About the Artist
Kristen Brooke, a Chicago-based visual artist, channels the essence of nature through her mesmerizing works in water-based mediums. Her odyssey began with the first tentative steps of childhood, evolving seamlessly through educational pursuits. After a brief hiatus, 2020 reignited her passion for watercolor, and she embraced gouache, delving into sketchbooks and Plein air painting.
Kristen finds joy in summertime hammocks, the embrace of good books, the warmth of cozy winter fires, and the gentle glow of candles. A pianist, nature photographer, and avid explorer, she revels in the serenity of wild, remote locations, harboring dreams of someday living in a cabin in the woods, nestled on a mountain or near a secluded beach.
Kristen's artistic endeavors thrive outdoors. When in the studio, she draws inspiration from a trove of reference photos. She passionately supports nature conservation and mental well-being through her art. Kristen is more than artist; she's a curator of genuinely tranquil moments and a guardian of nature's beauty.
Artist Statement
I often think in colors rather than words. Textures. Light and shadow. Shape and space. A tree is like a visual poem to me, or a dancer frozen in a graceful, extended pose.
In the ethereal landscapes and botanical portraits that I create with watercolor and gouache, I embark on a journey that is meant to transcend, to invite a momentary escape from daily life. Each brushstroke, an exploration of the vibrant hues of nature and the emotional responses they evoke. Each painting, a balance between detail and expressiveness, luminescence and shadow.
My art demonstrates the resilience of passion, gratitude for delayed journeys, and the courage of embracing a calling. It expresses a deep appreciation for solitude in nature and reverence for the silent wisdom of ancient trees and the interconnectedness of forest life.
I invite viewers to join me on this visual odyssey in celebration of the intricate interplay of dichotomies: light and darkness, sensation and perception, self and other.
“If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.”
Edward Hopper