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I Quit My Job To Paint Stuffed Animals That Bring Back Childhood Joy
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I Quit My Job To Paint Stuffed Animals That Bring Back Childhood Joy

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Hello Pandas! My name is Brent Estabrook, I live in Los Angeles, and I gave up my 9-5 job to do what I love: ART!

All my art inspiration comes from my pursuit of excitement and happiness. I have found that a life doing what you love will forever propel you positively forward. I often get asked why I paint stuffed animals and there are many reasons, one of the most important is to bring people back to the state of childhood when the pursuit of dreams and passions were encouraged. At some point in our lives, society tries to convince us to get a “good” job, save for retirement, and then at 60 you can go have fun… Screw that!.. I am going to do what I love now! And I would encourage others to do the same.

Fortunately or unfortunately, I have no idea how long each painting takes. Hours feel like minutes and I rarely know what day it is, I see this as a good thing. If I had to give some hard numbers, I would say 200-300 hrs for the more complex paintings.

Again, there are many reasons I enjoy painting stuffed animals and, for what I hope is not too selfish of a reason, I know I can connect with people of all ages and help encourage them to pursue their passions. I realize that full dedication to your dreams and passions are not always possible however I would encourage everybody to take some time out of their day, think about what makes them happy, and then start taking steps, no matter how large or small, towards a happier life!

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    Brent Estabrook

    Brent Estabrook

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    Brent Estabrook

    Brent Estabrook

    Author, Community member

    This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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    Caitie Forsyth
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Speechless! In the first painting pictured, it doesn't even look like a painting....i thought I was looking at the actually stuffed animals! Amazing work!!! Plus, you're kinda cute too ;) keep up the beautiful work and continue to follow your dreams!!! <3

    Arabella Atlee
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing! Gorgeous! They look so real! I have a question...do you take requests? Like not a huge picture but maybe on paper? If so, how much? My dad would agree. Something horrible happened to my childhood stuffed animal. You see, when I was 3, my mother and father gave me this stuffed animal. A very unique one, I will try to find pictures. I named him Jerry! I carried him around the house and put him in my backpack all the time. Then, when I was 8, my mother died of T1D. They were getting divorced at the time and my dad had a fiance. She died of liver failure. My dad worked all the time, so we needed a babysitter. Now, behind our backs, she would give away things of ours. One of them being Jerry. I still cry when I try to reach into my stuffed animal pile to get him, and he is not there. The good news is that the babysitter got fired!

    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    :( i am sorry to hear that... remember, no matter what, there is always the opportunity to make each day better... as far as request... at the moment i am booked up with paintings

    Load More Replies...
    LavenderZ
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They look so amazing!!! The only thing I wanna do now is to jump into any of your paintings and feel the softness of those stuffed animals!

    Raju Sesharaj
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope he is lying those are not at all paintings. He took photos of those toys and kept there ( OMFG!! THEY ARE SO AWESOME, THIS GUY TALENT IS SO AWESOME. IS HE HUMAN REALLY???)

    Norman Boydston
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you have a website or a gallery that you can buy these paintings

    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    www.mugelloart.com is the gallery that sells my work, here is a good emial for them info@mugelloart.com... my website is www.brentestabrook.com

    Load More Replies...
    Björn Wagner
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey Brent, how much is a painting? Do you offer them somewhere?

    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi Bjorn, the gallery i work with handles all the sales of my work... here is a good email info@mugelloart.com

    Load More Replies...
    Katie Smith
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Confession: when I read the headline I thought this was terribly irresponsible. However, this young man has great talent and I would certainly buy one of his paintings if I ever had the chAnce. Brent I wish you all the best as you continue to showcase your talent and do what you love!

    Kathleen de Marcellus
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My eyes must be deceiving me! I thought for sure they were real and I still have a hard time believing they aren't!! Truly incredible!!!

    Minh Lanh Tran
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the way you're doing :) Just some people have enough brave & potential to do it. You're talent. The painting's look real really

    Meredith
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I absolutely love your work. Are there any that aren't sold already? If so, how much are you asking for them.

    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you :) there is only 1 available but it is not yet finished... the 1st painting... i the gallery i work with handles all the selling of my work, here is a good email for them info@mugelloart.com

    Load More Replies...
    Konný Jónasdóttir
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is amazing! I have never seen anything near as good! I'm in love! :) Amazing looking pice of art and handsome guy from LA! ;) congratulations on your work! Best regards from Iceland! :)

    Mak_the_Deputy
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These textures make me strangely happy. Glad that you've found a passion, and with such wonderful talent, it's all very great to look at. Wishes for your future!

    ShaniW
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    @Brent Estabrook. How can I buy a painting? I would love to gift my newborn niece one. Your work is amazing btw. ❤️

    Julie Jensen
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bravo my friend. I love your application of texture with your paintings. You've definitely achieved your goal in the respect that you connect with others through their childhood memories. Keep up the good work.

    Roza B
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First thought I had when I looked at your canvas is color. Your choice of colour is amazing, you really have mastered it. Your canvas, speak to me, and fulfill me with emotions. I'Ve appreciated what you wrote in the intro, this is really important to me, that people go for their dreams, and don't let people affect them. I've realized at some point of my life too, I can't let go of Art. You seem like a really good person, thank you for sharing. And btw, I'm sorry for my english, I'm french-canadian . Keep doing your awesome works!

    LangiStudios
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All those brush strokes....wow. I'm amazed by your dedication. Great work!

    Ella Lala
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are amazing !!!! So incredible and,beyond talented. I would love to own one of your paintings! Do you have a website or fb page?

    Ronja Rövardotter
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow the look so real! :) very cute. They would be perfect not only for children but also for adults. But what I was thinking firtst when I saw it, that it would be amazing idea for the children´s hospital or the orphanage.

