Name
Kent Brewer
Website & Places you can find my work online
Website: www.kentcbrewer.com
Redbubble: Kent Brewer
Where I am
Waxahachie Texas
Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
A native Texan, I grew up in Wichita Falls, studied commercial art and advertising in Waco and now live in Waxahachie. I seem to settle in places that start with ‘W’.
Most of the last 30 years have been spent in graphic arts, printing and label and web design. I’ve dabbled in pen-and-ink, watercolor, pastel and pencil, with watercolor as a personal favorite.
When did you first start drawing & painting?
From a very young age at family get-togethers my cousin and I would sit around and create comic books and be inspired by some rather off-beat artists such as Robert Crumb and Gilbert Shelton.
You are a painter & an illustrator. Which do you prefer, the pencil or the paintbrush?
I love the pencil for its simplicity. All you need is a sketchbook and a sharpener. I’m recently enjoying the brush as well. But each painting begins with several preliminary pencil sketches for value and composition so they go hand-in-hand. If you can’t master the pencil, you probably can’t paint very well.
Who are your main influences?
I like the watercolors of William Matthews.
Is there a muse that fuels your work?
I love old buildings with character. It’s one reason we live in a 1911 bungalow. I find that an old house is artistically inspiring.
Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
A glass of wine is helpful.
Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
Waxahachie has an endless supply of subject matter with old houses, buildings, back alleys, train depots and large trees.
I can often be seen around town with my easel.
What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
I’m not sure.
Has it had an effect on yours?
Not much, other than having an easier time of finding out about various events and looking up other artists that I meet at various events.
Which one is your personal favorite piece?
Shelli’s Kite is a favorite because it is a painting from a photo of my daughter that died just before her 6th birthday. It was one of the first works I did many years after her death and helped me get back the desire to paint.
Would you ever sell it?
Not that one. At least, not the original.
What else inspires you?
Mountains, beaches and streams.
Working on anything new?
The heat of summer has slowed me down. Looking forward to some fall weather to get going again.
More to Come
Thanks to Kent for answering the interview and sharing his work. Be sure to check out his art website periodically for updates about his latest works.
Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.
Great interview!