For Brenda Ray, The Woodlands provides a perfect canvas for inspiring creative ideas.
Originally from Minnesota, Brenda lives here with her husband, Chip. As an artist, she has explored several mediums and techniques throughout her career. Her recent work is inspired by music featuring detailed concepts from rock and pop songs.
Brenda’s latest piece entitled “I Love This Town” was commissioned by Howard Hughes as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of The Woodlands.
Brenda Ray, Local Artist
Close up of Brenda Ray's "I Love This Town"
WHEN DID YOU START YOUR JOURNEY AS AN ARTIST?
I’ve always loved painting. I started out studying colored pencils in college at The College of St. Benedict in Minnesota. After many years off raising my family, I got back into painting in the eighties. Recently I have started to explore song titles, taking inspiration from lyrics and including them as concepts in the piece of art.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MEDIUMS TO WORK WITH?
I work mostly with mixed media and acrylics, but I also do oil paintings, landscapes, and portraits.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE WOODLANDS?
We moved to The Woodlands in 2003. It’s a beautiful place to live and it’s been wonderful to see all the changes that have taken place over the years. We split our time between Minnesota and Texas.
"I Love This Town" by Brenda Ray | Photo Courtesy of Brenda Ray
HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WORK?
Music, song titles or lyrics have inspired my latest work. The Woodlands has a fantastic music scene. I get a lot of my ideas when we go on road trips, listening to the radio on long journeys. It started it out with songs by The Beatles. My husband is a big fan. They have such interesting titles, like I am The Walrus, which inspired another piece of mine. I’ve also created artwork inspired by pop and alternative genres, such as Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars, Poker Face by Lady Gaga, and What’s Up? by The Four Non-Blondes.
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR SPECIAL PIECE I LOVE THIS TOWN FOR THE WOODLANDS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS?
The scene shows the ‘front of The Woodlands’ from South Shore Park by the sea serpent to Waterway Square, with The Woodlands Waterway flowing through the whole piece. It features all the iconic elements of the Town Center, including Town Green Park, The Pavilion, and the theater on Market Street. The title is inspired by the song I Love This Town by Bon Jovi. As the lyrics go, “I always knew that I'd like this place. You don't have to look too far to find a friendly face.” I wanted to include a friendly policeman waving to the locals. It took time to fit in all the different elements and make it all work together.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR YOUR ARTWORK IN THE FUTURE?
I would love to create a space where people can guess the name of the song based on looking at the artwork. My husband and I are still figuring it all out, but we think it could be a fun date night idea!
Find out more about Brenda’s artwork.
