Beloved artist Victoria Brooks arrives to paint LIVE on July 1st for the opening reception of WAVES at Fairweather’s during the Seaside First Saturday Art Walk.

Sea Power by Victoria Brooks, reprinted from the Steppin’ Out magazine summer 2017 edition.

Of course, like any other job, being an artist has its challenges. You need the discipline to master many different craft tools and techniques. You must develop keen analytical and problem-solving skills. You need the dedication to refine your sensibilities into a unique artistic voice. Moreover, you must learn how to run the business of Yourself, Inc. 

None of this happens overnight. Nevertheless, the work also offers deeply satisfying rewards—from the thrill of discovery to the satisfaction of bringing something beautiful into the world, from the validation of your work by experts at art shows and competitions to the joy of seeing how your creations affect the lives of others. For me, this last—how my work connects with my clients—is the most rewarding.

These connections can be both profound and simple. Sometimes a painting resonates with a client emotionally, and she takes my painting home to savor the feelings it evokes again and again. Sometimes a painting reminds a client of something in her own life, and she presents the painting to a friend or relative to rekindle memories of shared moments, they cherish. In addition, sometimes clients just like a painting’s technical execution or want to add a little beauty to their lives and “know it when they see it.”

It is with these connections in mind that I select my subjects and my style. Although I do lots of studio work, I love the outdoors and favor the direct approach of working en plein air (in the open air). When I work outside, I use oils and all my senses to capture landscapes, portraits, and emotional moments of people in natural settings. Working outside means, I have to chase the ephemeral effects of sunlight, moving water, wind, and weather (while dealing with the occasional animal, insect, or onlooker). As a result, my paintings have a strong sense of spontaneity and freshness.

A graceful woman strolls along a beach alone, the wind teasing her hair. Sun-washed children discover treasures translucent, breaking waves have tossed ashore. A monumental rock formation, bathed in a kaleidoscope of hues by the setting sun, stands guard where sea meets land and day meets night. You get the picture.
Because I am serious about my work, I am always looking for ways to grow artistically, spiritually, and professionally. To that end, for the past dozen years or so, I have had the pleasure of hosting en plein air workshops and classes around the world. My students have represented a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
My goal has been to help all of them reach the next level in their journeys as artists. For some, painting is now a fulfilling pastime. Others have become accomplished, award-winning pros in their own right. As for me, my students’ enthusiasm, sharing, and comradery have been inspirational in many ways. In addition, they continue to affirm in me the one great Truth about art: We are all chasing the light together. I feel blessed to have a career in fine art.

For more info about the Stepin Out magazine, please visit http://www.traveltowinecountry.com/

Through numerous gallery exhibitions and shows, art lovers around the world have come to admire and enjoy the art works of Victoria Brooks. She captures the essence of sun-drenched images typical of  a vibrant, impressionistic style.

Victoria’s paintings are characterized by intimate moments set in romantic, richly conceived landscapes and seascapes. The result is a hauntingly personal connection with the viewer that resonates at the deepest emotional level. Her special talents are particularly evident in her expressive portraits where she reflects the mood and inner nature of her subjects.

After a successful career and many national awards as an art director in television and motion pictures, she pursued her love of painting, which she has been doing for 20 years.

For more about the artist, please visit http://www.fairweatherhouseandgallery.com/ …artists/ …Victoria Brooks.