Beverly Brodsky was born in Brooklyn, New York. She is an internationally known
New York painter. Ephemeral elements within the natural and primordial world are
catalysts for her work. Her paintings also embrace abstract elements of non-linear
realities such as tribal art forms, cave painting, as well as the mysteries of the dream
world. Her fascination and extensive research of mythology and folklore has resulted
not only in several compelling bodies of work, but also a series of award winning
publications which includes a Caldecott Honor Medal.
Brodsky's passion is color which is evident in her layered oils on canvas. "For me, the
canvas is a crucible for transformation. I want to capture the earth's capacity for
renewal and it's return to spiritual awareness." To create depth and emotion, the
artist combines a feeling for the materiality and visceral qualities of paint with
scumbling techniques and calligraphic brush strokes.
At Brooklyn College Brodsky studied painting and drawing with Ad Reinhardt and
color theory with Burgoyne Diller. Even before she graduated in 1965, her watercolors were included in a 1963 World House Gallery exhibition which also showcased Paul Klee, and Vassily Kandinsky. Since then, her work has received many
accolades from both critics and peers. After seeing an exhibition of Beverly's
paintings in 1980, Elaine de Kooning wrote: "I'm impressed with the intensity of
the imagery...indications of a magnificent energy level."
In 2001 Sotheby's in New York exhibited her paintings for the special exhibition,
"Buying Time, Nourishing Excellence," in connection with her NYFA Fellowship.
Brodsky was also included at the Whitney Museum of American Art exhibition
entitled: "The American Century Part 11:2000." Brodsky teaches painting and color
theory at Parsons The New School University where she has been a Professor for
thirty-two years.
