| "I just love having a brush in my hand and putting paint, water and paper together. There is a sense of magic as the colors flow and settle, and a challenge to keep the freshness while suggesting a subject. I enjoy the process of discovering shapes and patterns, building rich layers of color, and saving the pure sparking white of the paper." |
| Bridget Austin, a UW-Madison graduate with a degree in art, has a background in education and graphic design, but she has been fascinated by watercolor since 1975. While most of her time is spent creating her paintings, she has also enjoyed teaching watercolor workshops locally and nationally for many years. The changing seasons, the beauty of Wisconsin and Door County, and new images from travels provide inspiration. Highlights on rocks, flowers, foliage, gardens and old buildings are likely subjects. She has exhibited in many national juried shows including the American and National Watercolor Societies. In addition, she has earned the honor of Master Status in the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and has served on its board of directors. She is also a member of the Wisconsin Watercolor Society. Bridget's paintings have been included in the permanent collections of the Miller Art Center, Sturgeon Bay, WI and the Neville Public Museum, Green Bay, WI, as well as many libraries, hospitals, and other public buildings. In addition, her watercolors are part of many corporate collections nationwide and private collections internationally. Her paintings have been featured in Creative Watercolor by Mary Ann Beckwith, Searching for the Artist Within by Karlyn Holman, and Celebrating Door County's Wild Places. Most recently she is featured in “Watercolor: The Spirit of Spontaneity” by Karlyn Holman. She lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin with her husband Gary. You can contact her at home, email, or see her work at The Cottage Row Framing and Gallery, Fish Creek, WI; Moondeer & Friends Gallery, Boulder Junction, WI (as of May 2008); and Wisconsin Arts, Green Bay, WI. |