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ARTIST STATEMENT

My artwork is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of my travels, drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes of South Jersey as well as the vivid allure of tropical environments. Through my use of color and form, I aim to capture the essence of nature's beauty and the joy of life, inviting viewers to experience a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us. Each piece reflects my journey, celebrating the interplay between place and emotion.

ARTIST BIO

Brenda Ann's watercolor paintings capture the transcendent beauty of everyday scenes through her realistic depictions of architecture, flowers and vibrant still lifes. Her work invites viewers into lush, sumptuous worlds where natural elegance reigns. Bold colors, verdant greenery, and masterful interplay of light and shadow heighten the visual impact of her compositions, which often feature stylized arrangements of glimmering crystal, fresh-cut flowers, blooming trees, and meticulously detailed gardens.

While Brenda Ann creates immersive environments that suggest peaceful garden strolls, she deliberately avoids overt human narratives. In these times of anxiety and uncertainty, thoughtful restraint allows her work to balance the majestic with the contemplative, evoking both tropical splendor and quiet introspection.

Straddling the boundary between reality and a new Romanticism, Brenda Ann transforms personal experiences and cherished objects into protagonists that encourage deeper reflection. Viewers experience her world from an intimate first-person perspective, occasionally enhanced by architectural elements that provide historical context. Her subjects, bathed in radiant light against bright backgrounds, seem to merge with their warm environments. This interplay between literal and metaphorical reflection invites exploration beyond the paintings, providing a narrative on life and its miraculousness and fragility. Her artwork is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of her travels, drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes of South Jersey to the vivid allure of tropical environments. Through her use of color and form, she strives to capture the essence of nature’s beauty and the joy of life, inviting viewers to experience a sense of wonder and appreciation.

Her exhibition Illumination functions on multiple levels—representing both the pivotal moment when disillusionment gives rise to clarity and the concept of painting as a window onto new realities. Brenda Ann's recurring motifs of florals and architecture create a compelling tension between direct and indirect forms of illumination. Like historical works that juxtapose impermanence with abundance, her paintings subtly suggest that even the most beautiful scenes can harbor emptiness, ultimately expressing a search for lasting happiness and inner peace.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Brenda Ann holds an A.F.A. degree, attending Stockton University for her B.F.A. in Painting. She served as President of the Florida Keys Watercolor Society for six years, where she won multiple awards and chaired two of their annual exhibitions. Her acclaimed work has been exhibited throughout the United States, including at the National Watercolor Society's Juried Exhibition (NWS Gallery, San Pedro, California, 2017) and the Wayne Art Center in Pennsylvania, where she achieved Signature Status with the Philadelphia Watercolor Society in 2018. Her notable achievements include Best in Show at the 37th Annual Judged Exhibition of the Florida Keys Watercolor Society in Marathon, Florida in 2019. Brenda Ann has been featured three times in Culture Magazine.

PUBLICATIONS / REVIEWS / PRESS

Florida Keys Council of the Arts: Little Palm Island Boat, Culture Magazine, 2021, keysarts.com, p.2

Florida Keys Council of the Arts: Southernmost Point, Culture Magazine, 2020, keysarts.com, p.2

Florida Keys Council of the Arts: Pink Plumeria, Culture Magazine, 2019, keysarts.com, p.2

HISTORY OF AWARDS AND EXHIBITIONS

2025 Academic Visions, Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City, NJ (group exhibition)

2020 Caribbean Award, La Te Da, Florida Keys Watercolor Society's 38th Annual Judged Exhibition, Marathon Community Theatre Gallery, Marathon, FL (group exhibition)

2020 Second Prize Pen and Ink, Tiger Turtle Metamorphosis, Faculty Selects Art Show, ACCC, Mays Landing, NJ (group exhibition)

2020 First Prize Mixed Media, Past Present Future Triptych, Faculty Selects Art Show, ACCC, Mays Landing, NJ (group exhibition)

2019 Best in Show, Carmen MER-anda, Florida Keys Watercolor Society's 37th Annual Judged Exhibition, Marathon Community Theatre Gallery, Marathon, FL (group exhibition)

