Chris Brandell’s compositions are intimate expressions of her interactions with the natural world. Her limited palette, texture, and exploration of mark-making are informed by the things she loves found near her studio on Marco Island, FL: shells, driftwood, pieces of concrete, and wire and more. Brandell is emotionally connected to words, quotes and poetry, music and lyrics. She represents these physical and heart-felt inspirations abstractly with oil paint and a variety of mixed media on two dimensional surfaces. Born and raised in New Rochelle, New York, Chris’ work continues to evolve her studio practices as a Floridian. After a successful career as a business executive and part-time artist, she now focuses her full attention on painting since early 2019. Her work can be found in private and corporate collections including that of Southern Methodist University, Phi Beta Phi in Texas, and The Silva & Edge Buildings in Maryland. Chris has been a member of the National Association of Women Artists since 2014. “I’m never sure where my intuition will lead me or what will materialize with each piece. I usually start my paintings with a drawing. The drawing may end up being the focus or it may just be the foundation for something new. I’m interested in pursuing the idea that Divine perfection exists in life’s most simple, unadorned and uncontrolled forms, such as the beautiful objects that inspire me. When my paintings express this pure energy, I believe a viewer can experience it, and this makes my work feel complete.” - Chris Brandell