Meet Lex R. Thomas
Portrait Artist & Founder of LRT Studio
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I’m Lex R. Thomas, a figurative artist and portrait painter based in Lafayette, Louisiana.
For years, my work as a fine artist has explored themes of identity, memory, relationships, and the experiences that shape us. Through LRT Studio, I bring those same interests into commissioned portraiture, creating paintings that help people honor the individuals, animals, and moments that matter most to them.
While my personal artwork often examines internal experiences and human connection, portrait commissions allow me to focus that attention outward. Every piece begins with someone’s story, whether it’s a beloved pet, a meaningful relationship, a family member, or a moment worth remembering.
My goal isn’t simply to recreate a photograph. It’s to create a painting that feels personal, lasting, and true to the person or memory it represents.
Why Portraiture?
I’ve always been interested in the ways we hold onto people and experiences.
Photographs are often where those memories begin, but a painting asks us to slow down. It invites us to spend time with a person, a relationship, or a moment in a different way.
A portrait becomes part of a home and part of a family’s history. It can celebrate a milestone, honor someone who has passed, commemorate a beloved pet, or simply preserve a chapter of life that feels important.
The most meaningful commissions aren’t really about the painting itself. They’re about what the painting represents.
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The Foundation Behind LRT Studio
The Studio
LRT Studio is built around the belief that meaningful things deserve to be made with care.
Every portrait is painted by hand in my Lafayette studio and developed through a collaborative process. We begin with a conversation about what you’re hoping to preserve and why it matters to you. From there, I guide you through each stage of the commission so the final painting feels both personal and thoughtfully crafted.
Some portraits celebrate the present. Others help us remember the past.
Many do both.
The Vision
We live in a time when thousands of photographs can disappear into a phone, computer, or cloud folder.
A painted portrait offers something different.
It creates a physical object tied to a memory, relationship, or experience. Something that can be displayed, shared, and passed down.
Long after a moment has passed, the portrait remains.
What You Can Expect
A Collaborative Process
Every commission begins with a conversation about your vision, reference photos, timeline, and goals for the piece. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or need guidance along the way, I’ll help you navigate the process from start to finish.
Professional Craftsmanship
Each portrait is painted by hand using professional-grade materials chosen for their longevity, color stability, and archival quality.
Clear Communication
You’ll receive updates throughout the process, including opportunities for feedback at key stages. My goal is to make the experience straightforward, transparent, and enjoyable.
A Meaningful Final Piece
The finished portrait is intended to be more than a decoration. It should feel connected to the person, relationship, memory, or experience that inspired it.
An Artistic Practice Rooted in Connection
Every portrait begins with reference photographs, but the process extends far beyond replication.
As a figurative artist, I spend a great deal of time observing subtle details: the way someone carries themselves, a familiar expression, the relationship between people, or the small characteristics that make a beloved pet instantly recognizable.
These details are often what people connect with most. They are also what transform a portrait from an image into something that feels familiar and alive.
Through careful observation, thoughtful composition, and a layered painting process, I work to create portraits that feel both accurate and deeply personal.
Who I Work With
LRT Studio creates custom portraits for a wide range of clients, including:
- Individuals celebrating personal milestones
- Couples commemorating relationships, anniversaries, or weddings
- Pet owners honoring beloved companions
- Clients seeking memorial portraits for loved ones who have passed
- Collectors looking for original, hand-painted artwork
Whether you’re commissioning a portrait for yourself or as a gift, every project receives the same level of care and attention.
LRT Studio accepts a limited number of commissions each year to ensure every painting receives the attention and care it deserves.
If you are interested in commissioning a portrait, the best place to begin is through my inquiry form. From there, we can determine the scope, timing, and approach that best fits your needs.