Page Text: “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
~Edgar Degas
About Chris Brandley Art
Being the daughter of an Air Force pilot, I grew up all over the world. My family immersed ourselves into the different cultures, and frequented galleries and museums everywhere we went. I was particularly drawn to the Impressionist painters, and how they painted everyday life scenes, capturing light and using color in expressive ways. In 1977 my family moved to Holland. The breath-taking beauty was etched into my memories. The experiences I had all over Europe play an instrumental part in my current work and the eventual growth of Chris Brandley Art.
In 1989 I graduated with a BFA in Art Education from Baylor University, and taught art in the public school system in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for 11 years. I loved teaching, but had a deep desire to do more of my own art.
Becoming a Professional Artist
After a lot of thinking, discussion with my husband, and prayer, I decided to take a leap of faith and step down from teaching school so that I could establish my own art business ‘Chris Brandley Art’. This included everything from decorative finishing and painting commercial and residential murals, to painting oil on canvas.
Once demand for my paintings grew, I decided to make another transition in 2012 and relinquish the faux and mural side of my business to focus solely on my oils. Several years ago I was asked to teach an adult oil painting workshop. In this found a deep passion in helping others to further their own artistic goals. Teaching adult and teen workshops in the U.S. and abroad is one of my favorite parts of being an artist.
My oils embrace a range of subjects, with the main focus being on using expressive brushstrokes, intense lighting, and vivid color. My goal is to put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.
You can follow me on social media here: Facebook , Instagram , YouTube .
My approach
I enjoy painting a variety of subjects, but most importantly expressing them with exciting colors, lighting, and emotion.
My process
I paint using the ‘Alla Prima’ method of painting (working wet into wet, usually in one sitting). Check out my paintings here .
Credits
I am eternally thankful to God for allowing me to do what I am most compelled to do: express myself through my painting.