BRINA

Where is your art studio located?

My art studio is in the garage of my home, a space we have updated to permanently house my art habits and art classes. It’s a space that is dear to my heart. My home is located in Fernie, BC, Canada.

What’s your favourite thing to paint?

My favourite things to paint are People (portraits), Places (landscape), and Natural Elements (florals and still life). My favourite place to paint is in a sketchbook. You can read more about my love of sketchbooks here.

What materials do you paint with?

On heavy watercolour paper, I like to work with watercolour paints, gouache, watercolour pencils, polychromes colour pencils, and neocolor ii wax pastels. If I feel like it’s necessary, I might add other materials, such as acrylic inks, India ink, or acrylic paint. All materials are professional and archival and I also finish the painting with a light coat of sealer.

ART CLASSES

How many kids can join your ‘small group’ art class?

At the moment, I cap the class at 8 kids. Since I’m on my own, I don’t want to spread myself thin and not have the time to support and assist everyone.

How do I sign up for your art classes?

I use a google docs for my class registration so all you need is my class link and you can add your kids’ name and see any updates.

What types of projects do the kids work on in art class?

My focal point is watercolour and mixed media paintings and observational drawings. Each class we start with an idea and then I encourage each person to take the idea and explore their own interests. For instance, I will hand out a sheet on a basic whale shape, show how I would paint the whale, and let the kids play around with the technique and add additional elements to go around the whale.

Do you offer private art lessons?

I do offer private art lessons:

Private one-on-one art lessons - this has been paused for now. An alternative is my online art blog, My Creative Side. Read all about it below.

Private group art lessons - for businesses or a group of friends who want to host a fun and relaxing evening of art, which can be themed or just an excuse to get together and make art.

Contact Brina for more information.

Do you offer online classes for people outside of the Fernie area?

The closest I get to online classes is through my blogs. I have two!

My Creative Side - a free blog of art projects, art inspiration, and discussions about art.

Brina’s Creative Side - a larger catalogue of art projects, art inspiration, and discussions that offers videos, printables, extra tips and so much more. This is a great option for those who want more art instruction or would like new ideas for art clubs, art camps, or homeschool projects. For just $55, a one-time fee.

Will you travel to lead an art workshop in other cities in Canada?

The idea of workshop facilitation is new to me - I’m used to leading workshops in Fernie or in my own art studio, but I would be happy to lead a mixed-media art workshop for your arts group, guild, or collective. If you want to discuss the workshop date, details, fees, and themes of a workshop, send me a message on the contact page with as many details as you can.

LIVE EVENT PAINTING

How do you paint guest portraits at a wedding?

When I am hired to paint watercolour guest portraits at a wedding or event, I first take a photo of the guests (as couples, singles, or families) who I’m about to paint. Usually in groups of 3 or 4 photos at a time. This way I can work on multiple paintings at once, which allows for the paint to dry as I continue to work. Once I’m done, I place the paintings to the side for people to pick up. I continue this process until all the paintings are done.

Each painting takes about 3-7 minutes, depending on the size or the number of people in the painting. I use archival and professional watercolours and colour pencils on a heavy watercolour paper. For a quote, fill out my online form with as many details as you can.

Can you travel to be a live painter at our wedding outside of Fernie, BC, Canada?

The simple answer is YES. I would love to. In my quote I will add travel and accommodation costs to compensate, if required, and a per diem for my time away from home. You can add all of your wedding details to the note at the end of the form on my Live Event Painting page. For those in neighbouring cities, I have travel packages for Cranbrook BC, Nelson BC, Invermere BC, Lethbridge AB, Canmore, Banff AB, and Calgary AB.

Do you only offer live painting for weddings?

No way. I would be happy to paint any event, including anniversaries, corporate events, festivals, birthday parties etc. My watercolour portraits are a special take-home for guests at any event. Events outside of the Elk Valley would require travel expenses. Packages are available for main cities around Fernie, such as Invermere, Nelson, Calgary, Lethbridge, and Cranbrook. Get a quote by filling out my Live Event Painting form. You can view a short video of my portrait paintings completed at Fernie Pride Festival in September, 2025.

What makes your live guest portrait paintings special?

There are a few guest portrait painters in Canada, and we each have our own style, but one thing I pride myself on is painting the faces of the guests. A lot of painters don’t do faces but I do. That’s pretty special.

ART COMMISSIONS

What type of art commissions do you do?

I feel like I can take on anything but my favourites, and where I feel most comfortable, are art commissions for houses, family vacation landscapes, people, art based on wedding photography, and pet portraits.

What materials do you paint with?

I like to work with watercolour paints, gouache, watercolour pencils, polychromes colour pencils, and neocolor ii wax pastels. If I feel like it’s necessary, I might add other materials, such as acrylic inks, India ink, or acrylic paint. All materials are professional and archival and I also finish the painting with a light coat of sealer.

How much time do you need to finish a painting?

I like to give myself at least 2 weeks to get an art commission painting done but I prefer up to 3-4 weeks if it’s a larger painting.