Rebecca Bangs
Maple Grove, MN
Minnesota artist Rebecca Bangs creates vibrant pointillism and impressionistic paintings inspired by nature, joy, and well-being.
Message
Rebecca’s artistic journey began at Bard College in upstate New York, where she studied with Laura Battle and Alan Cote. Her diverse experiences—from Army service and long-haul trucking to earning a Nursing degree—have shaped her unique creative perspective.
Committed to growth, Rebecca has taken advanced workshops and courses in various techniques and mediums, including acrylics, botanical and classical drawing, mixed media, watercolor, weaving, fiber arts, and plein air painting. She has studied at UC Santa Clara, Cabrillo College, Mendocino Art Center, and John C. Campbell Folk School.
Rebecca is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Painting at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her work blends nature’s calming influence with joyful elements, offering a refreshing sense of well-being through art, designed to resonate with collectors who value quality craftsmanship and therapeutic qualities.
Statement
My work is centered on the practice of slowing down and observing with intention. Through the lens of pointillism and contemporary impressionism, I invite viewers into a world where what initially appears realistic reveals itself as a composition of tiny, deliberate brush strokes. This revelation often captures the attention of my audience, drawing them into a dynamic interplay with the painting—much like my own process of creating, which involves both scrutiny and stepping back.
I start each piece with the theme of the world around us, a universal source of curiosity and wonder. My process typically involves using reference photos and Golden liquid acrylic paints applied with square brushes of various sizes for pointillism or oils for contemporary impressionism. Achieving the rich textures I seek often requires layering 6-8 times, creating a unique visual energy that hints at an almost intuitive exploration of light and color.
Pointillism and contemporary impressionism resonate with me because they mirror the multi-sensory experiences of happiness—such as the blend of wine, candlelight, and music or the soothing combination of the ocean, wind, and birds. My paintings, with their textured surfaces and layered colors, aim to capture and convey these complex, joyful experiences, offering viewers a shared sense of beauty and tranquility.