Brandi Deziel is a self-taught photorealism painter living and working in Toronto.
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art@brandideziel.com
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About Me
Brandi Deziel is a self-taught photorealism painter living and working in Toronto.
She creates the illusion of a photograph by layering crisp images with soft, blurred backgrounds and foregrounds thus shifting the attention to the focal object and deceiving the eye.
Her work is included in private collections world-wide.
Publications
New Acrylics Essential Sourcebook: Materials, Techniques, And Contemporary Applications For Today's Artist
Where To See My Artwork
Wall Space Gallery in Ottawa, Canada
Halde Gallerie in Switzerland (going on hiatus from July 2009 - August 2010)
For occasional showings in other locations please check the Events section often or sign up for email updates.
My Method
A lot of people ask me how I do what I do. Here is a pdf that gives simple overview of my paint layering process.
Click to download
Copyright or "Hey, I want to use your stuff..."
Everything on brandideziel.com is Copyright 2003-2010 Brandi Deziel. This includes all images of my artwork and also everything I write. So you want to use something from my website? Cool. Please ask me first. I'm nice. I might even say yes. If you want to display my images on your blog or other website please host them on your own web space and make sure give me credit. Maybe even let me know! I like art blogs. I might tell my friends.
Please DO NOT put any of my images or text on printed material with out my express written permission. If you want to use an image for something print related please email me and we can discuss it.
FAQ
1
Q: Are these photographs?
A: No. They are paintings done using acrylic paint on either canvas or panel.
2
Q: Do you paint on top of photographs?
A: No. I spend many hours working on a painting starting from a blank surface.
3
Q: Do you paint using photos as reference?
A: Yes. I take dozens of photos and then using image editing software I take the best parts of each photo and blend them together. The result of this is what I use for reference when painting.
4
Q: Do you use a projector?
A: No. I've tried, I find it makes the process more difficult and time consuming. Instead I mostly freehand the drawing straight onto the panel.
5
Q: How long do you spend on a painting?
A: It depends on how big it is and how intricate the details. I can spend up to 200 hours over several weeks on a large painting like "Toast Crumbs".
6
Q: Why do you make paintings that look like photographs? Why not just take photos?
A: I enjoy the challenge of creating an optical illusion and strive to create an image that is more life like than a photo. By using layers of paint I can create a depth and luminosity not found in any photograph. Also for me painting adds a more human element to an image. My paintings have flaws and that's what make them paintings.
7
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: I didn't go to school to learn to paint. I did go to school to study multimedia design. After dabbling in broadcast design for awhile I quit my job and started painting (note: this is not a course of action I would recommend for the faint of heart).
8
Q: How long have you been painting?
A: Since I was 3 years old. In a professional context I have been painting since 2003.
9
Q: Why do you paint with acrylic instead of oils?
A: I love acrylic paint! It gives off no fumes and cleans up easily with soap and water. It can be mixed with a variety of acrylic glazes, retarders and other mediums for a wide variety of results.
10
Q: Do you accept commissions?
A: In short, not usually. If you you are looking for a custom painting that you think I would be suitable for please feel free to contact me to discuss it.
© 2010 Brandi Deziel
