Brazil native Dagmar Bruehmueller was exposed to painting at a very young age, learning from local masters Dina Plothow in porcelain painting and Dennis Domingos in oil and impressionism. By 12, she decided to pursue her artistic talents seriously.
Just two years after she moved to the U.S. in 1998, Bruehmueller began traveling to different states, participating in the most competitive art festivals in the country. “I felt free as a bird having the opportunity to explore the country by myself and break my own limitations,” she remembers.
However, the economic decline of the late 2000s led to her becoming an esthetician, which she calls her second passion and continues to practice today. “I have always been fascinated with human beauty … helping to highlight the beauty in others and making people feel good about themselves,” the painter explains.
No doubt her passion for aesthetics is a presiding component of Bruehmueller’s work. She describes her intention to achieve a “flow of sensual tension from the subtle fusion of strength and femininity.” Her creations, she adds, “are inspired by specific moments that I find awesome and profound. I infuse my work with responsibility and positivism that I see and feel in the world.” So far, her two styles coexist in this atmosphere of shared enjoyment between their creation and audience reception.
Bruehmueller’s previous style consists of abstracts with a consistency of circular patterns, along with a suggestion of mechanical components. Her frequent use of warm hues such as deep blues and oranges is a stark contrast from her new work, though there are marked similarities in her use of contrast.
Lately, she’s exploring a mixed-media approach that allows for great textural possibilities. Encaustic painting, which uses uncontrolled hot beeswax, is more sculptural than any other kind of paint, she says. “I achieve strong and happy color with a delicate touch by using many layers.”
In so doing, she strikes a balance of qualities. “Serenity is reflected in the use of circular harmony and warm rich tones,” she says, “and independence is represented by the use of brilliant contrast and division of space.” With this approach, she fulfills her artistic philosophy: to infuse passion onto the canvas in a way that keeps people attracted to all the activity happening there.
“Painting, for me, is what keeps my heart pumping,” she says. Appropriately, she anticipates donating some work to organizations such as the American Cancer Society, spreading the ecstasy to philanthropy.
Dagmar Bruehmueller, Wedge Studios (129 Roberts St. #2B6, in the River Arts District). For more information, call 404-399-9624 or see dagmarbruehmueller.com. Renaissance Hotel Asheville (31 Woodfin St.) sponsors a one-night exhibit of Bruehmueller’s paintings on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 6pm. 828-252-8211.