    Beata Kwiatkowska
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I cannot believe these aren't just the photos of stuffed animals! So wonderful. Pure pleasure for my eyes :) congratulations!

    Peachymiss
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are most exquisite and do exactly what you say, bring back senses of childhood. I love your work, thank you for sharing.

    Linda Engman
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow !! I love your paintings and I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't. Each painting puts a BIG smile on my face and in my heart. Love

    Rana
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    great job ...i want to have the one with micky mouse in my living room :)

    Arabella Atlee
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks so real! Unfotunately, my childhood stuffed animal was sold behind my back by an evil babysitter (she got fired) I carried it everywhere, even at the age of eleven. I am 12 now and cry whenever I remember.

    Caitie Forsyth
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Speechless! In the first painting pictured, it doesn't even look like a painting....i thought I was looking at the actually stuffed animals! Amazing work!!! Plus, you're kinda cute too ;) keep up the beautiful work and continue to follow your dreams!!! <3

    Arabella Atlee
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing! Gorgeous! They look so real! I have a question...do you take requests? Like not a huge picture but maybe on paper? If so, how much? My dad would agree. Something horrible happened to my childhood stuffed animal. You see, when I was 3, my mother and father gave me this stuffed animal. A very unique one, I will try to find pictures. I named him Jerry! I carried him around the house and put him in my backpack all the time. Then, when I was 8, my mother died of T1D. They were getting divorced at the time and my dad had a fiance. She died of liver failure. My dad worked all the time, so we needed a babysitter. Now, behind our backs, she would give away things of ours. One of them being Jerry. I still cry when I try to reach into my stuffed animal pile to get him, and he is not there. The good news is that the babysitter got fired!

    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    :( i am sorry to hear that... remember, no matter what, there is always the opportunity to make each day better... as far as request... at the moment i am booked up with paintings

    Load More Replies...
    LavenderZ
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They look so amazing!!! The only thing I wanna do now is to jump into any of your paintings and feel the softness of those stuffed animals!

    Raju Sesharaj
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope he is lying those are not at all paintings. He took photos of those toys and kept there ( OMFG!! THEY ARE SO AWESOME, THIS GUY TALENT IS SO AWESOME. IS HE HUMAN REALLY???)

    Norman Boydston
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you have a website or a gallery that you can buy these paintings

    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    www.mugelloart.com is the gallery that sells my work, here is a good emial for them info@mugelloart.com... my website is www.brentestabrook.com

    Load More Replies...
    Björn Wagner
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey Brent, how much is a painting? Do you offer them somewhere?

    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi Bjorn, the gallery i work with handles all the sales of my work... here is a good email info@mugelloart.com

    Load More Replies...
    Katie Smith
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Confession: when I read the headline I thought this was terribly irresponsible. However, this young man has great talent and I would certainly buy one of his paintings if I ever had the chAnce. Brent I wish you all the best as you continue to showcase your talent and do what you love!

    Kathleen de Marcellus
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My eyes must be deceiving me! I thought for sure they were real and I still have a hard time believing they aren't!! Truly incredible!!!

    Minh Lanh Tran
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the way you're doing :) Just some people have enough brave & potential to do it. You're talent. The painting's look real really

    Meredith
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I absolutely love your work. Are there any that aren't sold already? If so, how much are you asking for them.

    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you :) there is only 1 available but it is not yet finished... the 1st painting... i the gallery i work with handles all the selling of my work, here is a good email for them info@mugelloart.com

    Load More Replies...
    Konný Jónasdóttir
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is amazing! I have never seen anything near as good! I'm in love! :) Amazing looking pice of art and handsome guy from LA! ;) congratulations on your work! Best regards from Iceland! :)

    Mak_the_Deputy
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These textures make me strangely happy. Glad that you've found a passion, and with such wonderful talent, it's all very great to look at. Wishes for your future!

    ShaniW
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    @Brent Estabrook. How can I buy a painting? I would love to gift my newborn niece one. Your work is amazing btw. ❤️

    Julie Jensen
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bravo my friend. I love your application of texture with your paintings. You've definitely achieved your goal in the respect that you connect with others through their childhood memories. Keep up the good work.

    Roza B
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First thought I had when I looked at your canvas is color. Your choice of colour is amazing, you really have mastered it. Your canvas, speak to me, and fulfill me with emotions. I'Ve appreciated what you wrote in the intro, this is really important to me, that people go for their dreams, and don't let people affect them. I've realized at some point of my life too, I can't let go of Art. You seem like a really good person, thank you for sharing. And btw, I'm sorry for my english, I'm french-canadian . Keep doing your awesome works!

    LangiStudios
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All those brush strokes....wow. I'm amazed by your dedication. Great work!

    Ella Lala
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are amazing !!!! So incredible and,beyond talented. I would love to own one of your paintings! Do you have a website or fb page?

    Ronja Rövardotter
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow the look so real! :) very cute. They would be perfect not only for children but also for adults. But what I was thinking firtst when I saw it, that it would be amazing idea for the children´s hospital or the orphanage.

    Beata Kwiatkowska
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I cannot believe these aren't just the photos of stuffed animals! So wonderful. Pure pleasure for my eyes :) congratulations!

    Peachymiss
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are most exquisite and do exactly what you say, bring back senses of childhood. I love your work, thank you for sharing.

    Linda Engman
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow !! I love your paintings and I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't. Each painting puts a BIG smile on my face and in my heart. Love

    Rana
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    great job ...i want to have the one with micky mouse in my living room :)

    Arabella Atlee
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks so real! Unfotunately, my childhood stuffed animal was sold behind my back by an evil babysitter (she got fired) I carried it everywhere, even at the age of eleven. I am 12 now and cry whenever I remember.

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