“Capturing light is my inspiration,” says fine artist, Bobbie Brainerd of Monterey, California, “I love expressing what I see around me – in plein air  and in the studio.”

An artist by education, Bobbie spent many years as a professional graphics artist in Northern Virginia. When a work transfer moved her family to California and her children grew up, Bobbie “moved into the next phase – growing as an artist – in the oil medium.” Her new phase began in 2013.

“My goal is to bring beauty to people’s lives to improve and transfer their impressions of life; touching their souls with beauty,” says Bobbie of her hope for her paintings. She is a voracious art museum student and has visited many of the world’s galleries where she views and studies the techniques of the masters.

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Living in Monterey gives Bobbie exceptional opportunities to capture the natural beauty of the region.  Her favorite is working in “plein air” where she paints outdoors capturing the moment and experiencing the light, much like Monet did more than 150 years ago. “My studio is often a knoll overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I also have a studio. My studio does not have to be perfect. It is workable,” says Bobbie.

How has Bobbie gained popularity in such a short time? “My Instagram followers have doubled from 250 to over 500. I participate in guilds and coops where my paintings get exposure. I am vice president of Central Coast Artists Association where we have frequent exhibits. I love being able to help give other artists opportunities to exhibit and grow,” said Bobbie.

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Bobbie has been my friend for nearly 30 years. While I knew that she was “artistic,” I had no idea how really capable and talented she is until I started seeing her work on social media. I found many of her pieces irresistible. Fortunately, I have been able to acquire several of  my favorites. Each piece that I have speaks something special that touches me in a meaningful way.

My first piece was  Lavender in a Blue Vase with Copper Turkish Coffee Pot. Why? Well, the coffee pot’s gleaming copper side drew me in and brought back warm childhood memories of a copper pot on my grandmother’s stove. The Utah Road  road takes me to a place of trail ride memories with my beloved horse, Daisy. Sunflowers and tulips? Flowers  evoke feelings of joy and promise. My latest – Wildflower Bounty, captured my heart with memories of bluebells on the trails in Great Falls, Virginia, and the vast light and expanse where Daisy and I once rode.

Growing is Bobbie’s goal. She would like to be represented by a gallery. She has gained recognition in shows and competitions. “To grow, you have to work on your craft daily. I loved participating in the 30-day painting challenge because I had to produce one painting each day for 30 days. This stretched me – my discipline as well as my vision,” said Bobbie. “I am always looking, studying, learning, and expressing.” Bobbie grows through giving to others – whether it is beauty or exposure.

“My favorite tool is light,” concluded Bobbie. It is that light that first captivated my imagination for her paintings.