Now Showing! + 2 more events for “Buona Fortuna”
Upcoming Events for “Buona Fortuna”
Thank you everyone who made it out to the opening of my exhibit this past weekend! If you would like to attend the exhibit, there are two events coming up!!!
For those of you who don’t like to drive in the dark–the first one is for you!
Sunday May 22, 2022 1-5pm
including an artist talk from 3:00-3:30- “Art & Energy”
with Brooke Harker & Michael Hayden facilitated by John Paul Thornton
and then
Thursday May 26, 2022 6-10pm Closing Reception
You are also welcome to visit during open hours Tues-Friday 1-6 or by appointment. See address below.
Please send friends who might be looking for art or who love Italy!
https://www.michaelhaydenart.com/
You Are Invited! Opening Saturday May 7th! in LA
Join us! Saturday May 7, 2022 from 5-10pm
Enjoy the colors of Italy with us! The exhibit will run in Los Angeles until May 28th at Michael Hayden Gallery.
If you are a collector of my art and haven’t received a message about the preview, send a reply to get details.
Read more about the exhibit featured below in LA Art Party.
close up detail above on “Manarola Memories” by Brooke Harker
“Buona Fortuna” featured on LA Art Party.com:
“Buona Fortuna: Paintings by Brooke Harker” will open at Michael Hayden Gallery in Los Angeles on Saturday May 7, 2022 from 5-10pm at 4413 West Jefferson Blvd #B until May 28, 2022. The exhibit features colorful depictions of Italian towns along the sea from the famous cliffs of Cinque Terre. One of the paintings in the exhibit, titled “Cliff Notes,” speaks to the idea that paintings of such places along the cliffs only begin to capture a bit of the magic in the culture of Italy.
“Buona Fortuna,” translates to “good luck” or “good fortune” and reference’s Harker’s experiences in Italy, made possible by saying yes to the magic of life and being open to possibilities. Anyone who has experienced the tastes, sounds and sights of Italy may find themselves transported from these paintings into their own memories or into dreams of future places to soak in the beauty of life.
This exhibit is dedicated to the over one hundred and seventy individuals and companies who supported Harker’s initial painting residency in Italy in 2015. It was on that trip that she gained the reference images for this exhibit, although it wasn’t her first trip to Cinque Terre. Harker made her first original sketch of Manarola, in Cinque Terre, as a college student working for the U.S. Military for the summer in Vicenza, Italy. Over two decades later this exhibit shares the realization of a dream and the progress made along the way.
In particular, Harker credits the fruition of this exhibit to the Italian curator, the noble Alfio Borghese of Rome, who said to her, “If you want to paint Italy, you have to know the heart of Italy and the heart of Italy is in the people.”
Click here to continue reading.
We would love to see you there!
Grazie mille,
Cherry Blossom Season & Art in Japan!
It’s been a long time dream of mine to be in Japan during cherry blossom season. Although I haven’t made that voyage a reality yet, this year my art is living the dream for me!
Until April 15th, three of my paintings of Hong Kong are on exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in “The USA Exhibit” of the 21st Japan International Art Exchange Exhibition curated by Julienne Johnson, chairman: Katsu Shimmin.
The exhibit features 147 artworks by 64 artists in various parts of the world.
Ueno Park
8-36 Uenokoen
Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007
Open 9:30am – 5:30pm
Celebrate World Art Day from home!
My painting A Havana Story will be part of the World Art Day Exhibit with the International Artists Association on April 15, 2022!
A Havana Story by Brooke Harker 66″ x 44″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas Click for price
To learn more about World Art Day or see the exhibit starting on April 15, 2022 visit: https://www.iaa-usa.org/world-art-day-april-15-los-angeles-2022
Exhibiting with Gallerist & Artist Michael Hayden:
It is an honor to be exhibiting May 7-28th at the gallery of Michael Hayden, one of Los Angele’s most prolific artists. When you visit the gallery for my exhibit, you will also have the opportunity to see his art and working studio! The energy is powerful and worth experiencing in person!
Michael Hayden with Shery Benjy, Brooke Harker and furry friend Lefty
Listen to Michael interviewed by my dear friend Sheryl Benjy in her Creative Spirits Podcast!
Check out Episode 22: here on Spotify or on Apple Music
https://www.michaelhaydenart.com/
Hope to see you at the opening May 7th!!!
new Year, new Energy, Art on Walls and more
I hope your emergence into 2022 is one with reverence and nurturing yourself.
Lately I’ve really been into the word curate.
