Linda Johnson Brewer
B.S.Degree - biological sciences form Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Married - two sons
Non-traditional art student at Morehead State University, Morehead, KY
Participated in juried and non-juried art shows in Kentucky and Ohio
After graduation from college with a science degree, I worked, married and had children. At that point, I took a private painting class, and then went on to take drawing and watercolor classes at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY. In the course of my art studies. I've found that my science education and organized temperament have been an impediment to creativity, and it has been a struggle for me to break loose from reality and be interpretative in my art work.
Painting with watercolor has been helpful in overcoming the problem because it is elusive and difficult to control with precision. To further that effort, I use a smooth-surfaced hot-pressed paper, which causes the paint to pool and "bloom". It's impossible to predict what is going to happen. I sometimes use a computer to plan my projects, but I'm also finally able to sit back and let the paint do its beautiful thing.
In addition, I'm interested in figure drawing. As with watercolor, working from a model demands spontaneity, there is no time for meticulous planning. I do, however, still like to organize the space surrounding the figure to make use of all areas of the picture plane. I select objects from the scene- easels, chairs, tables, doorways, etc.- to incorporate into the design, using only the parts of them necessary to divide the space in an interesting manner and balance the forms
I have recently ventured into printmaking. I started out by learning traditional intaglio and lithography, and am now experimenting with printing from Mylar. I cut out Mylar shapes and apply oil-based ink to them with a roller. Then I use cotton swabs, tissues, kitchenware, and other devices to add to, remove from, or otherwise alter the inked surface. I place the mylar on paper and run it through a press. Additionally, I can drypoint designs into the Mylar using a stylus or apply solvents to the inked pieces to create an interesting range of textures. I can also print from photocopies using gum Arabic in a lithographic technique. It sounds like serendipity, but I arrange these monoprint compositions carefully on a computer, which combines my inclination to plan with desire for expressive results. it's a versatile and entertaining process.
I plan to continue watercolor painting at my studio in the Rowan County Arts Center and printmaking at Morehead State University and figure drawing wherever I can find a model
You may reach me at:
e-mail: lindajbrewer@yahoo.com
Website: http://brewerwatercolors.tripod.com
Phone: RC Arts Center 606-783-9857 Studio 103
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