2018 Juried Acceptance, Sway to the Rhythm, Philadelphia Watercolor Society's 118th Works on Paper, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA (group exhibition)

2018 Vincent Award, Sway to the Rhythm, Philadelphia Watercolor Society's 118th Works on Paper, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA (group exhibition)

2018 Signature Status, Sway to the Rhythm, Philadelphia Watercolor Society's 118th Works on Paper, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA (group exhibition)

2018 Hyatt Centric Key West, Key West, FL (solo exhibition)

2018 Caribbean Award, Pigeon Key Guest Cottage, Florida Keys Watercolor Society's 36th Annual Judged Exhibition, Marathon Community Theatre Gallery, Marathon, FL (group exhibition)

2018 Juried Acceptance, Eaton Street Seafood Market, New Jersey Watercolor Society's 76th Annual Open Juried Exhibition, Middletown Arts Center, Middletown, NJ (group exhibition)

2017 Juried Acceptance, Sway to the Rhythm, National Watercolor Society's Member Exhibition, NWS Gallery, San Pedro, CA (group exhibition)

2017 Juried Acceptance, The Walk at Harbor Square, Garden State Watercolor Society's 47th Annual Juried Exhibition, D&R Greenway, Princeton, NJ (group exhibition)

2017 Jan Lawliss People's Choice Award (tie), Key West Butterfly Garden, Florida Keys Watercolor Society's 35th Annual Judged Exhibition, Marathon Community Theatre Gallery, Marathon, FL (group exhibition)

2017 Rainbow Award, Key West Butterfly Garden, Florida Keys Watercolor Society's 35th Annual Judged Exhibition, Marathon Community Theatre Gallery, Marathon, FL (group exhibition)

2016 Juried Acceptance, Check In Day at Congress Hall, Philadelphia Watercolor Society's 116th Works on Paper, West Chester University, West Chester, PA (group exhibition)

2016 Caribbean Award, Captain Tony's, Florida Keys Watercolor Society's 34th Annual Judged Exhibition, Marathon Community Theatre Gallery, Marathon, FL (group exhibition)

2014 Second Place, Orchids in Paradise, Florida Keys Watercolor Society's Judged Exhibition at Redbone Gallery, Islamorada, FL (group exhibition)

2014 Third Honorable Mention, Turtles in Paradise, Florida Keys Watercolor Society's 32nd Annual Judged Exhibition, Marathon Community Theatre Gallery, Marathon, FL (group exhibition)

AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

National Watercolor Society

American Watercolor Society

Philadelphia Watercolor Society Signature Member

New Jersey Watercolor Society

Garden State Watercolor Society

Fine Arts Advisory Board Atlantic Cape

GALLERY REPRESENTATION

Island Studio, Stone Harbor, NJ

Immerse yourself in Brenda's coastal sanctuary, where award-winning watercolor and acrylic masterpieces capture the soul of cherished destinations—from the timeless charm of Cape May to the serene landscapes of Stone Harbor and Avalon, New Jersey, extending to the vibrant shores of Key West, Florida. Her custom house portraits transform ordinary walls into personal galleries of remembered moments.

Indulge in the sophistication of Brenda's archival collection—each giclée print meticulously crafted on premium surfaces, where artistry meets uncompromising quality, ensuring your investment radiates elegance for generations to come.

With every brushstroke intentional and every hue deliberate, Brenda's creations transcend mere decoration. Whether you select from her curated collection or commission a bespoke treasure, each piece carries the distinctive imprint of her artistic vision.

For years, Brenda Ann has dedicated herself to creating art that speaks—vivid compositions that serve as meaningful gifts and cherished keepsakes, marking life's significant moments with color and grace.

Treasure the moments that matter with exquisite watercolor home and pet portraits—timeless keepsakes that capture the essence of your beloved spaces and companions.

For bespoke creations tailored to your vision, kindly reach out directly to hellobrendaannartist@gmail.com.

All available pieces are dispatched swiftly via USPS, ensuring your selected artwork arrives promptly—whether destined for your personal collection or as a thoughtful gift. Rest assured, the digital watermarks (BrendaAnn.com) visible in preview images will not appear on your purchased masterpiece.