Pen Brady Art

Sixteen years ago, Pen created this painting of a sea turtle. It is quite possibly the most intricately detailed artwork she has ever produced. At first glance, the turtle’s carapace appears perfectly symmetrical, but a closer look reveals subtle variations throughout the design. These small nuances make each section unique. Can you spot them?

Not long after creating works with such complex patterns, Pen entered a period of artistic simplification. As her style gradually evolved, her paintings became less intricate, relying on abbreviated forms and a stronger emphasis on color rather than the extensive use of line and detail.

If you have interest in purchasing a limited edition print of this painting, please reach out to me through the website "Contact Me" form on our website at www.penbrady.com

Nearly all of us have childhood early summer memories of fireflies appearing around dusk. "Backyard Lanterns" is a tribute to those fascinating little creatures that light up the night.
www.penbrady.com

We’re at the Art in the Park in Columbia, MO. Good crowd and great support from the promoters!! The show runs until 5pm today and 10am to 4pm tomorrow.

Two interpretations of octopi—"Ancient Dream from Recycled Years", created in 2002 and "Soul in a Deep Dark Hole" in 2017. These acrylics and India ink paintings again shows the progression of Pen's unique style.

Many years ago, we rescued a Blue Jay nestling after it had been regurgitated by a black snake. Although the tiny bird was alive, it was clearly in shock and struggling to breathe. After a great deal of care and patience, we were able to nurse the bird back to health and eventually release it into the woods as a healthy adult. The experience left a lasting impression on us, inspiring Pen to create the first image in 2003. In 2023, she once again returned to the Blue Jay as her subject. One of Missouri’s most recognizable backyard birds, the Blue Jay continues to captivate with its beauty, intelligence, and spirited presence.

The first image shows Pen’s artwork still strongly influenced by the Pacific Northwest Coast style, as seen in this 1998 painting of a praying mantis.

In the second image, completed in 2002, the mantis becomes less structured and less defined by traditional PNWC elements, reflecting a shift toward a more organic approach in her work.

The final image, created in 2023, presents an even more simplified insect form, with a greater sense of motion and a subtle touch of whimsy.

I greatly enjoy working with Pen’s art over the years. Watching the evolution of her artistic style continues to fascinate me, and I am always excited to see the next painting to emerge from her studio. As artist continues to work, their art reflects personal growth and visual interpretations—and with that comes change.
—Pádraic

"Now Starts the Morning", 12" x 12" acrylics and India ink on Masonite panel. American Redstart.

One of Pen's earliest paintings, "AeroBison", 1997. The 17" x 13" acrylics and India ink on Strathmore art paper shows the strong influence of the Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations art. What really broke from the traditional tribal stylization was the dimensional aspects of the painting—a background, middle ground, and foreground—not usually found in the indigenous people's art of that region.

"In the Hollow of Night", 20" x 20" acrylic paint and India ink on Masonite panel. Eastern Screech Owl.