I’ve been drawn to soft pastel for more than 15 years. It is one of the most versatile painting mediums, offering many layering options, traveling easily for plein air work and allowing artists to capture the spirit of a place through gesture, line and composition. Growing up in southwest Oklahoma, I was treated daily to amazing skies, ever-changing weather and flower colors that bordered on the unbelievable. The two together – pastel and landscapes – were a natural fit for my work as an artist. Using my knowledge of composition, value and color, I have been able to hone my landscape skills to create pieces that exude a feeling of déjà vu, a recognition or realization that even if viewers haven’t visited the scene I’ve created, they can being there. I’ve also been fortunate to be able to travel the world – both for work and for artistic pleasure. While I love painting outdoors, it’s often not practical, so I always take photos from wherever I may be traveling and then interpret scenes from them when I’m back in my studio.

I also teach pastel landscape several venues in Northern Virginia, and DelMarVa region, including a regular schedule at the Art League of Alexandria, ArtHouse7, Falls Church Arts and the Vienna Art Society. I occasionally take students on artistic trips overseas, including places as diverse as France, Spain and Mexico. There’s always something new to see and react to in an artistic way.

Jernigan is an internationally collected, award-winning artist who works primarily in pastel, acrylic and oil. He regularly offers workshops and classes and his work is held by public and private companies and individuals in the U.S., France, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Japan. Visit his website at www.bryanjernigan.com for more information.