About the Artist

Artist Biography

Experimenting with many creative mediums throughout her life, Brenda has settled into and is best known for her pastel work. Creating since she was young, she recalls her first commissioned painting at the age of twelve for a mere $5.00. Encouraged by this, Brenda went to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and earned a BS in Applied Art and Design. Upon graduating, she entered into the demanding world of Graphic Design and created apparel graphics for large sportswear companies. Returning to her first love of painting allows Brenda to play around with her many friends in the Northwest Pastel Society, Portland Plein-Aire & Studio Painters, Beaverton Arts Commission, and educating the local youth in her community about Art Literacy. She is a frequent lecturer on the pastel medium and also conducts private lessons on pastel. Brenda has been published in the Best of America Pastel II Series and is represented by the Earthworks Gallery on the beautiful Oregon coast.

Artist Statement

Painting is one of my greatest challenges in life, and I love that challenge. The decision making along the way is part intuitive and part learned. This internal conversation is my artistic discovery. The driving forces of my work are the color combinations and the accuracy of drawing. I feel fulfilled and accomplished when a painting is going well.

I use pastel because it is the closest I can get to drawing and painting at the same time. Pastels permit me to get my fingers directly into the medium that I otherwise wouldn’t when using a paintbrush. I layer color upon color, applying the pure pigment onto sanded paper allowing viewers to mix the colors in their mind’s eye. When I have created this interaction with my art, then my challenge has been met.

Professional Affiliations

Northwest Pastel Society. April 2007- present.

Portland Paint out Group. August 2005-present.

Portland Plein Air & Studio Painters 2004-present.

Beaverton Arts Commission. Sept. 2000-present.

Awards and Recognition

Kitty Wallis Award of Merit, Northwest Pastel Society International Show, July 2009

Honorable Mention HIllsboro Plein Air event, July 2009

Honorable Mention Portland Plein Air & Studio Painters 4th Annual Show. Sept 2008

Honorable Mention Art Spectrum Colourfix Challenge, July 2007

Member’s Choice EBSQART.com Flower of the Month Show, Aug 2007

Jurors’ Choice EBSQART.com Reflections Show, June 2005