Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Barnum.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brenda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
This is corny but my most memorable experience was at age 5 with a very large piece of paper on an easel and 6 jars of finger paint. I think coloring outside of the lines and creating this intentionally wonky alternative reality beyond my norm was an epiphany.
It just stuck and never stopped throughout grade school, high school, college and then some.
My first professional artist job of drawing vacuum cleaners and appliances as a newspaper layout artist and illustrator for the Boston Store advertising department in Milwaukee, Wi. forced me to return to art school and take painting seriously and I have not stopped.
I have had many pretend day and night jobs since then but have never given up on direct simple studio painting.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
All the artists I know will laugh at that question. It has never been a smooth road. It never will be. I never expect it to be. It is not the nature of the beast.
One has to carry multiple jobs and projects, painting what inspires when nothing sells, overcoming self-doubt and still believing in Santa Claus when approaching 60 years of age.
There is always a juggle of balance between personal relationships, family, time and finances.
Juggling has never been the strongest point of my nature so I have chosen that which I can give 100%… and after many concessions, simplifications, deletions, and difficult fundamental life decisions perhaps I have done what is necessary to continue my life/work.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Brenda Barnum Paintings – what should we know?
I’m not a company or a business per say.
I’m just a painter with a very precarious profession… continually amazed that I have managed to survive to do this exclusively.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Trusting my instincts and unforgivable stubbornness.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.brendabarnumpainting.com/
- Email: bbarnum.bb@gmail.com
- Instagram: brendartbarnum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brenda.barnum.90
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