I’m thinking about curating thoughts and decisions in my home.
It’s always been easy for me to make choices when it comes to creating art, however it wasn’t always easy for me to make decisions in the physical space around me that contributed to a feeling of well-being.
A Stride in Bloom of Venice, Italy in it’s new home in Georgia!
I’d see the beautiful homes my paintings went into, and then threw my personal belongings around as I was always in a hurry to go make more art.
I thought of peaceful energizing environments as something that other people had.
The many projects scheduled for “later” piled up in the space around me and eventually weighed on my spirit.
So as we enter 2022, I’m getting curious about a new way.
I’m considering that there might be another possibility for me too, a outcome that is energizing.
How do you feel about the space around you?
Art to Brighten Walls:
Harbor Shine of Trapani, Sicily in it’s new home in Iowa!
Fiori di Roma moved to a new house in Minnesota! I love getting update photos!
Sun and Soul of Laguna Beach, California in it’s new home!
An Interview with The Creative Spirits Podcast:
The people we surround ourselves with are also an important part of our self-care.
Those we curate into our lives have the opportunity to inspire who we grow into.
Honored to have artist Sheryl Benjy, host of The Creative Spirits Podcast, in my life.
with Sheryl Benjy after our interview
We talk near the end of the episode about a session I had with her called, Body Art for the Soul.
Here is one of my favorite images from when I got to be part of her art:
Sheryl included my favorite paint brush into the work.
To see more of her work, check her out at links below!
Sheryl is based in Beverly Hills, so if you are local you can book to be part of her art too!
You may recognize her as one of my co-hosts for Saturday Night Live Art Shows.
Check out her art at: https://www.sherylbenjy.com/
You can find her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sherylbenjy_art
I have many paintings in the studio in progress! I will share updates soon or follow me on Instagram or Facebook to see more frequent updates!
May you curate your life in the way you want in 2022!
Today is FALL FEST!
As one of the co-hosts and organizers of this event, I’m excited to announce that 59+ artists in 12 countries will be joining us! Including artists in The United Arab Emirates, India, Israel, Italy, Austria, France, Germany, Sweden, England, Canada, Mexico and all of the United States!
To see the individual videos follow:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SNLartshows
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snlartshows/?hl=en
OR look up the artists individually
And Click Here to see our most recent collaborative 30 second video!
You are welcome to share this project with any artists you know:)
More info here: https://www.brookeharker.com/saturday-night-live-art-shows/
more on art in Japan + exhibit in LA
with “Paths We Choose 1& 2″ – 24″ x 24” ink, oil and acrylic on canvas photo credit: Lotta Photo
Opening Today During the Olympics!
It’s already August 3rd in Japan!!!
Above are my paintings that open TODAY during the 2021 Olympics at
The Chiba City Museum of Art!
Proud to be one of the 42 artists in “The USA Exhibit,” curated by Julienne Johnson as part of “The 20th Japan International Art Exchange” founded by event chairman Katsu Shimmin.
“Paths We Choose 1″ – 24″ x 24” ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Inspiration Behind The Paintings:
The titles of these paintings “Paths We Choose 1 & 2,” references the choices we all get to make in life, where we choose to go and what we leave behind.
There is a mindset in being an Olympic athlete that I’m guessing translates to anyone’s life.
I got it in my head that I wanted to paint like an Olympian when I worked on these. There is an elevated level of focus and presence in Olympians that I imagine is ideal for all areas of life, to be concentrated in the only moment that exists.
Yesterday I washed the dishes like an Olympian, focused and present 🙂
“Paths We Choose 2″ – 24″ x 24” ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
All Olympians Have Coaches:
The title “Paths We Choose” also refers to neuro-pathways, the routes we take in our brains. I’d had a conversation with my neuro-linguistic programming trainer and mentor Pam Castillo during the conception of these. Her influence in my life has continued to filter into anything I create.
More synchronicity occurred while working on these when I got to meet an Olympic athlete, Jason Parker and he made some profound statements that helped me form new neuro-pathways.
It’s what and who is behind the strokes that supports us…
These paintings are also inspired by the spirit and counsel of the curator, Julienne Johnson, who is an expansive thinker, believer in possibilities and doesn’t care much for excuses. She is a problem solver, always finds a way in life and encourages those around her to do the same.
What might be possible for you if you apply elements of an Olympian mindset to an area of your life?
Olympian dish washing is a great place to start:)
or Olympian dishwasher loading.
