Artist Statement for plein air artist, Brenda Hofreiter

Brenda Hofreiter is a fourth-generation Floridian originally from Miami. Pursuing an initial interest in three-dimensional art, Brenda attended The Grove House School in Coconut Grove, and created wheel thrown pottery and sculpture. After moving to the Winter Park area, she began coursework in painting and drawing at Crealde School of Art. She was awarded a two year Fellowship at Crealde and became the Fellowship Manager of the Painting and Drawing Department. During her tenure, she managed visiting artist workshops, assisted in children’s classes and outreach programs. As the Fellowship Manager, Brenda also created the first off-campus exhibition of Fellowship artwork. It was during this time, that Brenda discovered her passion for plein air landscape painting in oil. She founded Plein Air Painters of Central Florida in 1997 and served as its President for 6 years. Brenda worked with community leaders to introduce organized paintouts and sales to Central Florida and assisted other artists and groups to organize and promote plein air painting. Brenda retired PAPCF in 2003 to pursue her growing artistic career. She has continued her art education by attending workshops and has studied plein air painting with nationally known artists, Greg Kreutz, Ken Backhus and John Budicin. Although she has had some formal art training, she considers nature itself to be her most profound teacher. The California Impressionists and the American tradition of painting “en plein air” continue to inspire her.

Brenda has been painting professionally since 1999. Her plein paintings have been accepted and won awards in local, regional, national and international juried shows. Her paintings are included in numerous private, and corporate collections. Brenda has been selected as Artist in Residence for State Parks in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida and her plein air oil paintings are included in their permanent collections. Maitland Art Center recently purchased a painting for inclusion in their permanent collection.

Brenda has been awarded Signature Memberships in Plein Air Florida, the American Impressionist Society, and International Plein Air Painters where she also sits on the Advisory Board. She is also a member of Oil Painters of America, and the Society of Master Impressionists.