Born in 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee, Brenda Joysmith's artistic potential was recognized at an early age. She began her formal art instruction at fourteen, receiving education in pastels and portraiture. Joysmith continued her education at the University of Chicago, where she founded a fine arts club and developed an allergy to the solvents needed for oil painting, forcing a commitment to her contined use of pastels.

Her early success allowed her to open her first studio in Richmond, California, in 1981. Because Joysmith believes that it is important to view original works of art, she has traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe. Her works with pastels show soft views of African American life.