Really the task doesn’t matter, it’s who you choose to be along the way. Gratitude for Jim Fortin and his teachings in recent months.
The four names linked above only begins to reference the people who influence behind the scenes of painting and living life.
So MUCH gratitude to the very many people who have been sources of guidance and counsel in my life. You make the world a more beautiful place:) I started to make a list of people…and really it goes on and on.
Thank you to you too if you are reading this!
What a beautiful feeling to know gratitude for so many amazing souls on this planet to learn with.
Do you think of and celebrate coaches and mentors in your life?
Do you pay attention to what and who is behind the strokes you make in life?
Also thankful to get to exhibit alongside many amazing artists including: John Paul Thornton, Michael Hayden, Barbara Nathanson, Nichole McDaniel, Clara Berta, Thanaselvam Devadass, Ilana Dashe, Cathy Read, Suzanne Edmonson, Joel Anderson, Susan R. Karhroody, Laura Cullen, Laurie Yehia, Silvana Tei Kenney, Carl Shubs, Diane Holland, Linda Kunik and more!
If you know anyone in the Tokyo/Chiba area, please invite them to go! The actual reception was cancelled due to Covid, however the art will be on display from August 3-8th.
Click for Informal Video -“Paths We Choose 1 & 2”:
August Exhibit in Los Angeles:
Michael Hayden outside of his art gallery at 4413 Jefferson Blvd Los Angeles
Excited to exhibit at Michael Hayden Art in August!
“Staycation” – group exhibit Opening August 14th! 6-9pm
(Note: I won’t be at the opening)
I will be at these two events:
August 26th 6-9pm -artist talk
September 11th 6-9pm- closing night
4413 West Jefferson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016
310-613-6626
Click here for a video tour of Michael Hayden Art!!
Hope to see you in August or online! May you celebrate the joy of now:)
art museum during Olympics in Japan! + New Paintings
with “Paths We Choose 2″ – 24″ x 24” ink, oil and acrylic on canvas photo credit: Lotta Photo
Who do you know in Japan?
Excited to have two paintings exhibiting at The Chiba City Museum of Art during the Olympics!
“Paths We Choose 1 & 2,” will open next week on August 3rd in “The USA Exhibit,” curated by Julienne Johnson as part of the “The 20th Japan International Art Exchange Exhibition,” created by founder and chairman of the event Katsu Shimmin.
If you know anyone in the Tokyo/Chiba area, please invite them to go! The actual reception was cancelled due to Covid, however the art will be on display from August 3-8th.
with “Paths We Choose 1″ – 24″ x 24” ink, oil and acrylic on canvas photo credit: Lotta Photo
Fresh Off the Easel:
“Sun & Soul” by Brooke Harker 40″ x 66″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas Click for price
There is a place on the main beach in Laguna where I always breathe a little easier. I’ve been told there is an energy vortex right off the shore.
sample room by ArtRooms App
Contact Greg at Lu Martin Galleries if you would like to see this painting on your wall.
Cinque Terre, Italy in the Studio:
Riomaggiore in process
another Riomaggiore in process
one of the last process shots of Manarola before it was finished.
Vernazza in process
There are also paintings of Corniglia and Monterosso in process too:) Hope you are enjoying your summer!
What’s Your Summer Fun? New Umbrella Paintings + July 1st Art Walk
sample room provided by ArtRooms App
Will You Bring Summer Fun Inside?
What fun do you bring into your home that reminds you of carefree days? Of nature or relaxing?
photo credit: Lotta Photo
Or do you leave the fun out of your house?
Are you waiting for a better time to have fun?
Do you see the big picture or gravitate towards details?
I find myself appreciating people who can see bigger picture perspectives of life as I’ve had a tendency to hyper focus on details. This can be both a super power and has been a challenge that translated in the past to holding onto projects for longer than necessary. “The past” as in last week. Hah.
I’ve waited for the perfect time for all the details to be attended to in a certain way, for some undetermined time in the future. However, we really never know how long we have on the planet. Maybe there is a more fun way to live life.
Consider having fun today.
Here is a secret: This is a big step for me. I’ve included a photo of me above with what appears as a finished painting umbrella painting. Two days after that photo was taken, I added a stroke to the painting that made it really finished. I decided to let the photo go into the world. Yeh, I know this may seem like no big deal to many people, however for me it is an act of trust, to release the grip on something that doesn’t exist in the world, the ability to control anything.
It’s likely most people won’t be able to find that final stroke stroke… Although if you feel like playing Where’s Waldo–let me know if you find it.
