Sprezzatura: The Art of Effortless Grace

June 6 - 26, 2025

Lisa Nordale presents a new series of paintings that explore what it means to make something look easy—even when it’s anything but. The show is built around the idea of sprezzatura, a word from the Italian Renaissance that describes a kind of effortless style, where skill and hard work are hidden behind a relaxed appearance. The paintings in this show feel loose, spontaneous, even casual at first glance. Brushstrokes flow freely, colors shift gently, and compositions seem to come together naturally. But behind that sense of ease is a careful process—each piece is the result of planning, revision, and a deep understanding of how paint moves and behaves. Rather than showing off, these works hold something back. They don’t demand attention, but they reward a closer look. In that way, they reflect a quieter kind of confidence—one that doesn’t need to shout. Through this collection, Lisa offers a reflection on how we present ourselves and our work: the tension between effort and appearance, between polish and honesty. It’s about finding beauty in what feels natural, even if it took a lot to get there.