Joëlle Brandes
An Immersion into Texture and connection
Driven by the delicate threads that connect us all, Joëlle Brandes is a contemporary oil painter whose work captures the moments and experiences that build relationships. Through her practice, she blends classical oil techniques with modern texture, creating timeless portraits that celebrate human connection and profound joy.
I knew you before I knew your name.
A name doesn’t create value, the value was always there.
These words I’ve known, I’ve felt, I’ve experienced.
They are familiar, they are connectors, across country, culture, canvas.
In one language they are spoken, in another they are felt.
In one country they are intimate friends, in another they are acquaintances or people who have barely met.
Passers by who caught one glance, one glimpse, a taste of bigger things.
Each language has a gap, each language misses things.
But what yours misses it can borrow from mine.
So we can be friends instead of strangers, felt, known and named.
The words that I was missing, consider them now claimed.
"I knew you before I knew your name."
This phrase is used by the artist to describe the sensation of coming across a word that does not exist in the English language but describes a common human feeling or experience.
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Through her work Joëlle Brandes explores the words that have fallen through the cracks of translation and seeks to bridge those gaps using oil paint as a medium. By utilising portraits and the figure, she creates a depiction of those words and translates them into a visual language of their own.
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Despite the words being from a wide range of languages a thread of cultural values and deep feelings binds them together. Her practice is rooted in a firm belief that every culture and language has an indispensable voice that deserves to be heard.
Oil, Texture, & Connection
Across every canvas, I seek to illustrate connection and admiration between figures. My work as a portrait oil painter is an exploration of human connection—the subtle glances and shared moments that define our existence. By blending vibrant layers of colour with classical oil techniques, I aim to capture the deep emotions of the subject, transforming fleeting moments into timeless stories that resonate with joy and authenticity.
Capture a Legacy
in Oil
Work directly with me to create a timeless piece that captures the essence of connection and character. Whether it's a personal portrait or a gift that celebrates connection, I work closely with you to bring your vision to life on canvas. My 2026 commission calendar is now open for bookings.