Braldt Bralds’ Illustrative Masterpieces: Featured Artist in Journal #365

Graphis Master Braldt Bralds, featured in Journal #365, was born in the Netherlands in 1951. Since his career took off in the 80s, Bralds has been featured in Time, National Geographic, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, and the Atlantic Monthly. Additionally, his fine art exhibit was featured at the Gerald Peters Gallery in Santa Fe, NM. Bralds, after receiving his Master’s Degree at the School of Visual Art in New York, taught and led workshops all over the world in countries like the US, Japan, and Korea. Bralds’ work has earned him the Clio Award for Best Illustration of the Year in 1989 and the Hamilton King Award, as well as an Honorable Membership to the Dutch Society of Illustrators in New York City. 

Bralds’ piece “Sea Beggars” (above) features a Dutch woman whose brother has left to fight the Spaniards during the Inquisition. One hand holds an orange, signifying her support for the Netherlands. The other holds her brother’s ship, her main focus of concern. This painting shows his smooth brush work as well as his skillful addition of personal emotion he includes in his work. His photograph “One More Shot” (below) further demonstrates Bralds’ versatility. 

Check out an excerpt from his Q&A featured in Journal #365 below:

What is your most difficult challenge you’ve had to overcome?

During the span of my career as an illustrator, whenever I encountered a problematic moment with an assignment – which was often – I always blamed it on the fact that I wasn’t properly trained. Despite my successes, this “not being good enough” has remained in my system. Through the years, my eyesight has diminished due to a rare eye disorder. My ability to paint became an increasing challenge, and five years ago my sight took a major ‘nosedive’ when I lost the ability to focus in my central vision zone. Painting came to a halt. This was probably the biggest challenge I’ve ever had to overcome; yet in this last year, after numerous attempts, I have once again picked up paint and brushes, and am giving it a go with my peripheral vision. So far, so good.

Order Journal #365 here! And don’t forget to pre-order our upcoming Journal #367 to learn about more artists like Braldt.