Brandon Teris

I am an artist and educator based in Santa Barbara, California, drawn to the vibrant details of city life and the quiet beauty of the California coast.
 

Travel, both local and around the world, is a big part of my practice. I love exploring new cities and cultures, finding those small moments that reveal the character of a place. With a sketchbook in hand, I document architecture, signage, street life, and everyday stories as they unfold. These quick, on-location drawings are my way of capturing moments in time and staying connected to the world around me.

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Urban sketching is the art of drawing life on location—right there on the street, in a café, or wherever inspiration strikes. It’s spontaneous, honest, and all about capturing the feel of a place with just a pen, watercolors, and some imagination.​​

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In the studio, my oil paintings focus on a different side of my environment: the light, textures, and atmosphere of coastal and natural scenes. This work has a slower, more reflective pace, emphasizing mood and the subtle shifts that make each landscape unique.
 

Whether I’m sketching a crowded market abroad or painting a quiet shoreline closer to home, my work is about noticing what often goes unseen. I believe art is a way to look more closely, to celebrate the beauty in ordinary places, and to share a sense of discovery with others.