The Abstract Expressionist Art of South Florida Artist Brandon Aday

South Florida-based artist Brandon Aday creates ethereal abstracts that reflect both the natural and man-made world, focusing on an abstract expressionist style of painting. Brandon works with acrylics & oils on canvas and paper. He has had a lifelong love of art, inspired from an early age by his Mother who is also an Artist. Brandon is originally from the South Jersey/Philadelphia area, and attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia. In addition to his paintings, the artist creates his own line of art merchandise.

Brandon exhibits his work with Pridelines Gallery, located in Miami’s historic MiMo/Little River District. He is one of many participating artists committed to Pridelines mission of supporting, educating, and empowering South Florida’s LGBTQ youth and community in safe and diverse spaces to promote dialogue, wellness, and to foster social change. As a result, 30% of all proceeds generated from the sale of an artists’ work is donated back to Pridelines to fund programs and services for local youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, and community seeking safe and affirming programs, services, and spaces.

Brandon is passionate about giving back, he also participates in an annual art fundraising event ‘Art From The Heart‘, taking place this year at Paradise Plaza in the Miami Design District on Saturday, April 25th, 2020 from 7-10pm. Guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase works from Miami’s world renowned artists and talented emerging artists. There will be over 150 art pieces to select from. All proceeds from the art auction will go towards building a better tomorrow for 1,000 children in foster care at the Family Resource Center of South Florida. Enjoy an open bar, vendors, music, and delicious hors d’ oeuvres prepared by Miami’s premier chefs. Purchase tickets here, and if you buy them before February 14th, you can use the Promo Code: EARLY to get them for half the normal price.

Artistically, he is inspired by Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism & Abstract Expressionism. Artists who have influenced him the most through the years include Monet, Van Gogh, Munch, Kollwitz, Picasso, Pollock, de Kooning & Rothko. He is also a big fan of Anselm Keifer, Gerhard Richter and artists with similar styles. Brandon loves observing the imperfections and randomness found in everyday life, and transferring that to the canvas. We recently had the chance to chat with the artist to learn more about his art, career and current projects:


Q – What is the best part about being an artist and how did you get started on this path?

A – I have had a lifelong love of art, inspired from an early age by my Mother, who is also an artist, photographer and make up artist in Miami Beach. One of the first books I remember reading as a child was her “Gardner’s Art Through the Ages” college textbook, which gave me a great foundation in the humanities at an early age. The earliest painting I recall making was when I was around 4 or 5 years old, creating watercolor abstracts with a straw, with her. She would also create basic figures for me to decorate and create my own superheroes.

Brandon explained that his interest in drawing was rekindled after the birth of his first two sons, “whom I would draw cartoons & comic illustrations for (a lot of Pokémon). I eventually began getting more interested in playing with different media again, experimenting with acrylic, watercolor, pastels, colored pencils and eventually oil painting. While having many years of experience being creative as a hobby, I only recently decided to turn my life long passion into something more serious. Now in the early stages of my art career, I hope to share my unique perspective on the world through canvas, and possibly other creative endeavors.”

Q – Where does your inspiration come from?

A – Depending on the media, I get inspired by different things. When I’m drawing for my personal relaxation, I like to take photos of my kids & sketch them out. I also did many drawings of insects, animals, cartoons and for some reason a lot of frogs. For my paintings that I’m actually trying to market, I get inspired by urban scenery, concrete structures, cracked sidewalks, or graffiti filled walls. If I see a stain or peeled paint on a weathered surface, I need to take a picture of it for later use. I have hundreds of these inspirational photos on my phone from random places. I like to look at them to absorb them into my subconscious, to come out in unexpected ways on the canvas.

Q – You have a very unique style of work, can you tell us about your process?

A – I rarely use brushes and instead use a lot of scrapers, squeegees and random tools I pick up at the dollar store. I like to apply paint directly onto the canvas, let it drip, drop, scrape or even smash multiple canvases together. Sometimes the process is fast, and I get it done in one day. Other times I will leave a canvas on my easel for a week and work on it a little bit at a time. I have my easel in my living room, so maybe everytime I walk past it I will add a mark and walk away. At times I feel like the canvas is asking to be painted in a certain way, so I feel compelled to put paint or textures in certain places. This process can push the painting in a completely different direction than when I started, but it is part of the journey. I will work on the painting until the canvas has nothing else to say to me. When I look at the painting and feel silence, that is when I know I am done.

Q – Can you tell us about your upcoming event “Art from the Heart” in the Miami Design District taking place April 25th?

A – For a second year, I will be participating in the “Art from the Heart” fundraiser, which takes place on April 25th at Paradise Plaza in the Miami Design District. The event is organized by the Family Resource Center of South Florida, Inc. which is an organization that helps support children who have been abused, and provides prevention and therapy services. All proceeds from the art auction will go toward supporting 1,000 children in foster care at the Family Resource Center. My wife (who is a Clinical Director of a Mental Health Center) also interned there as a therapist while in graduate school, so there is a personal connection to the organization as well. Last year I was one of 93 artists who contributed their work for this great cause. I sold 3 out of 3 paintings with all proceeds going to the organization. I am hoping to do the same this year, and perhaps to exceed that. There will be over 150 pieces of original art to bid on, so I’m sure there will be work for everyone’s taste and budget. The event also has an open bar, vendors, music, and hors d’ oeuvres prepared by Miami’s premier chefs.

To learn more about this fascinating artist, for sales, commissions or general inquires, please email: brandon@artbybrandonaday.com. Visit his website to purchase artwork as well as Brandon’s art merchandise, which includes home decor, apparel and accessories: www.artbybrandonaday.com. Use our special Promo Code MAS10 to purchase paintings that are available with this discount. You can purchase tickets for the upcoming “Art From The Heart” charity event at https://one.bidpal.net/artfromtheheart2020/welcome, and if you buy them before February 14th, you can use the Promo Code: EARLY to get them for half the normal price.