Meet Lynne Bernbaum: Artist Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lynne Bernbaum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lynne, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It started with observing how other artists were successful with their own studio/gallery business. I live on the island of Anguilla in the Caribbean. I was exhibiting with a local gallery before and after I moved here. There were two French women artists who had their own studio/gallery. I got to know them and learn how they operated. With the right space and location, it seemed like a good idea…first, to work in a studio that was outside of my house and second, to sell directly to visitors/collectors.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am pleased and thankful that I took the steps to become a full time artist. Previously I was a landscape architect and next an architectural illustrator. These two somewhat related career paths were satisfying at their times, but at a point I felt as if some self expression was missing. Soon after I starting taking watercolor painting classes, I knew that I wanted to shift into a new direction. It wasn’t easy easy. In the transition I took on many different part time jobs to keep going financially. I researched, spoke with professionals and kept taking different art classes including art history to learn more about painting and the art world. I began accepting commissions for portraits as a means to practice getting paid for my art work. It took a while before I had the courage to call myself an artist! I would like the world to know that my paintings represent ideas and concepts that I see, feel, discover and then express in a way that is insightful to me, sometimes edgy, sometimes humorous. I have been told that my art is clever!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love having visitors here on Anguilla. As is often said, it takes a visitor to see the sights. I enjoy much of the island, but I play more when I have guests. Anguilla is known for amazing beaches, gourmet cuisine, awesome local music scene and of course, the galleries. And there are so many interesting and talented people within the small population of 15,000.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am grateful to have had inspiration and examples of the work space/gallery concept from Michelle and Lydia, the French artists. Also, my husband Michel was instrumental in helping me find locations and in assisting me with renovating the spaces.

Website: http://lynnebernbaum.com
Instagram: lynnebernbaum
Facebook: Lynne Bernbaum & Lynne Bernbaum Art

Image Credits
JAustinPro for True Anguilla Magazine