Artists

Stan Brull

When asked how long I have been painting, I tend to say “for all my life, except for the 35 years I took off to pursue a medical education and raise my family”.

My first exposure to painting came when I was selected by my kindergarten teacher in the Baltimore City Public School System to attend summer art instruction at the BMA. I remember my grandmother escorting me back and forth to lessons via a triple transfer on the bus.

I studied medicine and chose ophthalmology as my specialty. The visual emphasis seems to have been buried deep in my being.

I enjoy painting, especially oil painting, because I find the medium flexible and I like the way it can be moved. Manipulating oil paint is an essential process in my work. I relish plen aire venues, but treasure time in my studio as well.

My concentration has been on reducing what I see to elements I determine are beautiful, curious, or stimulating. Rendering this material to the canvas presents a challenge of elimination and creativity which gets me going. I strive to discover colors and develop compositions which draw the eye and the soul. Occasionally, I experiment with unusual materials, surfaces, or media to mix with my faithful oils. I do this for interest as well as to elicit surprises which help stimulate me and keep the process evolving.

Obviously, I am intrigued by barns. I think their simple shapes and endless color possibilities are a wonderful contrast to the vagaries of the natural elements that surround them. I push the limits in an effort to make the contrast itself a vital element of the painting.

My painting is a true joy for me. The process is stimulating and rewarding and an apt visual exercise which complements my work in medicine.