“What Shines Through” by Brooke Harker 45″ x 80″ ink, oil and acrylic on canvas click here for price
The title “What Shines Through” references the idea that even in the shade, whether of an umbrella or life, light always shines through.
If you would like to see this painting on your wall, contact Greg Martin at Lu Martin Galleries for a trial viewing if local or via photoshop. Read more about them below.
Are You Living the Sweet Life?
“The Sweet Life” by Brooke Harker 36″ x 66″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas SOLD
Do you see the eye candy of the world around you?
Although this painting already found it’s home, I share it here because it tells a story of the moments that surround us.
Has it occurred to you that the arrangement of whatever you see in front of you won’t exist again? Ever? Exactly as it is right now?
Painting umbrellas is a salute to that idea for me. What do they remind you of?
photo credit: Lotta Photo
What Umbrellas Are in the Studio?
So far this is titled: “Sun & Soul” by Brooke Harker 40″ x 66″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
More beach fun in process!!!
in process: “Together in Time” by Brooke Harker 54″ x 74″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
The above painting includes over 30 people who submitted their photos to me on social media and through my email list to be included in this painting that began in 2020 during the pandemic. I share in a Saturday Night Live Art Show below why I paused on this one a bit. It is back in motion again as the world opens up again.
Join us July 1st at Lu Martin Galleries!
my gallery family and angels- Lu Martin and Greg Martin
Read more about this mother and son gallery team who I’m blessed to be associated with since 2014. They’ve been in business 33 years!
Meet them at Art Walk!- Thursday July 1, 2021
6-9pm!
I will be there too!
Lu Martin Galleries
372 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Videos sharing Umbrella Paintings:
Click for video for “The Sweet Life”
Click for video for “What Shines Through”
Click for video for in process of “Together in Time”
What beaches are meaningful to you?
Let me know if there are ones you recommend seeing and painting!
Enjoy your day!
Who loves boats? 2 new boat paintings for summer
above photo credit: Lotta Photo
Summer has arrived! Who loves boats?
Do you have the ability to travel in your mind or soak into the beauty of the details around you?
If you’re like me, you can zoom into a scene depicted in a painting or bask in the details of the current moment, such as the way light hits the petals of a flower. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, give it a go!
Whether you pick the way life is painted around you or look at the creation of another, there are infinite opportunities to recognize and appreciate beauty.
No supplies or materials are required for enjoying what is already around you in abundance.
It’s free to appreciate where you are!
In the spirit of abundance, I share a couple new boat paintings with you below.
What do boats remind you of?
Where Do You Choose To Go?
“Just Go” by Brooke Harker 40″ x 40″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas Click for price
The title, “Just Go” references the places we wish to go in our outside worlds and within.
What do you choose to see?
What choices do you make to care for your internal world?
sample room by ArtRooms App
When you considering seeing “Just Go” on your wall everyday, contact Greg at Lu Martin Galleries. He can photoshop the image of a painting onto a specific wall in your space to help you see if it’s a fit for the vibe of energy your want around you.
What Do You Choose to See
“See to Navigate” by Brooke Harker 40″ x 66″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas Click here for price
The title “See to Navigate” includes a double meaning and references the idea that in order to navigate where we want to go, we must first see the destination.
sample room by ArtRooms App
To me, boats also communicate a spirit of freedom.
Boats also remind me of people who wear white pants. I’ve always been amazed by people who wear white pants a lot without making a mess of themselves. I’m yet to figure out if they are better at not dropping things on themselves or if they just buy new pants frequently.
If you are one of these people, you inspire me:)
Videos Showing Boat Paintings
Click to watch video for “Just Go”
Click to watch video for “See to Navigate”
If you have suggestions of places with boats you can see in my paintings, let me know!
Have a beautiful day!
March? India + Saturday … & A Studio Peak
This month has been one of collaboration!
This Saturday, 60 artists around the world will be sharing art from home or their studios for our 1 year anniversary of this project that started during the pandemic. To see all the artists, follow our page on Facebook:
We also have an Instagram although post less there: https://www.instagram.com/snlartshows/?hl=en
Participating countries include: Israel, Italy, Ireland, England, India, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, Cuba and all over the U.S.
Government Museum of Jhansi, India
Bundelkhand Art Society
I had the opportunity to participate early in the month in an International Women’s Day exhibit in Jhansi, India. Since then I’ve been in contact with many of the women from the exhibit.
Studio Peak: Umbrella Time
I have a few paintings of umbrellas going. I will share the finished versions of these soon.
