Hi, I’m Bronwen
I create vibrant, large-scale paintings inspired by nature—especially trees, flowers, and landscapes. My work is rooted in themes of joy and presence, reflecting my own journey through life’s challenges. Joy, curiosity and compassion are at the center of my creative process. I believe in creativity as a pathway toward more peace, joy, hope, possibility.
Beyond painting, I facilitate workshops and retreats, helping others reconnect with their creative selves and a compassionate view of their lives in a welcoming, judgment-free space. My work has been exhibited in galleries and shops and collected by those who find comfort and inspiration in its uplifting, meditative qualities. I have led workshops in libraries, community centers, faith centers, and retreat spaces. I'm honored to be on this creative journey—sharing the deep invitation to pause and bring kindness to this very moment.
So many people hold themselves back from stepping into a creative and compassionate life, and I want to help reverse that trend. My calling is to practice creativity as a doorway to compassion, and to help others do the same. My creative life is central to my purpose. Like many artists, I have dual-occupations, In my professional career, I divide my time between being in the studio creating, leading workshops and retreats and also leading in meaningful nonprofit work.
Bronwen at the Canvas
Teacher & Facilitator | Retreat & Workshop Design & Facilitation
Many people ask me, “How did you step into this creative practice? How are you so joyful (not criticizing yourself) while creating? What in the world is contemplative creativity? Will you help me?”
Short answer: YES! I’d love to.
Helping people access more joy in the creative process and more compassion and kindness in their life LIGHTS ME UP. I have helped hundreds of people do this. I love facilitating spaces of deep learning and inner growth. I love working with people to access more mindful thought patterns that allow space for joyful living and joyful creativity. I love helping people map out space and time for a creative life.
Here is a sampling of the workshops I have offered. I’d love to make an offering for your school, workplace retreat, community center, faith center, library, summer camp, museum, etc. I have experience working with adults, college students, and teens.
In 2025 I received my certification as a mindfulness, meditation teacher (with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach) and bring these ideas into my workshops. In addition to my creative life I’m a professional facilitator for Interfaith Philadelphia.
How Did I Get Here?
Like most journeys, mine had its share of twists and turns. On a bitterly cold day in February 2013, I sat on my kitchen floor, trying to process an unexpected thyroid cancer diagnosis. I had no idea that this difficult moment would lead me to where I am today.
Shortly after my diagnosis, I attended a women's retreat where we were asked to list wildly impossible life goals. One of mine was to "paint daily." Though I hadn’t painted in three years, I already owned paints, brushes, and an easel collecting dust in the attic. As I prepared for a week of isolation during my cancer treatment, an idea struck me—I would use those seven days alone not just for healing, but for creating.
I bought a canvas three times bigger than anything I’d ever painted and made a rule: I couldn’t start until after I swallowed the radioactive pill. That week, I painted more than I ever had—completing over twenty watercolors and two large acrylics. Painting became my refuge. I named my first piece "Radioactive," thinking it might be my first and last big painting. Instead, it was just the beginning. Now, with my health restored, I continue to make space for painting—not because I have to, but because it brings me life. Since that day I’ve created over 700 paintings—nearly 1 a week. To say I’ve embraced creativity as a daily practice would be an understatement. (It is my joy to encourage others to also claim creative practice for its joy-filled qualities. You don’t have to be sick and you also don’t have to be any good at it!)
Giving Back
My most consistent personal practice is showing up in the studio each day to spend time going inward, being curious, and watching what unfolds. Though I delight in what appears on the canvas, it is what arises in my heart that captivates me and has me returning each day. Giving back is important to me, I pay my it forward by contributing 10% of each original sold to support three local non-profits that are doing incredible work from a portion of the proceeds of my art sales: Nicole’s Place, Pennypack Nature Preserve, and Interfaith Philadelphia.