Rock On, soft pastel, 2016

I AM AN ARTIST

My name is Brenda E. Shook. I am an artist and, until recently, a high school art teacher. I live and make art in Fort Worth, Texas.

SUBJECT MATTER I CREATE

I consider myself to be a portrait artist, but I also love making narrative art, nature art (flowers, birds, clouds, insects, etc.), and, lately, abstract art inspired by maps.

MEDIA I USE

I enjoy working with a variety of media: graphite, oil pastels, soft pastels, watercolor, and acrylic paint (individually or together as mixed media), and collage.

MY INSPIRATION

I am inspired by: my family, friends, my pets (I adore my cats), meandering gardens, music, books, movies, dragonflies, pugs, the beach, trees, maps hot tea, and other artists.

ARTISTS I LIKE

Some artists I like are: David Bates, Georgia O'Keefe,

Alice Neel, Hung Liu, Skyler McGee, Ali Cavanaugh, Alexander Calder, Frida Kahlo, JMW Turner, and Vincent van Gogh.

MY ARTISTIC PROCESS

When I make my art, I usually write out, or brainstorm, what I want for each artwork and I sketch out different composition ideas in my sketchbook. I research reference images for accuracy and complete a final drawing on paper, wood, or canvas, etc. I use the medium/media I think would be best for my idea, then I finish the artwork in a few days, weeks, or months--depending on size and details.

ROCK ON

This soft pastel portrait drawing is based on a candid photograph, taken with my phone, of my teenaged nephew, Ethan, and niece, Emme, as they are hanging out and acting playful in front of a restaurant near their home. Our family was together, at that place, to celebrate Father's Day (2016). I was asked to make this drawing that day.

This drawing tells a visual story about a big brother and sister sharing a normal, good-natured moment in time. The relationship between the two is specific to them but relevant to siblings everywhere. They have a familial bond and are very comfortable with each other--willing to have fun and act goofy and teasing without meanness or insecurity. They love each other and are strengthening a family memory together.

COPYRIGHT

This artwork is my creation. Please do not use it without my permission. Thank you.

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