February 1, 2021 |

Artist Interview - Brittany Anne

Who are you and what do you do?

I am visual artist Brittany Anne. An illustrator and painter based out of my south New Jersey art studio. I specialize in creating beautiful black women with Afrocentric and vintage aesthetics.

Why do you do what you do?

I started drawing when I was a child but didn’t start taking it seriously until 2015 when I was going through a really dark time in my life. I wasn’t feeling good about myself at the time, so I started to create what I wanted to be. A beautiful and confident woman. I created an alternate reality, a reality I wanted for myself.

What inspires your art?

My work is heavily inspired by Afrocentric style as well as vintage 70s, 80s, and even 90s editorial works.

How and when did you get into art?

I have always been a huge music fanatic! I noticed as a child I could literally “hear” colors and shapes as I listened to certain songs. That’s exactly when I started to draw.

How has your practice changed over time?

These days, I draw and paint a little less off emotion. Now I create with a little more intention. Especially with my larger scale paintings. I sketch out thumbnail drawings before I put the paint on the canvas.

What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve created? Why?

I absolutely adore an illustration I created last year titled “An Ode to Nina”. One of my favorite artists and musicians is the talented Nina Simone. I recreated a famous shoot of hers where she was having breakfast in bed. I love the intimacy of this piece. She’s comfortable in her own skin and enjoying her morning self-care.

What’s the best piece of art advice you’ve been given?

The best piece of art advice I’ve ever received was from a good friend of mine. He told me to stay true to myself and be authentic with my work. People will appreciate your art even more!

Do you have any secret tips or techniques you use to salvage a piece when you make a mistake?

Whenever I make a mistake, I like to add dots! I know it sounds weird, but if it’s something I can’t erase, I add dots of white, gold, or any other color kind of as an accent. Lol!

What is your favorite Strathmore paper? Why?

My favorite Strathmore paper is definitely the Toned Tan 400 Series paper. I’ve created some beautiful pieces with it. Highlights really pop with this paper!