Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Amanda Joy Brown is a visual artist whose exhibition, “Path,” explores the intersection of observation and abstraction. The series grew out of her plein air practice, where she creates small studies from direct observation, closely examining the behavior of light, shadow, and color in the landscape. Through layered applications of paint, gesture, texture, pattern, line, and expressive drips, Amanda's work transforms observed landscapes into expressive abstractions, inviting viewers to experience the landscape as both a place and a process.
"It is both a challenge and a grounding practice," says Amanda. Bringing these studies back to her studio, she began exploring how they might inform the use of color, light and composition in her larger paintings. As she worked, new patterns and larger forms emerged within the landscape, inspiring her to trace and weave these paths throughout the surface. The resulting paintings hover between painting and drawing, balancing careful observation with intuitive abstraction.
"Grove," acrylic on canvas, 40 by 90 inches
"Wildcat Canyon," acrylic on canvas, 30 by 48 inches
"Spring Hike," acrylic on canvas, 30 by 48 inches
"Tickseed Sunflower Superbloom," acrylic on canvas, 40 by 30 inches
"Firewood," acrylic on canvas, 40 by 30 inches
"Lawn," acrylic on canvas, 40 by 30 inches
"Hoh Rainforest," acrylic on canvas, 40 by 30 inches
Amanda studied Art and French at Harding University in Arkansas before earning her M.F.A. in Painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She has attended residencies at SCAD Lacoste in France and the Vermont Studio Center, and was a member of Ground Floor Gallery and Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, for several years.
Her work is included in both private and public collections throughout the United States and internationally, including Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Monaco.
AVAILABLE WORKS