BRUCE S. GARRABRANDT
Limited Edition Art and Gift Books | Author/Colored Pencil Artist
When asked for my “mission statement” as an artist, I am always quick to respond: “I have none.” To those who don’t know me well I may seem like a shallow-thinking person. But my friends will tell you I seldom think at all.
I’m a self-taught artist who began with no talent for drawing. A passionate desire to learn the skills, and the willingness to work through frustrations and setbacks, eventually enabled me to become a professional artist. I am not boasting. I’m a man of average intelligence. (My friends will argue I’m boasting when I say that.)
I’ve learned that talent is not a prerequisite for success in any endeavor. Each of us is born with unique desires, interests, passions—and the potential to develop them. These are our gifts. Some people are developing their gifts into talents and abilities, while others just play with the packaging material.
I used to be a serious artist—but I got over it. It’s more fun to create “random acts of artistic nonsense.” Now that I’m deeply entrenched in middle-age, I ‘m more convinced than ever that humor is our cosmic night-light, because it touches emotions we all share. (Truthfully, I only do these drawings to watch my wife roll her eyes. It works every time. Life is full.)
Writer O. Henry said that life consists of smiles, sniffles, and sobs—with sniffles predominating. In my own small way, I hope to increase the percentage of smiles. I humbly offer these whimsical wildlife drawings as a partial antidote to the six o’clock news.
