Meet Kendra Brazzel

We were lucky to catch up with Kendra Brazzel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kendra, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

I developed my ability to take risks by starting small and gradually building on those experiences. Each time I step outside my comfort zone, I make sure to savor the feeling of accomplishment, no matter the outcome. I call it the “afterglow,” and knowing this good feeling is coming when I am nervous helps calm me. Over time, I realized that the uncertainty of not trying was far more unsettling than the possibility of failure. Every risk I’ve taken has been a chance to learn and grow, regardless of whether it led to success or a setback. Embracing risk has helped me build confidence in ways I never expected, and it’s become an essential part of my creative journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m an abstract watercolor artist, and my work is all about capturing the beauty of fluidity and movement. My paintings evoke emotion through color and form, creating a sense of calm, reflection, or joy. What excites me most about this process is its unpredictability—each piece is an exploration, allowing the water and pigment to interact in ways that can’t be fully controlled. It’s like watching something unfold organically, and that spontaneity keeps me constantly inspired.

Beyond creating art, I’ve been sharing my creative process on social media, which has been an incredible journey in itself. What started as posting a few process videos has turned into an amazing way to connect with a global audience. It’s special to me because I get to inspire others to explore their creativity and share my love for watercolor.

As for what’s new, I’ve recently launched a YouTube channel where I dive deeper into tutorials and offer a more detailed look at my techniques. I’m also participating in upcoming exhibitions, which is always exciting because I get to see how people connect with my work in person. For anyone who’s just discovering my art, I want them to know that every piece I create is not just about the final result—it’s about the journey, the process, and the emotion behind it.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, these three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey: persistence, openness to learning, and authenticity.

First, persistence has been crucial. There were plenty of moments when I doubted myself, but I kept showing up, even when things didn’t go as planned. Art, like any creative pursuit, requires time, patience, and resilience. My advice to those starting out is to embrace the process, not just the end result. Don’t be afraid of mistakes—they’re part of the growth.

Second, being open to learning has made all the difference. I didn’t come into painting with formal training, but I was eager to explore, experiment, and learn from others. Whether it’s a new techniques or feedback from fellow artists, staying curious and open to new ideas keeps your creative energy alive. For those early in their journey, take every opportunity to learn, whether through classes, tutorials, or simply trying new things on your own.

Finally, authenticity has been a guiding principle for me. Sharing my true process—flaws and all—has allowed me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. People appreciate honesty and vulnerability. For anyone starting out, my advice is to stay true to your voice and vision. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends or fit into a mold. Authenticity will resonate with people far more than perfection ever will.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been my confidence in sharing my work and connecting with my audience. Initially, putting my art out into the world felt scary, but I’ve embraced the process of vulnerability and openness. By sharing my creative journey on social media and interacting with my followers, I’ve learned to appreciate not only the value of my art but also the importance of community.

Additionally, I’ve honed my skills in teaching and conveying my techniques. Launching my YouTube channel has been a significant step forward; it has pushed me to articulate my process clearly and engage with viewers in a more meaningful way. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of my own artistic methods but also reinforced my passion for inspiring others to explore their creativity.

Overall, the past year has been transformative, marked by increased self-assurance and a stronger connection to both my art and the community around it.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Leah Monday, Pneuma Photos

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