Local Artist Creates Stunning Wearable Masterpieces & Portraits That Come to Life
Being a professional artist was a future practically written in the stars for Brittany Samsil, or the skills ran in her genes, at least. Her parents were both artists, so the process of creating was just part of everyday life. She started painting when she was 6 years old, and by 12, she'd sold her first piece.
Art By Brittany
Now in her early 30s, Brittany can happily (although some days have their challenges, I'm sure) say she is a full-time artist! And she has been for about six years now, after taking the leap back in 2020. Art by Brittany was formed, and there was no looking back.
Brittany is a Busy Bee With a Brush
She's participated in community and non-profit art projects, raising money for groups like United Way. You can see her artwork on murals downtown, and she also sets up at pretty much every local event her schedule allows.
Brittany is a BUSY bee, and she travels all over the place selling her wares. She is booked every weekend until October at markets and festivals all over Evansville, Owensboro, Louisville, etc. Like ROMP, Louisville's Fleur de Flea, and more. Keep scrolling for her schedule of where to find her and when this summer.
Documenting the Artistic Process
I LOVE that Brittany shares her work on her social media page. She will explain her process of making certain things, including inspiration and tools used. Here is a detail shot of a beautiful hat that she etched, painted, and then added metallic elements that really set off the motif. This queen is REGAL.
Ribbons, and Feathers, and Gemstones!
These videos show off every angle of her hats that are custom-painted, hand-etched, and detailed to perfection with trimmings and feathers. This hat is adorned with gorgeous gemstones!
These Whimsical Portrait Paintings Are SO Realistic
Some of her portrait paintings are so incredible that they look like the subject came to life. This one of Ozzy the Great is mind-blowing. That teacup? Real!
Working 5 to 9!
She is constantly coming up with new ideas and sometimes works really long hours to bring as many as she can to life. "I have hundreds of ideas a day, and maybe create 2% of them," Brittany said. "I wake up at 430am most mornings, make coffee and get started on a painting or a hat, and when I'm going through an artistic compulsion, I can be there until 9 pm that night."
When creativity comes as a sixth sense, you also love to experiment with new things, which is how her hats came about. Brittany shared, "I had played it out in my head for like a year before doing it, but once I started, I couldn't stop. The hats are unique because I sit down and go with what I want to do in that moment. But when I'm doing a painting, it's something I visualize for a while before doing it."
I LOVE this one. The vintage fabric is so cool! And the way she weathered the hat is awesome. Some of Brittany's themed hats are inspired by nature with moons, stars, bees, mushrooms, flowers, and snakes. Others depict scenes from beloved stories like Alice in Wonderland.
One of my favorites that she recently made speaks to my color-loving millennial heart. A Lisa Frank hat!
Where to Find Art by Brittany Samsil
If you want to shop at your convenience, she does have pieces for sale in these locations:
- Moonbow Apothecary Owensboro, KY
- 1885 cocktail bar, Owensboro, KY
- Fetta Pizza Owensboro, KY
- Coastal Wellness Massage in Jacksonville, North Carolina
- Kenny McGuire Studio in Jacksonville, FL.
- Nueces Brewing and BBQ in Corpus Christi, TX
So if you ever find yourself in Texas and need to find a really cool hat, you'll know where to go! Here is her display at 1885 Cocktail Bar on Parrish Avenue.
Here is where Brittany will be popping up over the next few months.
Art by Brittany Samsil Upcoming Events
- 5/22 Friday after 5 in Owensboro, Ky
- 5/23 fleur de flea waterfront in louisville, Ky
- 5/29 Friday after 5 in owensboro, ky
- 5/31 Franklin Street Bazaar, Evansville, IN
- 6/5 Friday after 5 owensboro, ky
- 6/6 RiverCity Pride Festival, Evansville, IN
- 6/12 Friday after 5 owensboro, ky
- 6/13 Franklin Street Bazaar, Evansville, IN
- 6/19 Friday after 5 in owensboro, ky
- 6/20 Franklin Street Bazaar, Evansville, IN
- 6/25 - 6/27 ROMP owensboro, ky
- 7/3 Friday after 5 in owensboro, ky
- 7/10 Friday after 5 in owensboro, ky
- 7/11 Franklin Street Bazaar, Evansville, IN
- 7/17 Friday after 5
- 7/18 Franklin Street Bazaar, Evansville, IN
- 7/24 Friday after 5 owensboro, ky
- 7/25 Franklin Street Bazaar, Evansville, IN
- 7/31 Friday after 5 in owensboro, ky
- 8/1 Franklin Street Bazaar, Evansville, IN
- 8/7 last Friday after 5
- 8/8 Franklin Street Bazaar, Evansville, IN
- 8/14 bluegrass legends car show, Owensboro, KY
- 8/22 Franklin Street Bazaar, Evansville, IN
Be sure to follow Brittany on social media to stay updated about where she will be. As you can see, you'll also get great sneak peeks of what she has made. You can also visit her website here. Do you own a Brittany original? The hardest part for me has been deciding which one is my favorite. I'm sure I will know *the one* when I see it! If you rock one or have one of her paintings, drop a picture in the comment section and show it off!
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