Artist bio

Britnie is a versatile Maryland based artist from the United States, who works with a variety of art mediums. Interested in art since she was a young child, her work is inspired by the Chesapeake Bay where she has always lived close to the water. She concentrated in studio art and received a Bachelor's degree from Goucher College as a fine and performing arts scholar in 2013. As a part of her college studies, she also studied abroad in Greece with the University of Maryland College Park, where she traveled to historical sites, and learned about Greek art and mythology. Prior to attending Goucher, she earned a scholarship and studied studio painting classes at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Britnie was also the White House Christmas Ornament Artist of 2008, followed by various other awards and honors. Some include Honorable Mention with Grey Cube Gallery, a Special Merit Award in Light, Space and Time Gallery's "Open" 2020 Art Exhibition, and an Artistic Excellence award from the Circle Foundation for the Arts. Britnie has also won Most Honorable Mention awards in multiple Art Show International Gallery exhibitions online. Her work has also been featured in statewide shows with galleries such as Towson Arts Collective, Art Enables, and Maryland Art Place. Most recently she has been chosen as one of Art Show International Gallery of Los Angeles' online permanent solo exhibition artists. In addition, her work has also been published in magazines such as Chestnut Review, Sonder Midwest, Mud Season Review, Blue Mesa Review, Kithe Journal, New Southern Fugitives and many more. Britnie's work is also forthcoming in december magazine. Recent accomplishments also include published artist interviews in LandEscape Art Review and Art Reveal Magazine. Her experience in the art industry continues to grow through research and self teaching. She now runs a business and online shop, and launched a Youtube channel, educating viewers on topics from hanging installations to painting tutorials.

Title

God Gives Me Strength

Medium/Genre

Painting

Artist Statement

The image is an oil painting on mixed media paper. I mapped out a basic drawing on the paper, and utilized a combination of brushes to achieve different results and varying details in the composition. Some of these brushes include a number 12 flat brush, which was used to first create a gradient background with tints of purple and yellow to balance and emphasize the figure in the center. Smaller flat brushes were also utilized for this painting to paint areas with pointed edges and angles such as the shield, the cross on the shield, sword and helmet of the figure. A dotting pen tool and small intricate number 00 and 0 paint brushes were used to form highlights on the armor, and blend details such as the face, God’s hands, and folds in the clothing.

Inspired by the hard times we’ve all endured together over the past year and still enduring, this painting portrays an African American woman protected by the armor of God; who I’ve placed behind her with his hands on her shoulders. I also aimed to provoke an emotional connection with the main subject through the incorporation of the woman’s eyes gazing directly at the viewer. In addition, I’ve also incorporated symbolic colors in this piece: purple which reminds us that God is king, yellow for our eternal life in heaven, white for forgiveness, and red for the blood that Jesus shed for us. The image figuratively encourages us all to use the strength, power, and armor that God provides us with to battle any evil forces of the world and spiritual forces of evil, injustice, discrimination, struggle or barrier that the enemy throws our way through the Holy Spirit.

How it fits into contest

This painting relates to Ephesians 6:10-20 and the Spiritual Battle, as the woman has put on the full armor of God, belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. This is used to fight all evil forces the enemy uses in an attempt to weaken us and destroy us, divide us, and to deter us away from God. As written in Ephesians 6:10-20, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” In this dark world, we are met with many battles; those that are often against rulers, authorities, worldly ways and beliefs that are unjust, often formed to keep many down and draw us further away from God and ultimately divide our brothers and sisters. You never lose with God on your side. Even though you can’t physically see God, always know that his spirit is with you and He’s there to get you through any battle that seems impossible to withstand.

How to Purchase this Artwork

This is an oil painting on mixed media paper. The original image retails for $200. To purchase my work please go to: https://www.bnwart.com/shop or feel free to email me at leawayartisans@gmail.com for inquiries.

Other Goods & Services Available from this Artist

I produce commissioned artwork, painting tutorials, how to videos, and drawing. I addition, I also create a variety of mixed media and contemporary art including landscapes, fluid paintings, portraits and abstract work. Here are some of the tutorials and informational art videos that I produce on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BNWArtsandCrafts.

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