A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Brenda Joysmith began her formal training in 1968 at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, then later received a BA degree in Fine Arts at the University of Chicago. Determined to achieve a professional artist's career, Ms. Joysmith came to the San Francisco Bay Area where she began exhibiting in local art shows and working as a portrait artist. She studied independently and at local colleges, traveled, and worked constantly at her easel as her creative skilled improved. Gradually expanding her list of patrons and exhibitions, Ms. Joysmith opened her first studio in 1980.