Ever since I began working as an artist, I've been intrigued with light on form, color, atmosphere, and composition. The paintings I create are about observing, searching, reacting, and experimenting. I’m constantly absorbing nature and I'm amazed at the array of colors and values that can be seen by the human eye.
I want people to notice and appreciate the beauty of things seen in everyday life. I’m inspired by nature and try to capture its essence through my paintings. I see my work as snapshots and moments in life and hope to connect with viewers who share my same admirations.
Born and raised in Illinois, Brian's childhood memories often revolved around nature and the outdoors. His family would go camping where he would explore the many trails and wooded terrain found in Illinois and Wisconsin. While visiting his grandparents in the outskirts of St. Louis, he and his siblings would wander through the woods behind their apartment looking for adventure.
These early outdoor adventures would become a major influence on him when he began to explore the art world in high school. Field trips to places like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Morton Arboretum sparked his curiosity for painting the landscape.
Brian first began working with pastels while attending the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1990. Since then, while pastels have been his primary medium, he also paints in oils. He concentrates mainly on landscapes for his subject matter.
Prismacolor Advisory Council Member
Pastel Society of America – Signature Member (PSA)
Chicago Pastel Painters - Vice President and Master Status Member (CPP-M)
International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) Master Circle Member
Pastel Journal Magazine - frequent writer/contributor
Published Articles
2021 - Globe Magazine - article reviewing the IAPS show in Chicago, IL
2021 - Pastel Journal Magazine - Dappled Light - Contributing writer "Skill Builders" - Summer issue
2017 - Pastel Journal Magazine - Leave Your Comfort Zone - Contributing writer "Creative Life" - May Issue
2016 - Pastel Journal Magazine - A Season of Opportunity - Contributing writer "Creative Life" - December Issue
2012 - Pastel Journal Magazine - Bronze Award and featured article
Award of Excellence - Mainstreet Art Gallery, Water Works Juried Exhibition, October 2023
Honorable Mention - 24th Annual Pastel 100 Competition - Pastel Journal Magazine - April 2023
Painting, The Important Places, selected as the promotional piece used for the Chicago Pastel Painters 2022 Juried Member show
Dakota Pastels Award - Great Lakes Pastel Society (GLPS) - 2022 National Exhibition
Received Master Circle status with the International Association of Pastel Societies - June 2021
Art De Triumph & Artful Framer Studios Award - Chicago Pastel Painters, member show 2018
BoldBrush Painting Competition - Outstanding Pastel - March 2018
Jack Richeson & Company Award - 2016 Chicago Pastel Painters Member Exhibition
Honorable Mention - 17th Annual Pastel 100 Competition - Pastel Journal Magazine - April 2016
Honorable Mention - 14th Annual Pastel 100 Competition - Pastel Journal Magazine - April 2013
Bronze Award - 13th Annual Pastel 100 Competition - Pastel Journal Magazine - Featured article in April issue 2012
Jack Richeson & Company Award - 2011 Chicago Pastel Painters 3rd Biennial National Juried Exhibition
3rd Place - 2010 Chicago Pastel Painters member show
National Winner - 2009 Best of America Pastel Artists and Artisans
1st place - 2008 Prairie State Art Festival – Arlington Park Racecourse
Sanford Pastel Award, 2008 – Chicago Pastel Painters, member show
Award of Merit, 2007 Pastel Society of the Southwest, 26th Annual Juried Exhibition
Best of Show – 2007 Art in Your Eye, Batavia, IL
National Winner - 2007 Best of America Pastel Artists and Artisans
Heilman Design Award, 2007 – Chicago Pastel Painters, 1st Biennial National Show
Award of Excellence, 2007 Barrington Fine Art Fair
3rd Place. 2006 An Art Affair Around the Square, Palatine, IL
Award of Excellence, 2006 A Walk in the Park - Arlington Heights Art Guild
Award of Excellence, 2006 Barrington Fine Art Fair
ViewPoint 2005, 37th Annual National Juried Art Exhibition - Cincinnati Art Club
Honorable Mention, 1997 Midwest Pastel Society National
Juried Exhibition, Schaumburg, IL
Award of Excellence, 1997 Barrington Fine Art Fair
Honorable Mention, 1995 Glenview Art Fair, Glenview, IL
Award of Excellence, 1994 Art in the Market, Arlington Heights, IL
Award of Excellence, 1994 Des Plaines Art Fair, Des Plaines, IL
Best of Show, 1994 Prairie Arts Festival, Schaumburg, IL
Best of Show, 1990 Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI
MIAD Venture Scholarship, 1987
Frederick Layton Scholarship, 1986
