Welcome to our “Monthly Mini Feature”, we are highlighting different local artisans and crafters who have been busy imagining, creating, dreaming, and doing!
Our Maker of the Month for November 2022 is Brandy Blackstone! Brandy is a mixed media artist who specializes in realistic abstract works of art inspired by nature and the world around her.
From a very young age, our featured artist has loved being creative and working with her hands. She recalls making dollhouses where she designed and constructed both the house and the small furniture pieces. Brandy also crafted flowered wallpaper to complete the detailed décor - meticulously measuring the dollhouse walls and then cutting and trimming the paper, followed by the addition of delicate painted flowers.
Botanical themes have been ever-present inspirations, beginning from the long summer days when Brandy played in her mother’s garden. “I would spend hours trying to capture the vibrant colors and translucent qualities - my work is still influenced by the beauty of flowers to this day, although now I also find inspirations in other objects in nature such as birds, trees, sea creatures and landscapes.”
Brandy relates that it is exciting how each medium captures a painting in a completely different way. When she begins contemplating a new project, the process is usually started by envisioning a subject in a specific medium such as watercolor, acrylics or oil.
While she has other creative pursuits (photography, graphic design, sewing, and more!), Brandy finds the most joy when creating works of art with her own hands. She hopes that others experience the same joy which she feels when experiencing nature while viewing her paintings.
Thank you Brandy for being a valued part of our artistic community, we enjoyed learning about your artistic journey and look forward to seeing your future projects!
Learn more about Brandy Blackstone and her artwork at links below:
Facebook: Brandy Blackstone Art
Instagram: @brandy.blackstoneart
Website: Brandy Blackstone Art
Brandy’s artwork is featured at:
The CalvART Gallery in Prince Frederick
St. Mary’s County Arts Council - Gallery & Gift Shop
Memberships/ Organizations/ Affiliations:
The Color & Light Society of Southern Maryland (Brandy is part of a current in-house art exhibit at St. Mary’s County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop running Oct & Nov 2022)
St. Mary’s County Fair - volunteer judge for art category entries, 2022
