Sometimes the best art begins with a little nudge. For Brittney Aboud, it was her husband buying her a large canvas and daring her to try something new.
From sea to studio
Now based in Ballito, where she’s lived for six years after a life at sea as a yachtie, Brittney has always been immersed in creativity. From studying art to a career in graphic design and commissioned pieces, her life has been steeped in artistic expression. But it was the challenge of stepping away from precision-focused work that allowed her to discover a new love: painting with freedom, movement and colour.
Life in lines
Her signature series, Life in Lines, reflects this evolution. Inspired by the rolling valleys visible from her home, sunsets and sunrises, the series captures the movement and energy of the landscape through colour blocking and flowing lines.
“It’s about capturing a moment, a time or a space that someone would love to look at,” Brittney explains.
Her approach is highly personal, yet adaptable. Whether it’s recreating the playful energy of children in Child’s Play, or crafting a deeply meaningful pink-hued piece for a friend to honour a loved one, each work is imbued with thoughtfulness and emotion.
Freedom in the process
What excites Brittney most about this new style is the freedom it brings.
“Drawing can be very fanatical – every line has to be perfect. But painting like this has been liberating. I can play with colour and movement and enjoy the process instead of being overly critical.” She’s discovered that letting go of perfectionism doesn’t dilute her style; it enriches it, creating work that’s vibrant, expressive and full of life.
Endless experimentation
Even as Brittney continues to work as a freelance graphic designer and study kinesiology, painting has become her true playground. She experiments with colour endlessly – from the countless shades of pink in a single canvas to subtle pops of green or cream – finding joy in every brushstroke.
“It’s a new phase for me, learning about myself, learning about painting and just having fun,” she says.
Details: IG: @l_i_f_e_i_n_l_i_n_e_s
