Britnie Walston

About the Artist

I'm a versatile Maryland artist who captures energy through light and vibrant colors. As a person who grew up near the Chesapeake Bay, her landscapes and abstract work are inspired by the beauty of nature, often depicting the absence of human presence, liberation (“set free”), and freedom (“being free”). She portrays the personality of nature while providing the viewer the opportunity to escape and appreciate all the beauty that surrounds us. Growing up on the Eastern Shore, I spent a lot of time by the ocean. I really enjoy painting and spending time in nature; especially seascapes. When painting seascapes and landscapes, it is my way of escaping and makes me feel as though I am reliving those memories. I also enjoy painting abstract art. From a very young age, I always knew that I wanted to pursue art. Growing up, I always found myself drawing cartoons, making crafts, and coloring while most kids preferred to play outside. As early as I can remember, my mother first introduced me to art. She showed me how to flip old furniture, and turn it into a new treasure to be appreciated. Learning this taught me the beauty of not only the finished result but that the process of creation is an experience and beauty in itself.  In addition, she often came home with coloring books, Crayola sketchbooks, glitter, glue, and many other sorts of craft materials as well. We even once bought a coffee table from the thrift store, sanded, and polished it. From this experience, I was able to grasp the understanding of self-gratification. From the moment I started, I knew that's what I wanted to do in life. From then on, I concentrated heavily on visual and fine arts from middle school to college. Most people told me how difficult it was to make a living in the art industry, but the possibilities to me seemed endless. Sure, it hasn't been the easiest journey but it makes me happy to create and I someday want to open a gallery of my own. I concentrated on a studio art major and received a Bachelor's degree from Goucher College as a fine and performing arts scholar. As a part of my college studies, I also traveled abroad to Greece with the University of Maryland College Park studying art history and Greek mythology. Prior to attending Goucher, I also was a scholarship recipient of "Young People's Studio", and participated in studio painting classes at the Maryland Institute College of Art. In addition, I was also the White House Christmas Ornament Artist of 2008, followed by various other awards and honors such as Honorable Mention with Grey Cube Gallery and a Special Merit Award in Light, Space, and Time Gallery's "Open" 2020 Art Exhibition. My work has also been featured in Mid-Atlantic and state-wide shows and published in magazines such as Chestnut Review, Sonder Midwest, Mud Season Review, Blue Mesa Review, Abstract Magazine TV, and many more. My experience in the art industry continues to grow through research and self-teaching. I now run a business and online shop, and launched a Youtube channel, educating viewers on topics from hanging installations to painting tutorials. More of my work can be found on www.BNWArt.com.  

Artist's Statement

I'm a versatile Maryland artist who captures energy through light and vibrant colors. As a person who grew up near the Chesapeake Bay, my landscapes and abstract work are inspired by the beauty of nature, often depicting the absence of human presence, liberation (“set free”) and freedom (“being free”). I portray the personality of nature, while allowing the viewer the opportunity to escape and appreciate all the beauty that surrounds us. I aim to project the mood of the painting onto the viewer. I try to achieve this by incorporating vibrant, stimulant colors, which produce a positive sensation. For example, I incorporate a lot of warm vibrant colors such as yellow, pink, orange, in addition to cool colors which add balance and contrast. Through painting landscapes and seascapes, I've found that every sky and body of water has it's own personality.  My fluid abstract work consists of a variety of unconventional techniques to capture elements of color and texture. One of the most used techniques in my abstract paintings, is the method of mixing each individual color using acrylic paint, floetrol, silicone, and water followed by a blow torch. Together, they create cellular forms. A variety of designs and textures are achieved using household objects such as strainers, straws, and frosting spatulas. Some of my other abstract work consists of thick blotches of bold colors, directional lines, and layering. I like the vividness of the colors layered on top of one another, often complimented with black areas of colors or lines. To me, it creates a sense of power and dominance. I have  always admired the modern style and simplicity of the work. It really speaks to you, and what is also amazing is that it is open for interpretation to the viewer. When I paint in this style, I feel free and the work speaks for me. I focus on capturing a lot of chaos, and when it's not chaos, it's the same free spirit vibe I intend on communicating to the audience as when I paint these works of art. Art makes me feel free and expressive; it's the one thing that has always made me feel free to be myself, to create or do without apology. What I enjoy the most about art, is how I can incorporate my own feelings and emotions into it. I mostly work with oil and acrylic paints, and I also do photography, drawings, and graphic design such as logos, invitations, and t-shirt designs. If interested, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thanks and I greatly hope you enjoy my work!