DINA BRENNAN: Color Noise
My creativity was sparked by COVID, of all things, and what I coined my “Quarantine Creative.” I started taking out all of my art supplies and playing with watercolor landscapes which I called “colorscapes.” The idea was letting the water move how it wanted against the page to create a loose and abstract visual of what I saw on my daily walks. I was also taking black and white photos every day, which focused on line and texture. I like the idea of playing with lines that emulate horizons and layering values that create depth. Working abstractly is something that is new to me and I have had a lot of fun experimenting with new painting tools and different types of acrylic paints, mediums and soluble artists’ crayons.
In my new body of work, each piece is focused on limiting my color palette and pushing color relationships while maintaining a balance in tone and movement. With that movement, I really want to explore what sound looks like, particularly in nature. My love of color motivates me most in creating my art. I’m endlessly caught up in the colors found and created in nature, no matter where I am in the world.
Growing up and living in New England has been very influential because of the ever-changing seasons, the continuous moving landscape found along the coast and the way the light makes everything seem different from day to day. The naturally occurring color combinations found while spending time outdoors inspires me to try and create those connections while painting. I am working to see if can visually depict sound within a landscape. Does sound have a color? Does color make a noise?
I have had the pleasure of working with local artists at the Frame Center for twenty-five (25) years. Post-COVID, the Frame Center began enhancing its showroom and gallery spaces. We decided to utilize the open space to showcase original artwork by local artists. Our goal is to create a safe space for the community to enjoy and celebrate their art without the pressures of a traditional gallery. I find that I really enjoy pushing people to share and celebrate their work, which in turn has inspired me to try new things in my own artwork and put myself out there in a way that I never have before.
My very first solo show will be hanging next spring at the James Library in historic Norwell Center.
The James Library and Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization offering programs in music, art and literature. My new work, which focuses on playing with sound and color, will be featured in their art gallery in May 2025.
