Artist Statement
Jennifer S. Brewer has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art and English Literature from the University of Maryland College Park. She has been drawing since the age of two, when her parents encouraged her to draw on paper instead of wide, empty spaces like walls and sheets. She has worked as an editor and a graphic designer for four years, and returned to painting in April of 2008. She now paints full-time and is endeavoring to support herself fully with her art. She has participated in over 25 shows in the last 2 1/2 years painting full-time, both in her home town of Arlington, VA and in the larger DC metropolitan region. She is a member of the Arlington Artists Alliance, Del Ray Artisans, and The Art League of Old Town Alexandria.
Jennifer shares a group studio with other artists at the Lee Arts Center. She will also hold a group studio space with Convergence through December 2010. This gives her a space reserved just for creating, as well as some companionship when other painters are in the studio.
“I am always observing the details around me and looking for new painting subjects. I paint from subjects that inspire feelings of awe in me. Overlapping, curving shapes and bright, vivid colors are signature of my style. I draw inspiration from the naturally exotic shapes in Sonoran Desert foliage and tropical foliage. In some cases I use false color or exaggerated color to create a bright, otherworldly feel. Other sources of inspiration include the Impressionist and Art Nouveau movements, and artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keefe, Emily Carr, and Hollis Sigler. I’m currently working in acrylics, watercolors, and oils. I also enjoy screenprinting, block printing, collage and photography. My other artistic leanings include writing, ballroom and belly dancing, cooking, and singing.
Some paintings take me over 100 hours, some just a few. It depends on the level of detail I want to capture and what kind of subject I'm portraying. Some ideas for pieces come to me fully formed in my mind; others are a process of creating, thinking, creating some more and layering until I'm happy with the final product. Knowing when something is finished can be tricky. I strive for balance in my work, and I try to make something as interesting from a distance as it is from 5 inches away--so as you draw closer to the piece, new layers are revealed to you with every step. Art is my passion. It is what I have always wanted to do, before I knew what money was, or time. I paint because it makes me happy, and because it helps me bring something of myself into the world that will last longer than my physical self. I paint also because I want to share the joy of creation with others. I know not everyone has the skill or time to paint, and I want those people to be able to share in the joy of seeing something beautiful every day. If you buy one of my pieces it will mean the world to me. I really hope you do, because then I can share my passion with you!
Feel free to contact me to find out the story behind a painting, to purchase a painting or print, or to get an update on my latest painting.”
Jennifer S. Brewer
jb [!at] jennifersartgallery.com
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