Abstract Painter Brian Rutenberg

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

Brian Rutenberg is originally from South Carolina. He received his BFA from the College of Charleston, and his MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

I think you will really enjoy this conversation- Brian talks about his idea that in the big picture, art fails us, it is lifeless and incomplete. Wait— what?? When I heard Brian say that, I’ll admit I had a split second of judgment, you know, like someone had just insulted the love of my life and I needed to defend my love. But what Brian goes on to say is quite beautiful, and illustrates the role of the artist in this dance with our canvas.

Brian also shares his idea that art is part skill and part insanity. I loved diving down that rabbit hole- it brought us into skill, spontaneity and the difference between making and creating.

Then we talk about Brian’s painting rituals, his family life, and how that inspires his work.