Life & Work with Brenda Coldwell of Franklin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Coldwell.

Hi Brenda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started painting 20 years ago. I took some painting classes at “The Factory” in Franklin. I was introduced to my first workshop there and from then on, I was enthusiastic and ready to see how I would evolve as a painter. Unfortunately, at that time, there were not many opportunities to take workshops locally. I started traveling to take workshops and through this travel, a dream started forming in my mind: what if I could have a place that facilitated learning to paint?
I took a workshop at the Peninsula School of Art in WI, and loved the experience so much, that I decided that my dream could become a reality. I put a twist on it by wanting to have studios for artist to rent, along with a workshop room: all of the studios were committed to, even before I broke ground. The artists that believed in me were a huge influence in my life and art career. After years of thinking, planning, buying property, going through the building process, crying, laughing, doubting, and divorce, it has happened. It’s been a lot of work, but work that I love.
On Track Studios has been going strong for nine years. There are 6 artist studios, one being mine, a common workroom, and a workshop/classroom.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The building process was a challenge for sure. Inspectors could not agree at times, and I did not really understand the system of approval, permits, etc.

My own personal art career has grown and I love the help I’ve received from my fellow studio mates and workshops instructors along the way. Learning to see and conveying your ideas on canvas is always a challenge and something you must put time and work into.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint abstracts and impresionist landscapes. I also love to paint animals, flowers, and still life occasionally. I’ve always been creative whether its been painting, crafting, gardening or sewing.
I’m most proud of how the studio has come to be. I’m open to what the future holds.
Being as artist and growing my own career, along with owing the studio and all that goes with it sets me apart from most. I also span representational art and abstract art, which I’ve been told is not the right thing to do, but I’m doing it anyway and I’m passionate about both genre.
I’m represented by a well know gallery in Nashville (Bennett Gallery in Green Hills). I’m striving to grow as an artist by practice, and taking workshops with artist I admire.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in a military family. Being an “army brat” I lived in many places including Missouri, Kentucky, Texas (twice), Germany, Arizona, Georgia, and finally, Tennessee, where I live now, since 1972.

Nature has played a big part in my life. As a child, camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, cooking out, watching the stars, or playing outside until well after dark, was all part of growing up with parents that liked to play. Painting, drawing, sewing, and making crafts were my passion. As an adult, I enjoy being active through regular Pilates, hiking, playing golf, gardening, and travel.

For 17 years my career was in nursing. I revisited love of art by taking an oil painting class and then a pastel class. I am now painting in oils, and continue to learn something new every time I pick up a brush!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brendacoldwell.com and www.on-track-studios.com
• Instagram: brendafayecoldwell, ontrackstudios
• Facebook: brenda.coldwell2017, ontrackstudios