Any attempt to classify an artist, and slot him or her into some niche in the bountiful mound of contemporary artist's life would be futile, as well as a slur on the artist's independence. All an artist can do is solicit attention and respect, because there is obviously more to paintings than meets the eye. This is evident in Bridgette McElwee Waldau's work. Bridgette fits neatly into the contemporary art world, and her work evokes fantasies, emotions, and visual passions which bring her imaginative paintings to life.
 

       Bridgette was born in Charleston, Illinois and moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1972 to pursue her art career by studying at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. She worked professionally in Graphic Design as well as Fine Art for over 15 years. Being ever true to her passion for painting, in 1990 she left behind her work in South Florida and moved to DeLand, Florida, where she enrolled full time at Stetson University. In 1994 she obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, specializing in oil painting. She moved to Okeechobee, Florida in 1994, and continues her art career. She owns and operates a Graphic Design Studio, specializing in all aspect of graphic arts. She works locally and statewide, as well as nationally with her Graphic Design skills. In her spare time she continues to enjoy painting in the form of oils, murals and faux.
 

      Bridgette's primary medium is oil painting, but drawing and graphic design also play an important role in her art. Whatever the medium, she combines precise artistic skills with a touch of surreal subject matter. In the so called modern era it was believed that the subject matter could be done away with, giving rise to dazzling visions which were far from crystal clear. The post-modern years have now rediscovered all the delights of figuration and realism. If one must place labels, Bridgette considers herself a post-modern realist. She states, "This is not an easy path to take, however, I've always been determined to stay with my realism and dreamlike style of painting. I enjoy being slightly different. I get such rewards out of creating a realistic figure or subject matter that can take many twists and forms on the canvas. I feel art is a moving and powerful force in the world, a representation of what we feel and what we think." Bridgette's paintings evoke sensuality, as well as whimsical feelings, through her subject matter, which is often symbolic and thought provoking. My subject matter is unlimited. I enjoy creating the human form just as much as painting folds of material, or the juices of a strawberry. My imagination seems endless. "My paintings reflect the serious side or the fun side of me, and they are often loaded with symbolism, which is sometimes obvious or private. I hope the moods of my paintings take the viewer deep into my world of art."