Meet Brenda Swenson | Artist, Author, Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda Swenson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
To be successful and a fine art painter and international instructor requires self motivation. Waiting for creativity to strike is a waste of time. Show up and get to work – motivation will follow.
Have you ever wanted something so bad it was all you could think about? Me too! Ever since third grade I wanted to be an artist. The older I got the more complicated life became. My hopes and dreams became something I would obtain later. What was I waiting for? I was waiting for my children to be older, to have more time, more energy, more money, to have my house work finished, my errands done… The truth is I was better at finding reasons why I wasn’t living my dream then putting the energy into making it happen. So what was the problem? Simply put, ME! It’s easier to make excuses than taking responsibility and making it happen.
The honest-to-goodness truth is I had to change my thinking. I didn’t value my time. I’m not alone here. It’s common thinking among women to see what we do for others as more valuable than taking care of ourselves (feeding our needs or interests). What we fail to see is creativity is the core of who we are. We’re never going to have EXTRA time. It doesn’t exist! Time will always run out at the end of the day. Family will need us, friends will come calling, laundry will need folding and dishes washed. Trust me these things will be there tomorrow. Begin today no matter how small a step (15 minutes is a start).

We make the choices of how we spend our time…PERIOD. What are you waiting for? Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverb 13:12

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After attending multiple shows one weekend I felt overwhelmed. How can I stand out in a crowd of so many great painters?
A couple days later we drove to Ventura from Pasadena. We usually take the old highway 118 through Moorpark. The drive takes longer but the view is worth it: open fields, produce stands, and old barns. This time something caught my eye! We pulled off the road and went back. A dazzling field of orange marigolds and in the middle ONE TALL sunflower standing alone. It took my breath away. I got out of the car and stood there.

Something about that single sunflower resonated inside me. There’s a lot of competition in the art world. My job isn’t to be better than someone else. I’m not here to compete with others. My job is to be the best at showing the world who I am. So, how can I stand out in a field of artists?

*Focus on my work – Hone my skills
*Don’t compare myself to others (admire and enjoy).
*Paint subjects that make my heart skip a beat. Share that with the world.
* And most importantly, Don’t Blend In!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When artist friends visit I loved to take them to my favorite places to sketch and paint: Pasadena City Hall, Castle Green, Gamble House, Descanso Gardens, and Pasadena Playhouse. Of course, we’d spend a day at the Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Gardens. If Urban Sketchers Los Angeles is having a meet up we’d definitely join them. A few of their favorite locations to sketch at is: Grand Central Market in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, The Grove and Farmer’s Market.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The fine art world isn’t easy and I haven’t walked this journey alone. In the early years I received more rejections than acceptances. Encouragement from those I trusted kept me going when I doubted myself. The first person who believed mentors who have guided my direction and helped me hone my skills: Verna Wells, John Koser, Chris VanWinkle and Gerald Brommer.

Website: https://www.swensonsart.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenda_swenson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenda-Swenson-Watercolors/123875454314057

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=brenda+swenson+watercolor

Other: Brenda Swenson is the artist author of two books, Keeping a Watercolor Sketchbook (Finalist, Award of Excellence) and Steps to Success in Watercolor. An active participant in the arts community she has served on the board of directors for the California Art Club, National Watercolor Society and Watercolor West. She’s a Signature Artist in AWA, WWM, NWWS, SDWS and CWA. Her artwork has been featured in several volumes of Splash: Best of Watercolor, An Illustrated Journey, Creative Freedom, Complete Guide to Watercolor, Watercolor Artist, Watercolor Magazine, Watercolor Highlights, Plein Air Magazine and numerous other publications. She participates as an arts juror and demonstrator, and offers workshops both nationally and abroad.

SIGNATURE MEMBER
AWA – American Women Artists
CWA – California Watercolor Association
SDWS – San Diego Watercolor Society
NWWS – North West Watercolor Society
WW-M – Watercolor West, Master Signature