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

Hi Brenda, how do you think about risk?
Definitely a risk taker.. “If you don’t know where you are going.. it’s hard to get lost”.. It became time to listen to my inner voice and just go with it..
I have always been very creative .. and I had been practicing my signature for years!!.. and always felt that there was an artist inside.. but didn’t allow it to get out sooner.. probably fear of failure..
In 1984.. I did design and create a line of my own Southwest inspired jewelry , using copper, red brass and sterling silver in my concho belts and earrings, doing art festivals all around the SW.. but eventually it became a job and wasn’t satisfying me creatively..
So in 2008 .. I finally started to play with paints.. and never looked back.. My main love is painting animals as there have been so many in my life.. they were just waiting patiently to get out.. Not really sure what my style is yet.. but having fun experimenting with all kinds of mediums.. There is never a shortage of subjects.. I usually take my own reference photos.. the quirkier the better..

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been enjoying working with a couple of horse.. donkey rescues in SE AZ.. like Equine Voices, In Green Valley, AZ Karen Pomroy works tirelessly to save our wonderful four legged friends from terrible situations.. Forever Home Donkey Rescue in Benson, AZ.. where these sweeties are lovingly taken care of and can go live out their lives wandering on 30 acres..
And Lucky A Ranch/ Sanctuary in Mc Neal , AZ.. who is a wonderful rescue for the amazing Baudet du Poitou donkeys!!..
I am painting their donkeys and in turn donate the paintings as donations to their fundraiser events.

Lately.. I have been exploring intuitive painting.. just letting go.. making marks.. throwing colors.. and see what shows up. It really tweaks the imagination and I love what happens..

This fall, I have introduced a line of beautiful silk scarves.. with my art images digitally printed on them.. I also offer other gift items.. like tote bags, cutting boards.. aprons.. stretched canvas giclees..

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in a very rural area of SE Arizona.. on 10 acres along the San Pedro river.. We are higher in elevation in a Mesquite bosque.. no cactus on our property.. so.. first we would head out to the east to walk along the Dragoon Mountains.. then over the Dragoons to the Sulphur Springs valley.. taking in the Chirichua mts.. Leslie Canyon area.. Douglas and come back through historic Bisbee!!.. stop and view the amazing Lavender pit.. an old open pit copper mine that closed in 1974. Gorgeous turquoise came out of the Lavender pit but that also came to an end around 1980. I suppose we would have to make a quick stop in at Tombstone.. for great ice cream.. To get a cactus fix.. I would have to include a walk at Saguaro National Monument East in Tucson..

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, a life long rancher, has been my most ardent supporter.. constantly encouraging me to paint what I know.. love and see every day..

Website: www.brendapeoart.com

Facebook: Brenda Peo

Image Credits
Roger Thompson

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