United States

Los Angeles 

Tahnee Lonsdale

The LA-based painter lists her favourite gallery, food and market spots in her home city.

 was born in the UK, and it was in London that the artist received a BA from the Byam Shaw School of Art. Since graduating in 2007, she's exhibited her works around the world, from London to Hong Kong and LA – the latter of which she now resides in.

In her work, Lonsdale reflects upon her own life on canvas and explores ideas on emotional divinity. Her paintings often feature fluid, inflated and contorted forms that appear to be embracing, or joined together, in a way that's both intimate and claustrophobic. The mundanities of life are elevated through her depictions of intimacy, painting characters that meld into one another. The colour palette focuses mainly on bright shades, from vivid yellows or soft pinks contrasted against deep blues.

As someone whose work focuses on visual explorations, we asked Lonsdale how we should dive into the cultural underbelly of LA. Scroll down for her highlights, and head to 

Avant Arte 

For a little retail therapy away from Rodeo Drive, check out LCD and General Store for everything you don’t need that you want.

Not Venice technically, but close enough. Me and my kids love this place. So much delicious food, always a DJ playing great tunes. Lots of local artisans. Love the dumplings and also the Nutella, strawberries and cream crepes.

A hidden gem in Santa Monica. It lives in a five car garage, as the name suggests. Is run by Emma Gray – a force of a woman, British and also an artist. She runs a meditation studio above the gallery and is a reiki master. What more could you ask for?!

The first gallery I saw when I arrived in LA. I fell in love instantly. Now my studio is round the corner from them and I can wander over whenever I like. I also had my first show with them last year.

Five Car Garage

Related Guides