June, 2026
Featured Artist 

I have lived in Santa Barbara since 1954 where I attended local schools. I took my first painting class in the 1970’s studying under Andre Andreoli, world famous acrylic painter, and local artist Buck Paulson.

While traveling around the world I soon realized how beautiful Santa Barbara was and that paradise was truly in my own backyard, and longed to be painting more than ever.

After retiring in 1992, I started back to school studying under Rose Margaret Braiden, Cathy Quill, Kaaren Robertson and Susan Sallade. I found that the bright transparent properties of watercolor were so magical and exciting it was the perfect medium for painting the beauty of color and light I had observed in nature.

I have studied with many world renowned artists including Nita Engle, Charles Reid, Skip Lawrence, Jerry Brommer, Steve Quiller and others.

I am a member of the Santa Barbara Art Association, Los Padres Watercolor Society, Goleta Valley Art Association and SCAPE (Southern California Artist Painting for the Environment). I have won several awards including recognition for my 911 picture “Lest We Forget” that traveled around the world with the “Missing Exhibit.”

My paintings can be seen in Gallery Los Olivos in Los Olivos, California and Gallery 113 in Santa Barbara, California, as well as other art venues.

— Brenda G. Geneau

Brenda passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family in late January 2026.