We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cindy Brideau a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cindy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I had never aspired to share my art with the world. For many years, I painted primarily for the personal fulfillment it provided, serving as an escape into the realms of my creative mind, leaving behind the burdens of analytical thoughts of life’s complexities. My art was a well-guarded secret, to the extent that I distinctly recall feeling disconcerted when my husband showcased one of my paintings to our dinner guests.
Yet, over time, I began to receive a growing chorus of praise and encouragement from my family. My husband’s newfound skill in crafting frames allowed us to proudly display one piece after another within our home, gradually revealing that my art was no longer concealed.
In December 2022, during a casual conversation at the salon while having my hair done, I happened to mention my passion for painting. My fellow salon-goer, who happened to be a designer, expressed interest in seeing my artwork. Pulling out a few saved photos from my camera roll, I shared my creations with her. Her enthusiastic response ignited a spark of possibility within me.
I started contemplating the idea of taking a step beyond my comfort zone. What if I made the decision to launch myself into the art world? What if I built a website to showcase my work? What if I summoned the courage to step into the spotlight? These musings led me to take the leap, and in the spring of 2023, I officially unveiled “Cindy Brideau Art” to the world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve dedicated more than 25 years of my life to the art of painting. My formal education, however, lies in Engineering, with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. It’s an unexpected twist in my journey because during the first semester of my Master’s program, I impulsively added an oil painting class to my academic pursuits. I couldn’t resist the allure of holding a paintbrush in my hand.
While my academic background doesn’t include a formal degree in Art, I’ve eagerly embraced countless art courses over the years. I’ve come to define myself as an intuitive painter, guided more by emotion and instinct than rigorous planning. I deliberately avoid overthinking and coercing a painting into a predefined shape. Instead, I loosely sketch out the color palette and composition, allowing the painting to unfold organically, as if it has a mind of its own.
My muse is color, and I draw inspiration from captivating color combinations I encounter during my travels or in the beauty of nature. I often keep an inspiration photo on my phone, serving as a catalyst for a new painting. Consequently, each of my artworks weaves a narrative, rooted in the circumstances of its creation – where I was in the world, the emotions I sought to convey, and what I aimed to capture.
My artistic style leans towards the abstract, characterized by an abundance of movement and a frequent misty quality. Among my favorite subjects to paint are flowers. A unique aspect of my creative process is that I abhor wasting paint. Thus, at the conclusion of a day in the studio, I transform the remnants of my palette into loose, expressive works on paper, often featuring flowers, although I can’t quite explain why. Surprisingly, these “leftover paint” pieces have found a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate my art. I also have a penchant for working on large canvases, offering me a vast canvas on which to fully explore my creative impulses.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
There’s something truly special about witnessing a painting find its permanent place in a home. The joy and awe that wash over me when I receive a photo of my artwork hanging in someone’s house are indescribable. It’s as if the paintings come alive in a new way, appearing even more captivating when they grace the walls of someone who chose them because they felt a profound connection.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Embarking on the journey to build a social media following from scratch can be quite intimidating. For those seeking tips on growing their online presence, I’d recommend a few key strategies. First and foremost, consistency is vital—aim to post multiple times a day to maintain engagement and visibility. It’s essential not to dwell on why one post might garner more likes than another; focus instead on consistently sharing your content.
I firmly believe that art buyers are not just interested in the artwork but also in the artist. While it may initially feel unfamiliar, especially at the outset, presenting yourself on social media is crucial to allowing people to connect with the person behind the art. Over time, you’ll find that revealing your face becomes more natural and helps foster a personal connection.
Additionally, I’ve discovered that people greatly enjoy watching the creative process. When I’m in the studio, I make an effort to record nearly every aspect of my work, often using time-lapse techniques. Admittedly, filming myself while painting presented challenges initially, as it felt somewhat like a performance, and I tended to overthink my work. However, with practice, it has become second nature. I simply set up my phone and begin the recording, often accompanied by an audiobook or music to enhance the painting experience.
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