Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Technology: The Shana Levenson x Artefex Collaboration

By Artefex | Reading Time: 4 Minutes

A Master of Contemporary Realism

In the world of contemporary figurative art, few names command as much respect as Shana Levenson. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Shana has carved out a distinct niche with an art style that blends classical training with a deeply personal, modern narrative. Her artwork often explores the intimacy of the human experience, capturing everything from the delicate textures of lace to the profound vulnerability of her subjects.

As a dedicated artist and mentor, Shana isn’t just focused on the final image; she is obsessed with the process and the permanence of her work. This pursuit of excellence is what naturally led to the Shana Levenson x Artefex collaboration, a partnership built on a shared mission: ensuring that art truly lasts for generations.

The Challenge of Substrate Warping

Every professional artist knows the sinking feeling of watching a masterpiece succumb to its own foundation. For centuries, artists have battled the instability of traditional substrates: wood that bows with humidity, and canvas that sags or rots over time. In the high-desert climate of the Southwest or the humid coastal regions where many of Shana’s collectors reside, environmental damage is a constant threat to an artist’s legacy.

Whether it is the excessive weight of large-scale wood cradles or the chemical degradation of organic fibers, traditional materials often fail the very art they are meant to support.

Engineering the “Artefex Advantage”

Artefex provides the technical solution to these age-old frustrations. By utilizing aerospace-grade Aluminum Composite Material (ACM), Artefex has created a line of modern wall art supports that are completely non-hygroscopic—meaning they will never warp, rot, or react to humidity.

During the collaboration, Shana has frequently utilized specialized surfaces like the Oleo Panel (411) and Lead Primed Linen, which offer a unique “grip” and luminosity that traditional gessoed boards cannot match. These panels provide a rigid, stable surface that allows for the fine, intricate details characteristic of Shana Levenson’s artwork.

The Shana Levenson Professional Surface

To achieve the luminous skin tones and intricate lace details her work is known for, Shana relies on a surface that offers both precision and permanence. She specifically utilizes Artefex foundations to ensure her portraits remain as vibrant and structurally sound as the day they were painted.

You can now use the exact archival panels trusted by Shana in her Albuquerque studio and her international workshops.

• Shop Shana Levenson Workshop Panels — These curated ACM panels are selected for their superior “grip” and archival stability, designed specifically for the demands of high-level contemporary realism.

Why Use ACM Panels for Oil Paint?

Warp Resistance: Unlike wood, aluminum does not expand or contract with temperature or moisture.

Archival Stability: Artefex panels use pH-neutral, heat-activated adhesives that are reversible for museum-grade conservation.

Lightweight Strength: Even large-scale works remain easy to ship and handle, reducing the physical strain for the artist.

Surface Variety: With 22 different surface options, artists can find the exact tooth and absorbency required for their specific technique.

A Legacy in the Making

Shana Levenson’s accolades speak for themselves, with her work featured in prestigious galleries and publications worldwide. As a dedicated ambassador for Artefex, she represents the top tier of professional artists who refuse to compromise on their materials. Her choice to use custom art panels from Artefex isn’t just a preference—it’s a professional standard that signals to collectors that her work is an heirloom-quality investment.

Shana Levenson

Shana Levenson is an accomplished representational painter based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her artistic journey began with a BA in Fashion Design from The University of Texas, Austin. Following the birth of her children, she pursued and completed an MFA in Fine Art Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Her work primarily focuses on portraiture and the figure, capturing significant people in her life to tell authentic, meaningful stories. Known for her hyperrealistic style, Levenson emphasizes delicate details—body shape, lace, and jewelry—drawing heavily from her background in fashion. Her current work also incorporates surrealistic elements that highlight the strength and beauty of women.

Beyond her studio, Shana is a dedicated global educator. She teaches workshops out of her Albuquerque studio and mentors students worldwide, a process that has shaped her patient, individualized approach to artistic guidance. Her work is exhibited in premier galleries across the United States, including Rehs Gallery (NYC), Sugarlift (NYC), Corey Helford Gallery (LA), and Abend Gallery (Denver).

Shana Levenson is an accomplished representational painter based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her artistic journey began with a BA in Fashion Design from The University of Texas, Austin. Following the birth of her children, she pursued and completed an MFA in Fine Art Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Her work primarily focuses on portraiture and the figure, capturing significant people in her life to tell authentic, meaningful stories. Known for her hyperrealistic style, Levenson emphasizes delicate details—body shape, lace, and jewelry—drawing heavily from her background in fashion. Her current work also incorporates surrealistic elements that highlight the strength and beauty of women.

Beyond her studio, Shana is a dedicated global educator. She teaches workshops out of her Albuquerque studio and mentors students worldwide, a process that has shaped her patient, individualized approach to artistic guidance. Her work is exhibited in premier galleries across the United States, including Rehs Gallery (NYC), Sugarlift (NYC), Corey Helford Gallery (LA), and Abend Gallery (Denver).

Major Awards & Recognition

• 2019: Outstanding Figurative Award, American Women Artists
• 2018: Chairman’s Choice Award, ARC Salon Show
• 2018: Best in Show, Allied Artists of America, Salmagundi Club, NYC
• 2018: Honorable Mention, Portrait Society of America
• 2017: Best Oil Painting, NOAPS Best of America Exhibition
• 2015: Honorable Mention, ModPortrait Competition, MEAM, Barcelona, Spain

Global Teaching & Workshops

• 2022: Rome Art Residency, Rome, Italy
• 2020: Lace Painting & Portraiture, Scottsdale Artist’s School, AZ
• 2019: Painting the Portrait from Life, Art Academy, Adelaide, Australia
• 2018: Drawing the Portrait from Life, Seville, Spain
• 2017: Drawing Beyond the Photo Workshop, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Notable Publications

• 2019: TIME Person of the Year (Paintings of Influencers)
• 2018: International Artist Magazine (12 Women Artists)
• 2017: The Artist’s Magazine (Cover and Featured Article)
• 2015: Southwest Art Magazine (Artist to Watch)