D. Milan Brudvig Art

Artist in Focus

Art Thinking

In my most recent paintings, literal shapes of musical lines and physical gestures of playing the cello have been translated into thematic shapes within the paintings. At a certain point, the paint takes over.

I love painting in layers, adding on and scraping away. I often add texture using assorted mediums, ink and paper depending on whether I’m using oil or acrylic and then continue to add texture on top. I used to paint completely with a sense of improvisation. Now I move back and forth between planning and discovery. I think life is balanced that way as well.

A lot of my current paintings reflect world upheaval and think, think, thinking until a breakthrough. My more realistic paintings, landscapes in particular, feel more related to a sense of knowing where I am. We all need that sometimes.

NEWS and UPDATES

A SHOW! After getting into multiple juried shows at ArtWorks (Richmond, VA), I’m now preparing for a solo show there in Richmond in June of 2026! The theme is abstract art based on classical music pieces. Imagine that?

CELLO! And I played the cello for Advent evening services at St. Paul’s here in Richmond. It was a first in almost ten years, since my hands and I decided to stop professional cello-ing. It was nice to give back a bit.

SWIMMING!

I’ve recently joined NOVA of Virginia Aquatics Masters program (I’m still extremely fond of SwimRVA where I’d been for a year) and swam my first meet (January 2026) in over a decade! It was not exactly earth shattering swimming on my part, but it was great fun. I have a whole lot of new swim friends here in Richmond!

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL

After decades away from the church proper, I’ve found a place where I can think Buddhist thoughts, question and wrestle with real issues of being a decent human in community. If you think all Christianity is bunk, I dare you to think and examine with these people. Don’t assume you know it all as I guarantee you don’t. I sure don’t.

ART and MUSIC EDUCATION
Painting Certificate/RISD continuing education

Certificate in Computer Graphics, Corcoran School of Art

Cello performance undergraduate studies, University of Michigan/Bachelor of Music, Boston University/Master of Music, University of Maryland

My teachers have included Peter Kucirko, Sammy Mayes, George Neikrug and Evelyn Elsing. Chamber coaches have included Eugene Lehner, Leslie Parnas and members of the Guarneri Quartet.

CELLO TEACHING and PERFORMANCE

21 years, Washington Conservatory of Music

4 years, adjunct instructor NOVA Community College, Alexandria, VA

40 years, freelancer: National Cathedral, Wolf Trap, Kennedy Center, Arena Stage –everything from orchestras to pit orchestras to chamber music, weddings and recording sessions.