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Now for the good stuff...the paintings! Rather than boring you with a whole
string of accolades and prestigious lists of where my paintings have been shown for the last 20 years, and who the brilliant
people are who have purchased them, I think I'll just spend a minute telling you what I'm all about. That's really what you
want to know anyway. Who is this guy?
As a painter, I am largely self-taught. Ok, let me clarify that...I am an artist who has studied techniques
and theories and experimented with many different mediums for many years, but not in a university setting. I have attended
workshops and studied the masters whose works I most admire. I have studied color theory with other artists whose work has
impressed me, and as one of those artists once told me, if you want to be a great artist, yes, talent is a part of it, but
you also have to paint every day, find your own medium, make big mistakes, paint some really bad paintings, but learn from
every one you paint. It didn't take long for me to realize the I believed her...and I still paint every day.
My medium of choice is acrylic, primarily on canvas. Paintings are composed in layers of color, sometimes
with a brush, sometimes with a knife, and sometimes using a combination of both. I have developed my own style over the years
which I think comes through regardless of whether I'm working in realism, abstract, or impressionism. Each of these styles
of painting excite me, get my motor running, if you will, and I will probably never become one of those artists who paints
the exact same thing over and over...As long as my work remains exciting to me, then I will always be happy with the result.
You'll have to decide for yourself after seeing the images on the next few pages if you agree. I am seasoned enough
to know that not everyone is going to appreciate my work the same way, and basically that some people like apples and some
people like oranges...By the way...I like grapes.
I love to paint places....landscapes, a favorite lake or stream, a beautiful old barn, a great stretch
of beach....basically about any place that brings me peace or a chance to remember a special time or place in my life. I also
love commissioned painting, where I paint one of YOUR special places or memories....I enjoy painting from photographs, so
consider the possibilities...it could be a fun venture between you and me.
I have recently started a new project which seems to be taking off like a wildfire...I love to paint on
the thicker, gallery wrapped canvas on which I can also paint the edges. In my mind it gives a piece another dimension and
more depth, but the problem for me has always been that these pieces are usually hung without any kind of frame. I have
designed a series of sculptured frames which not only accent and highlight the piece, but also become part of the composition.
Many of them are designed with open spaces which allows the surroundings and wall color to enrich the mood. You'll find several
examples of these on the abstract pages which follow, and I'm thrilled to tell you that I have begun to taylor these designs
to my client's tastes. The frames can be made in a number of woods and finishes, and the paintings designed specially for
you...hey, if I'm going to design a painting anyway, why not take into consideration your colors of choice? I'm having a ball
with it, and a special thanks to my father, Ralph Drake, whose brilliant woodworking skills have made my designs come to life.
My life, my home, and my heart all reside in the small community of Stephenville, Texas, about an hour southwest
of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. I consider myself to be extremely blessed to be able to make my living doing what I love
the most. I appreciate your interest in my site, and hope you can find a little something you might enjoy in your own
home!
Brian
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