Say what you will about social media - we know it has it's pros and cons. A definite pro is meeting new creators and artists. Especially women... that's kind of our thing!
Recently we were introduced to the totally iconic work of Brittany Atkinson. First, we were drawn in by the color. Then, the incredible personality of each woman featured in her portraits. Each piece tells a story that needs no words.
We are grateful to connect with people like Brittany and hope you'll be just as inspired by her story as we are.
We love your work! What inspired you to become an artist?
For as long as I can remember, I have loved visual, literary, and performing arts. I spent hours drawing and painting in my room as a child. There was something was calming and healing about creating, and I couldn't get enough of it. I continued to create through high school and college but put away the charcoal and paints after I graduated. A sales career and marriage followed; I still painted from time to time, but not as I had in the past. After my second child was born, I decided to become a stay-at-home mom and quickly realized through the overwhelm of small children and a bit of postpartum, something was missing.
I needed an outlet for myself; I needed to create again. After that realization, I dove back into my art. I found time to create when my children were sleeping or at preschool. I am often asked what inspires me to paint women. I have been influenced by several incredible women over the years. Their stories of bravery, vulnerability, and drive have shaped me. Their daring spirits and whispers of wisdom guide me through my creative process. I am never surprised when bright and colorful work appears on my canvas, as it reflects how those women's stories of strength, confidence, and vulnerability light up my soul and give me the confidence to share my work with the world. I feel blessed to share my art and hope it empowers and inspires other women to listen to their hearts' desire to chase their dreams.
And how did you land these beautiful portraits of women?
As a long-time Picasso, Mattise, Frida, Warhol, Hockney, Van Gough, and Dali fan, I felt drawn to bright colors and dramatic ways of creative expression. I love the abstract face; it tells a story through color.
One of my favorite paintings is a self-portrait by Henery Mattise. His use of contrast, tone, shadows and light through bright hues of blues, oranges, greens, and burnt sienna rocked my word and I knew I wanted to do something like that with women's faces.
Where are you located? How does your hometown inspire your work?
I live in Austin, Texas. . There is a famous saying, ": Keep Austin Weird," and that's exactly what I love about it. This city is filled with artists from all walks of life. You can find live music, pop-up art shows, stand-up comedy, and theater productions on any given weekend. Color and creatives are everywhere in Austin and I am constantly inspired by my beautiful and eclectic city.
What’s your favorite music to listen to while you paint?
Mile Davis, Bill Evans, Antonio Vivaldi, Alexis Ffrench, Madeleine Peyroux, Dumm Dumm Girls, Beyonce, Lana Del Ray, the Cure, Portishead, and the Beatles.
Of course, we are big fans of home decor… How would you define the style of your home?
Grand Millennial. I LOVE vintage furniture; it has a soul and a story. I also LOVE bright, colorful art that's mixed in all over my walls. And I'm never afraid of a big, bold, bright, colorful wallpaper pattern.
What’s your favorite room in the house right now?
My bedroom. I have a cozy sleep like your on a cloud mattress, and my favorite thing to do is lay in bed with my boys and watch a movie.
Give us a glimpse into your perfect day…
My perfect day starts with a cup of green tea and prayer, followed by an hour's walk with my German Short Hair Pointer, Heidi. Then it's breakfast with the family and a day spent together exploring our city or being homebodies.
After dinner, I sneak into my studio, turn on my music, and paint. My boys usually follow me and work on their own creations. Saturday bedtime is my favorite; we all pile into our king bed and snuggle, laugh, and talk about the day. It's perfect.
Who is your favorite person or brand to follow on social media at the moment?
Mel Robbins and Emily Jeffords
What’s in the rotation for you right now (books, podcasts, movies, shows)?
Book-Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield
The Goop and Human Upgrade Podcast
