"I was deeply influenced by family stories bringing history to life. I think we not only learn from our past, we build on our past. I was fortunate to come from a family of storytellers, especially both my mother and mother-in-law who were vivid storytellers and aroused my interest with hints of another time.”

These family legends included civil war anecdotes, Native American ancestors, early lawmen, and tales of frontier Arizona. Because of these stories, Doris has a fascination with vintage artifacts; not only spurs, guns, and branding irons, but also of simple everyday living including porcelain teapots, graniteware coffeepots, and delicate handmade lace against a background of adobe or weathered wood. Painting Indian artifacts is also gratifying. Viewers often remark they would like to reach into her paintings and touch the beads on a moccasin or feel the softness of the fur.

“I enjoy painting those things that give me pleasure just to contemplate; objects with a history, a sense of time and place. I recognize that each artifact has its own interesting history and beauty even though they may appear commonplace. To be able to portray this in my paintings is what I hope and work for,” says the artist.

Being a realist artist in oil, Doris emphasizes the classic glaze techniques. A particular inspiration for her is 17th century Dutch master Jan Vermeer because of his brilliant use of design, color and light. Over time she developed her own distinctive style enhanced by her handling of oil glazes. The translucent multiple glazes produce the jewel tone effect so often noted in her paintings.

Doris Brunenkant has had gallery representation for over 35 years.