CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN

Urban and Natural Landscapes

As a painter living and working in the midwestern U.S. - mostly St. Louis, MO, Manhattan, KS, and Alton, IL - I have found much of the unassuming urban and natural landscape to be a satisfying source of imagery to express a contemplative and introspective content in my paintings. The play of light and shadow takes on a dominant role in my work, and it is this aspect that I owe to my interest in the American painter Edward Hopper. I have also been significantly influenced by the geometric compositions of Richard Diebenkorn and the mysticism of Georgio de Chirico.

Interestingly, many viewers comment on the sense of familiarity derived from my paintings; often they will say that they are sure they have been to this place, or that this building looks like a place they previously lived, etc. In fact, most of my paintings are constructed from a variety of sources and are compilations of numerous elements, and so are mostly invented.

I have been exhibiting my work in non-profit, commercial, and institutional venues since the 1980s and taught art at the collegiate level for over 20 years. My work is part of numerous private, corporate, and institutional collections including those of the Mulvane Art Museum (Topeka, KS), the Beach Museum of Art (Manhattan, KS), Sprint Corporation (Kansas City), US Bank (St. Louis), and others.

Many of the paintings on this site are for sale and some are available as fine art prints. Please call or email for current availability and pricing.

Meat Packing Plant

Oil on Canvas, 30x36"

Reuben Saunders Gallery

Forthcoming: Inspired by St. Louis, an exhibition of thirteen paintings at the Kling Gallery West at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

September 15, 2026 - March 15, 2027