  • Lydia Farrell, Eartha Novella, 2020
    Eartha Novella, 2020
  • Lydia Farrell, Boxcar Coven, 2020
    Boxcar Coven, 2020
Overview

Lydia Farrell is an artist based in their hometown of Littleton, CO. They earned a BA from Knox College, a post-baccalaureate certificate from Brandeis University, and an MFA from Boston University in 2015. After completing their studies, Farrell returned to Colorado in 2016. Their work is deeply influenced by the changing landscapes of Denver’s suburbs, which have been a significant source of inspiration.

 

Farrell has participated in artist residencies in Beijing, China, as well as at the Vermont Studio Center and the Art Students League of New York’s VYT residency.

 

Their paintings offer a playful and insightful take on common suburban clichés, using vibrant colors and intricate compositions to transform the ordinary. The work draws from personal experiences and imaginative vision, depicting moments that blur the line between reality and the surreal.

 

Many of Farrell’s paintings evoke a sense of mystery and the supernatural, with eerie imagery such as graveyards, shadowy figures, and otherworldly symbols set against suburban backdrops. Despite the dark undertones, there is an undeniable energy and brightness in the work, amplified by Farrell’s use of fluorescent hues, which give the canvases an electric, almost otherworldly quality. These paintings convey a sense of darkness, but through skillful artistry and craft, they transport the viewer to a more dynamic and uplifting space.

 

"My paintings are inspired by the suburbs around me, which have remained largely unchanged since I grew up. I often take these familiar landscapes and add elements of gothic, paranormal, or horror movie-like imagery—a kind of suburban wish fulfillment. What sets my work apart is the blend of heavy metal and gothic influences, paired with a textured, painterly approach. I work with thick layers of paint or power sand the surfaces, embracing the atmosphere and energy of horror films and metal, though I don’t aim to create work that’s overtly scary. I enjoy working large, as it allows me room to make bold changes and edit freely.

 

I’m finally creating the work I’ve always wanted to make. Having the time and space to refine each piece has allowed me to produce something original that speaks to people, and that I can still appreciate even after stepping away from it. I began painting in 2009 during my sophomore year of college, and after discovering the potential of art as a lifelong pursuit, I went on to study at Brandeis and later earned my MFA from Boston University. Though I initially explored music and other creative paths, painting became the medium that truly resonated with me."

-Lydia Farrell

 

Exhibitions