Farmer John’s Place
16 x 13 in.
Watercolor on paper
$1400
Available through Gilchrist Art Gallery, Cumberland, MD
Impressions in Watercolor
Bringing the Everyday to Life
Ever since Brienne moved to Pennsylvania over six years ago, painting farm life has become a subject of interest for her. This wasn’t always the case. Having lived in a city most of her life, she had little experience living on a farm. While adjusting to living in a mostly rural area, it hasn’t all been fun. Her husband would, in fact, say Brienne isn’t cut out for farm life 24/7. However, by painting more farmland, she has developed a love for the landscape and a deep respect for farm life. Pennsylvania and the surrounding states have provided ample farm scenery and inspiration for Brienne’s plein air paintings.
While painting Farmer John’s Place en plein air during the Solomon’s Plein Air Festival in Solomon’s Island, Maryland, she spoke with land owner John and learned more about the farmland that had been in his family for generations.
“These experiences are priceless for me,” says Brienne. “I find hearing these personal, one-on-one stories, infuses my work with deeper meaning, contributing greatly to my goal of ‘bringing the everyday to life.’”
Though drawing and painting most of her life, Brienne had never considered pursuing a career as an artist until she was in graduate school. While studying chemistry, Brienne’s research was so time consuming that for the first time she couldn’t find time to create. Her unhappiness during this time made her realize that art was more than a hobby, for her it was a necessity. This was a valuable lesson. From that time on she has made art a priority in her life; instead of trying to find the time, she started to make time to paint.
Ten years ago, Brienne left her toxicology job to start raising a family and began painting more consistently. Soon she was exhibiting and entering shows regularly and winning awards. She earned signature status in the National Watercolor Society, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, and the Utah Watercolor Society. Her work has been published in Splash 17: Inspired Subjects, PleinAir Magazine, and Watercolor Artist Magazine.
Brienne’s passions are watercolor and plein air. She enjoys using the slightly controlled chaotic nature of watercolor to bring the everyday to life. Her inspiration comes from observing people going about their everyday lives and tasks.
“I especially enjoy painting en plein air because each painting reminds me of where I was, of the experiences I had, the sounds, smells, and the people I met. As I try and capture the essence of a scene, my paintings are always more about a moment in time than about a particular location. I enjoy sharing how I see the world.”
Gallery Representation:
The Mission Gallery, St. George, UT
The Green Drake Gallery, Milheim, PA
The State College Framing Co. & Gallery, State College, PA
Brienne’s newest instructional video is ‘Painting Clouds’. Learn more.
View more of Brienne’s watercolor paintings on her website and follow her on Facebook.
E-mail: [email protected] | Telephone: 801.755.4933
