Paul J BryantBorn in Cincinnati, Ohio, Paul has been an artist since his earliest days. Living abroad in Columbia and Venezuela as a child also whetted his appetite for travel, culture and history. Returning to America Paul graduated from Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio and continued his education studying at Washington University in St. Louis and Goldsmith's College of Art in London. Following university Paul travelled to Japan and China where he was greatly influenced by eastern philosophies, literature and aesthetics. The connection between nature and the beauty of imperfection embodied by "wabi sabi" still influences his work
Paul has always been attracted to rendering the human form in portraiture and figurative works, preferring drawing materials like vine charcoal, conte crayon, pen and ink and graphite. Being a curious and creative soul he has experimented with sculpture, pottery, glass blowing and printmaking. Of late he had been diving deep into painting with watercolors, water soluble graphite and oil paints. He teaches art skills, techniques and the creative process along with actively mentoring young artists. When not making art Paul has worked in advertising, graphic design, and most recently as designer of digital experiences. Paul is an entrepreneur and consults with start-ups on creative processes, brand and customer experience. A student of art, lover of culture and citizen of the world, Paul currently resides in Luxembourg, Luxembourg with his wife Elizabeth. |
|
Three ways we might work together
1) Purchase or commission artwork: On this site you will find examples of portraiture, figurative and other artwork for sale. I am also happy to explore collaborating with you to create something new, unique and personal. Just contact me and we can discuss the possibilities.
2) Individual creative instruction: From beginner instruction in drawing and basic creative practices to one-on-one artistic mentoring, I work with people to advance them toward their individual goals. Whether you are brand new to art and want to master the fundamentals of drawing what you see or you want to reconnect with a long forgotten painting skill, I can help. Each program is individualized to the learners needs. Typical courses are 5 or 10, 90-minute sessions which can be conducted in-person or virtually.
3) Group creative instruction: Sometimes starting a creative journey is best when others join us in the process. This cohort can be a gathering of friends, members of a social club or a team at the office. Fundamental creative instruction can be conducted much like the individual courses, over a series of sessions. A specific exercise or technique can be delivered in an individual session, duration to be determined by the learning objective. Sessions can be designed to address specific needs of groups and can serve to deliver a specific creative skill, as a catalyst for brainstorming and even a collaborative team-building exercise.
2) Individual creative instruction: From beginner instruction in drawing and basic creative practices to one-on-one artistic mentoring, I work with people to advance them toward their individual goals. Whether you are brand new to art and want to master the fundamentals of drawing what you see or you want to reconnect with a long forgotten painting skill, I can help. Each program is individualized to the learners needs. Typical courses are 5 or 10, 90-minute sessions which can be conducted in-person or virtually.
3) Group creative instruction: Sometimes starting a creative journey is best when others join us in the process. This cohort can be a gathering of friends, members of a social club or a team at the office. Fundamental creative instruction can be conducted much like the individual courses, over a series of sessions. A specific exercise or technique can be delivered in an individual session, duration to be determined by the learning objective. Sessions can be designed to address specific needs of groups and can serve to deliver a specific creative skill, as a catalyst for brainstorming and even a collaborative team-building exercise.
The Kind Spark
The Kind Spark refers to the human capacity for creating, inventing and bring to being what never was. In my experience, human beings not only have the capacity, we have the need to express this ability. We are fulfilled and at our happiest when we act on inspiration and create. Unfortunately our modern, technology-enhanced life keeps us busy, distracted and generally separate from this primal part of us. While I celebrate our modern life and acknowledge the many benefits I enjoy, I also think we all need to heed and nurture our own personal creative spark. Humans need to create. We are, by our own nature, artists, story-tellers, builders, authors, poets, craftspeople, and makers of all sorts. I believe that when we notice and are open to this creative capacity within us, we improve our lives and the world around us. We may still appear to be corporate employees, accountants, engineers, doctors or pursuing any vocation that might be labeled "practical" and "responsible". We can still incorporate the spark into our lives through creative expression, appreciation and play. This is what so many of us need. Sketch a picture of the view. Dig your hands into some clay and make a pot. Write that poem or idea for that story down. Indulge your kind spark. In creating you will find satisfaction. We discover purpose and see our lives in a more balanced and healthy way. My artwork and the way I live my life is meant to foster "The Kind Spark". I invite you to join us in this pursuit.
Join the Community
The Kind Spark is a growing community of artists, writers and creative folks of all kinds on Facebook. The purpose of the community is to provide a safe place to share our creative work, connect with others who can help us in our explorations and act as a source of insight and inspiration for the members. Please bring your skills and talents to the group. We teach each other. We view works of art. We bring what inspires us from our individual worlds to this form to inspire others. If you wish to join please click here and request membership.
Join the Community
The Kind Spark is a growing community of artists, writers and creative folks of all kinds on Facebook. The purpose of the community is to provide a safe place to share our creative work, connect with others who can help us in our explorations and act as a source of insight and inspiration for the members. Please bring your skills and talents to the group. We teach each other. We view works of art. We bring what inspires us from our individual worlds to this form to inspire others. If you wish to join please click here and request membership.