Together they are the epitome of what anyone would desire in a relationship. They encourage goodness in the world and make it a better place by being together.”, Urban Dictionary definition of a Power Couple. There is this definition too, “a couple consisting of two people who are each influential or successful in their own right.” (pictured above: Bruce Brenneman, woodturner and Jeanne Brenneman, water colorist)

Our Elegant Elders in the Arts this month are indeed a well known “power couple” in the Greenbrier Valley Arts scene. Bruce and Jeanne Brenneman have been together since high school. According to Jeanne, a well known and admired water colorist, “We have been together since high school, and working together has always been a high priority.  We get satisfaction out of creative endeavors and like to share the enthusiasm.  There has always been a cooperative spirit rather than a competitive one.”

Her husband is a retired forester and according to Jeanne, “Bruce has always enjoyed working with wood, and I have always enjoyed being his assistant- his holder, helper, fetch and carry person.”

Over many years of involvement in the local arts community their relationship and interdependence thrived. Jeanne goes on to say . “The last few years he has focused on woodturning, and I can help with prep and finishing, and occasionally painting on some of the pieces.  He has always helped me with framing and with moving paintings around to various shows and galleries.  He also handles the left-brain part of our art business- the bookkeeping, which is no small job. We make a good team”.

Bruce tells us the WV Woodturners Association monthly meetings always include woodturning demonstrations which are good sources of inspiration.  They also offer woodturning classes.  Bruce is very active in the group and just took the job of president for the coming year.

Jeanne and Bruce both have their work displayed (and available for purchase) at the West Virginia Fine Artisans Gallery in downtown Lewisburg (located beside Greenbrier Valley Theatre) and at Lee Street Studios on Lee Streat (near West Virginia Osteopathic School of Medicine).

In addition, Jeanne has watercolors, prints, and cards at Tamarack: the Best of West Virginia in Beckley and at Pipestem State Park in Pipestem, WV.

“Bruce’s favorite of my paintings is one called “Winter World,” pictured to the right. He likes it because it shows us hiking in one of our favorite places- Yellowstone National Park,” says Jeanne.

Jeanne started with watercolor back around 1970 and has always loved working in that medium.  From time to time she plays with other ideas and then comes back to watercolor.  Nature plays a big part in her selection of subjects.

– Diana Hunt. HashtagWV #110. February 2019.