Fascinated with light and color, Brown paints in a realist/impressionist style encouraging viewers to observe and appreciate simple beauties of life, like excitement of discovery in a child's eyes, graceful movement of an animal, or the sunset's reflection in the stream. Welcoming the viewer into her paintings, she shares her appreciation for God's creation.

Brown's work is deeply influenced by Teacher/ Mentors: Howard Terpning, Harley Brown, Dan Gerhartz, Bob Wygant, Putt Putman, Lajos Markos, and others. Member of Portrait Society of America, Bernice is also proficient in other subject matter and is a popular teacher/ lecturer and author/illustrator of children's books. Brown is a Judge and Life Member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT:

An artist can help call attention to the beauty in the ordinary things which are often taken for granted (the smile and excitement of discovery in a child's eyes or the sunrise glow reflected amid rocks in a tranquil stream, for example). If my paintings encourage a person to more deeply observe and appreciate the simple things in their surroundings, then I have truly communicated without words.

Enjoying a variety of subject matter, I tend to paint in a realistic/impressionist style. This allows me to express what I actually see, in its most exciting representation. Most of my formal training has been in Portraiture, although I did have earlier studies in Commercial Art, Landscape, and Still Life. I see "reality" to be exciting and not boring, but since I am basically an optimist, I tend to see things at their best.

I live in a very beautiful part of the country on a spring-fed river, which attracts deer and other wildlife in abundance. The surrounding hills add dimension and an attractive design to a painting. I usually "think in pictures" instead of in words, so am constantly analyzing a thought in its visual concept. This is often a helpful (and fun) way to the beginning ideas for a painting. I hope to invite the viewer into my paintings and thus have a meaningful participation in some view or scene I have found to be interesting, exciting or challenging. I often show people or animals where appropriate in a landscape. Including this touch of warmth and life can be an interesting way to invite a viewer into the story.

Teaching workshops and judging Exhibits (in Colorado, Oregon and Texas) is a meaningful way for me to encourage others. Painting and drawing have been creative ways of communication for me since childhood, and I gladly accepted the study, hard work and discipline necessary in developing the required skills. Having a Professional Art career for more than 30 years has been a wonderfully fulfilling part of my life. Artists are not pressured to retire at a certain time. We can just look forward to a continuation of learning and growing, and to challenging oneself to be the best we can be, enjoying the many close friendships we make along the way.