Brett Weaver
Brett Weaver (b. 1973) works as a fulltime artist, focusing on plein aire landscapes, painting in a representational style inspired by the early American Impressionists. From small field studies to their translation to larger studio pieces, he works tirelessly creating works that express his fascination with nature and the beauty of creation. Weaver’s hard work and growth as an artist are reflected through recent achievements including the Second Place award at the 11th Annual Carmel Arts Festival and selection among ’21 under 31’ emerging artist in the September 2004 Issue of Southwest Art Magazine, and Plein Air Magazine Award of Excellence at the PAP-SE Show.
Being advised to choose a secure career path, Weaver selected a career in civil engineer prior to becoming a full-time artist. After completing his education and working as an engineer for six years, the constant desire to paint and the growing need for a more fulfilling career led him to resign his engineering position in the Fall of 2002 and set up a studio, where he spent six months re-evaluating the focus of his painting.
Through intensive study of the works and methods of Edgar Payne and John Carlson, past masters and teachers of landscape painting, and other well-respected contemporaries, he has obtained a fresh approach to his own work in the use of color, massing, composition, and other basic principles. His engineering background also provides for a more complete understanding of composition through mathematical principals of force and balance, which are then expanded through artistic creativity.
Although he resides in Tennessee, Weaver spends over half the year roaming the country, from California to Maine, seeking out the wide-open spaces and distant landscapes that give balance and strength to his own paintings. His travels bring new experiences and opportunities and help to add freshness and variety to his paintings. His first plein air painting was actually done on a business trip in Alaska several years before doing the second after realizing his dreams as a pull time painter of the land.
Weaver continues to pursue excellence in his work through a simple, honest and direct approach. He has recently completed workshops with Scott Christensen, Ralph Oberg, and George Strickland. Other influences and favorite artists include Joaquin Sorolla, John Singer Sargent, Frederick Mulhaupt and William Wendt. Weaver is an artist member of PAP-SE (Plein Air Painters of the Southeast) and RMPAP (Rocky Moiuntain Plein Air Painters), Professional member of the NAPPAP (National Academy of Professional Plein Air Painters), and an associate member of OPA (Oil Painters of America).
Artist's website: www.brettweaverstudio.com