Brent Bishop has been a painter of contemporary landscapes in acrylic on canvas for over 20 years. He graduated from CU Boulder with a BFA in Integrated Arts in 2010. Sometimes he incorporates a range of mediums, including oil, acrylic, gouache, and archival ink with wood panels or canvas.

Some of Bishop’s artistic role models include Salvador Dali, Jeff Koons, David Hockney, Mary Iverson, and Julie Mehretu.

Two years ago, Bishop decided to dive into his art full-time. His main inspiration is to create the art he wishes to see in the world. He fell in love with painting “due to the boundless possibilities of the medium.”

He shares, “Paint is so versatile. It can portray a range of styles, colors, thoughts, emotions, etc. I believe anything you can think can be expressed through paint.”

Bishop’s parents are both artists but never pursued it professionally. When Bishop was eight, he visited his great-uncle Foster Hyatt, a working artist in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hyatt and his wife lived in a historic adobe hacienda situated next to a creek with a beautiful studio.

“I remember how happy he was at 80, showing us all his watercolor paintings. I believe it was that experience that led to me pursuing a similar path,” confesses Bishop.

With so much creative inspiration, it’s no surprise even Bishop’s studio space is a work of art. Bishop, his wife, and a friend who is a master craftsman built a studio on their property in 2020.

Bishop’s studio consists of natural light that fills the vaulted ceiling space, plants, a loft net for relaxing between projects, French doors that open to a garden, and Bishop’s favorite: a view of the Continental Divide.

Bishop likes to take a few hours in the morning to exercise, practice yoga, and meditate before heading into the studio. “I love listening to music while painting, and the genre changes depending on the time of day.”

He says, “In the mornings, I love the Surfaces for their positive vibe, Guardians of the Galaxy VOL.2, Daft Punk, and some old country ballads from Willy and the boys. By the time the sun starts going down, I’m generally playing some old school hip hop pretty loud.”

Bishop says he hopes his art inspires people to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us at all times. “Sometimes we can get tunnel vision and can use a reminder to slow down and realize what a magical world we are lucky enough to be a part of.”

Bishop’s plans for the future include moving “toward what excites” his soul. “I’m not sure where exactly that will lead me, but I hope to make art, traveling, and connect with people for a very long time.”

Bishop believes growth comes from letting things go. “If I like a piece that sells, then I’ll just have to create another, and if it’s not the same, that’s ok; maybe it will turn out even better.”

Bishop’s home studio is located in Nederland. You can see Brent Bishop’s art by visiting http://brentcollinbishop.com or you can give him a call at 901-378-8686.

Sign up as a sponsor for The Mountain-Ear’s Studio Tour September 22-24, 2023, at www.themtnear.com/peak-to-peak-studio-tour-2023/.