About the Artist

Hi, I'm Brie.

I am a watercolor and abstract artist working from my home studio, “The Treehouse,” in Dallas, TX. My work is filled with expressive and minimalist abstract pieces, illustrations, and artwork inspired by nature. My work tends to center on mindfulness, empowerment, and mental health — mainly because these subjects were so important in my journey to becoming an artist.

A large part of my work is teaching creative workshops where students learn new art techniques and discover the power of art-making as a form of self-care.

Follow along with my process on Instagram to see what I am currently creating. If you are interested in learning watercolor, check out one of my upcoming workshops, or you can host a private class for your family or team.

Keep reading to learn more about how I became an artist. ↓

How i became an artist

I used to agonize over the question, "What do I want to do with my life?" Early on, I thought I might become a missionary or teach English in a foreign country. At college, I studied Sociology and Spanish, and it seemed like the logical next step was to become a social worker or a therapist. Many people don’t know this, but after college, I got in to a masters program in Marriage and Family Therapy. But, after much thought, I turned it down. I just wasn't absolutely certain this was the right path for my life yet.

I used to agonize over the question, "What do I want to do with my life?"

So, in the midst of all this uncertainty and indecision, I moved home and joined the corporate workforce. For the next few years, I spent each weekday sitting at a desk, all the while waiting for "my calling" to make itself known.

In 2016, I found myself working as an executive assistant to the CEO of an internet technology company. It was a fast-paced, high stakes role where I developed the hotly debated skill of multitasking. While I gained a lot of valuable business knowledge, I didn’t feel like I was advancing myself in the direction I wanted to go. There wasn’t much about that job that was creative, and though I didn’t realize it at the time, I was trying to force myself to fit into the role like a mismatched puzzle piece. I found myself doodling illustrations at my desk, hand lettering quotes to keep me inspired and motivated, and scrolling through the Instagram feeds of artists I admired, wishing I had the guts or the talent to be like them.

Around this time, I began forming friendships with like-minded women who were incredibly supportive of both my creativity and personal growth. I recall one new friend telling me that she initially thought I was an artist when she first met me. I was surprised and flattered. Her words stuck with me, and I began to ask myself, "Am I an artist?" If I wasn't one now, could I become one? How?

I recall one new friend telling me that she initially thought I was an artist when she first met me.

After several months of struggling to fit into that corporate administrative role like a square peg into a round hole, I knew something had to change. So, I quit the executive assistant job, and I went to intern for a local design studio. And… I loved it. I finally felt free! I couldn’t believe that creative jobs and fun work environments like that actually existed. It fueled my creativity, and I started learning how to paint with watercolor outside of work.

By early 2017, I was on a creating rampage. And somewhere along the way, I decided to start calling myself an artist. I realized that I would probably never feel like I had officially arrived—whatever that means—so if I wanted to be an artist, I should just start owning the title.

I realized that I would probably never feel like I had officially arrived… so if I wanted to be an artist, I should just start owning the title.

Over the past several years, I’ve honed my watercolor and illustration skills and branched out into acrylic abstract painting and other mediums. I’ve launched several clay jewelry collections as well. Today I continue to create watercolor and acrylic paintings in small collections, as well as custom commission works. I also discovered my love and knack for teaching a few years ago, and I lead watercolor classes and workshops for small and large groups.

I am always available for commissions, collaborations, and new ideas. In fact, collaborating with others on a creative project is one of my greatest joys. If you have an idea you’d like to talk about, please send me a message.