Brenda Laird

Born in 1958, Brenda Laird is an emerging Wellington painter who works from her studio in Paramata, overlooking the Porirua Harbour. Brenda completed a certificate of Advanced Studies in Art at the Wellington College of Education and has painted prolifically for the past five years, the last year, fulltime. Her work has been exhibited in various cafes and homestays throughout New Zealand. Brenda's paintings concern New Zealanders and their enjoyment of the great outdoors. She paints people having a good time together, either relaxing or doing something active like fishing or bike-riding. Brenda's work is characterised by definitive outlines, vibrant primary colours and her bold use of line, colour and texture. Her canvases reflect a love of life and her New Zealand surroundings. Her characters' faces lack detail and are purposely left ambiguous so that they could be you, your friend or someone you have met. Despite this, when she paints specific people, the character of the person is retained, but in an abstract way.