Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Brideau.
Hi Cindy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started painting over 25 years ago – I took my first painting class (intro to oil painting) while getting my masters in Mechanical Engineering at UT Austin. I just wanted to hold a paintbrush, so I registered for that class. Then life got busy. I moved to Philadelphia so my then-boyfriend could get his MBA, I got married, I moved back to Austin, and I had 3 kids — I continued to paint and take various painting classes fitting it in when I could. At that point in my life, the painting was a gift, something just for me, because I was pulled in so many directions. Now it’s 2010, and my Mom is sick, so she and my Dad moved to Austin from Florida for a support system (3 of my siblings live in the area – I am one of eight kids!). Now my days are getting kids on the bus, taking care of my parents from 9 am-3 pm, meeting the bus, making dinner, helping with homework, and driving to kids’ activities. Finding time to paint was hard. And it got harder because now my Dad is sick too. At this point in my life (2013), I leaned into painting – counterintuitive because I had no free time. But I found that if I spent time painting, I could sleep at night without racing thoughts at 3 am about all the “what if’s” with my parents’ health. I think painting turned off my brain’s STEM and analytical side, and I’d flip to my right brain when I painted. So I sought out painting to balance the highs and lows of life. I also painted my feelings through colors. My parents died within 11 months of each other in 2016/17. I started painting more; some of my paintings were sold and found homes in friends’ and families’ homes, but in general, I wasn’t interested in putting myself “out there” because I was afraid the feedback would take away from why I painted (I painted for me). In January of this year, I decided to launch my art business after I showed my artwork to a gallery owner I randomly met at a hair salon, and he loved my work! I also decided I didn’t want to be 70 years old and not have tried to showcase or share my passion for painting. Plus, I had a lot of paintings taking up a lot of space in my house. 🙂
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Finding the time was my struggle early on in my painting days. Back then, I didn’t have a studio either, so I’d have to take my art supplies out and put them back after every painting session – space was an issue for me. Because I am an abstract artist, I love stepping back from a piece and looking at it to see where it wants to go – I couldn’t do this when I had young kids. I also like working on more than one painting at a time because, for some paintings, I need to stop for a few days, look at them, and live with them to know if and when they are complete. Again, this was impossible before I had studio space in my house. In hindsight, I switched to acrylics during this time, too, because they dried faster and cleaning up was easier-little. Curious fingers were way too present in my house. Finding the confidence to launch my business was monumental for me. I was so protective of painting that I remember being upset with my husband when he’d proudly show off my art during a dinner party.
I had a perfect little bubble— I painted, it balanced me, and I ended up with a beautiful piece of art that I’d hang somewhere in my house. I’d paint a commission piece a couple of times a year, but that was safe. Since I flipped the switch and decided to put my art out there, it’s been one good thing after another. Now, I am learning the business side of being an artist, and there is a learning curve. Overthinking is always a problem for me. So I like to paint with music playing, or lately, I listen to audiobooks. I also consult with my kids or husband to hear honest thoughts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I am an abstract acrylic artist. Though I have taken many painting classes and have been painting for 25+ years, I do not have an art degree. I paint primarily on stretched canvas and often add oil pastel marks or inks. My paintings typically take weeks as I love to layer paint. I paint intuitively, and my paintings “feel” a certain way. They are often misty, blurry, and blended. My paintings also are very loose, with bigger brush strokes. Color and color palette is essential to me. Colors and travel inspire me. Before I start a new painting, I spend a lot of time mixing color formulas for my palette. I very rarely use paint straight from the tube. Often, I reference a travel photo to narrow down a color palette. I do not like wasting paint, so at the end of a painting day, I use my leftover paint and quickly paint on mixed media paper with no thought and very loose. It is surprising to me how well these art pieces have been received. Lately, a lot of these mixed media artworks have been floral-inspired.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I have a master’s in engineering from UT Austin (my engineering undergrad is from Penn State). I grew up in Pennsylvania in a family with 8 kids. I am the mom of 3 children. I love to travel, and reading about the color around me inspires me. I listen to audiobooks when I paint, so I don’t overthink. I have a home studio that I love, including a magnetic wall where I hang my paint tubes organized by color! Before launching my website, I painted commission pieces or pieces inspired by my travels. I have a dog named Enzo Ferrari, and he hangs out with me on a chair in my studio when I paint; he often makes guest appearances on my Instagram account and has his own Instagram account.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cindybrideauart.com/shop-art
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cindybrideauart?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090348727595
