Spring Greetings
This update is a bit of a spring cleaning…sharing bits of information that didn’t go out via email in recent months.
New black & white paintings below, a Dubai exhibit, and the story of how a Hitchhiker became one of my best art collectors.
If you are following my paintings on Facebook or Instagram, you may have seen some of this, or scroll and pick the new parts.
_________________________________
New Black & White Paintings:
with Finding A Way by Brooke Harker 55″ x 30″ ink & acrylic on canvas
available for purchase: click here
with A Bridge Between by Brooke Harker 36″ x 36″ ink & acrylic on canvas
available for purchase: click here
painting A Road Within by Brooke Harker 54″ x 36″ ink & acrylic on canvas
SOLD
_________________________________
Exhibit in Dubai!
fellow artist Ahmed Rukni next to Venice Town by Brooke Harker 24″ x 36″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
Year of Tolerance – Beyond Borders
put on by Art4you Gallery & Cassells Al Barsch
featured the work of 52 artists from 31 countries. Here is a link to a video of the exhibit. I’m proud to be alongside these artists. My painting appears from 00:23-00:30.
In gratitude of Peter Gressman, the art dealer and arts advocate in the United Arab Emirates who included me 🙂
There is something truly magical in knowing that art is a voice for people in every culture…in every place in the world.
_________________________________
Hitchhiker to Art Collector
We’ve all heard the warnings: “Don’t pick up hitchhikers.” I agree…however, this is the story of how my sister once picked up a hitchhiker who, over a decade later, became one of my best art collectors.
What are you doing Saturday?
3 Art Openings- 1 Night!
Saturday December 15, 2018
Los Angeles, CA & Rome, Italy
Well it is great to have art in three exhibits all in one night:) I won’t be able to be in both LA and Italy at the same time though unless I figure out how to travel through a portal.
I will be at Gallery 825, in Los Angeles, alongside one of my newest paintings of the former iconic building, The Redbury. A shame such a beautiful building is no longer part of Hollywood…although no surpirse that there is always change in the world. Some change is beautiful, and other change isn’t so easy.
One of my paintings of Beverly Hills will also be in this exhibit (see bottom of this update for a photo of Beverly Ride with my former studio assistant).
Hollywood in Stride by Brooke Harker 60″ x 40″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
To see photos of this painting in process https://www.brookeharker.com/photos/at-work/ or check out Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookeharker/#
Open Show 2018, 6-9pm
curated by Cynthia Corbett of the Cynthia Corbett Gallery in London, England
Gallery 825
825 N. La Cienega
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310-652-8272
_________________________________
“Connessione Oltre Confini” (Connection Over Borders) Rome, Italy 6-9pm
Two paintings of Hollywood & Beverly Hills will be part of an exhibit that opens at Area Contesa Arte in Rome, Italy. Technically because of the time difference, this exhibit will occur first.
I coordinated this exhibit featuring the art of 25 American artists in collaboration with Italian curator/producer Alfio Borghese and US curators Dale Youngman & Juri Koll. Artists from California, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Texas & Arizona will be represented.
Rodeo in Spring by Brooke Harker 34″ x 51″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
The exhibit promotes the exchange of ideas between cultures through art.
Connessione Oltre Confini (Connections Over Borders)
produced/curated by Alfio Borghese in collaboration with Dale Youngman & Juri Koll
Area Contesa Arte
Via Margutta 90
00187 Roma, Italy
+39-06-333-7126
_________________________________
Wishlist 6.5 at Gabba Gallery, 7-11pm
And the third event that night is Wishlist 6.5! A month a ago Wishlist 6 opened–and now there is a new collection of art added to this Holiday exhibit.
Gabba Gallery
3126 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90057
https://www.gabbagallery.com/
323-604-4186
_________________________________
The studio continues to miss Sherman laying next to every mess…(The painting behind him, Beverly Ride, will be in the exhibit at Gallery 825 on Saturday December 15, 2018)
The studio also misses having an orange cat to lay near the original holiday cards for collectors that are now in the process of being prepped for mailing…again a bi-annual project after they survived the air/soot of California wildfires two years in a row (I keep them stapled to a panel outside throughout the year to dry as they come from left over paint). More about this specific batch later.
If you would like to be a collector–there is still time to get an original card:)! Contact me or a gallery that represents my work.
Good Idea?
with painting “La Magie du Carrousel” 68″ x 68″
Art is always a good idea…as is Paris.
Read stories behind the Eiffel tower and carousel paintings in my recent blog post: Always a Good Idea.
with the beginning of “La Magie du Carrousel” and the finished “Et c’est parti”
Or see them live: Thursday December 6, 6-9pm
Laguna Beach Artwalk
Lu Martin Galleries
372 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-494-8074
This week my family said good-bye to our beloved Sherman…best studio assistant ever. We are heartbroken for the loss.
More soon about the painting in the photo above with him opening in an exhibit in Los Angeles December 15th. He always made every painting better.
Artwalk Downtown LA-Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts
with “Tempo per Roma” at Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts in Viva Italia: Evoluzione e Metamorfosi di Arte
Artwalk Downtown LA is Tonight!
October 11th, 6-10 pm in Downtown LA
Viva Italia: Evoluzione e Metamorfosi di Arte
at Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts
curated by Alfio Borghese
31 Italian artists + me:)
(in collaboration with Area Contesa Arte in Rome)
with Italian curator, Alfio Borghese at Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts.
Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts
727 South Spring Street
(between 7th & 8th)
Los Angeles, CA 90014
https://www.gdcagallery.com/
323-309-2875
To see more event photos from our opening night:
https://www.facebook.com/brooke.harker.7/media_set?set=a.10155591864966856&type=3
Another Viva Italia Event:
Sunday October 28, 2018: Closing Reception (for Concert 4-6pm)
Umbrella Eye Candy + “Viva Italia”
Way to Love by Brooke Harker 32″ x 40″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas -SOLD
Where did you place your umbrella this past summer?
Some people placed umbrellas on their walls! Here are a couple photos from recent installations:
This Life by Brooke Harker 34″ x 65″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas -SOLD
To me, umbrellas symbolize the unique stories of many individuals. I enjoy the mystery of wondering about their lives and feel gratitude to see pops of color along the beach. There is something so magical in recognizing that these patterns will never occur again exactly as they are in a given moment.
What beaches do you recommend for great umbrella eye candy? Or are your walls calling for cheerful umbrellas? see available coastal scenes on my website. There are a few available at Lu Martin Galleries in Laguna Beach, CA. Join us at the next
Laguna Beach Artwalk
372 N Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
www.lumartingalleries.com
949-494-8074
VIP Preview of Viva Italia Opening October 6th
at Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts in Downtown LA, 7-10pm
curated by Alfio Borghese
Alfio Borghese & Brooke Harker at Villa Comunale in Frosinone, Italy 2015
I have actively worked with the Italian curator Alfio Borghese since 2014. His most recent project will bring the work of 20+ Italian artists to exhibit in Downtown Los Angeles for the month of October.
Alfio has hosted me in Italy numerous times and toured my solo exhibit An Eclectic Perspective to three galleries in Rome, Genoa & Frosinone from 2015-2017 as well as featured my works in the Bienale d’ Frosinone/Anagni in 2016 & 2018 and in California Dreaming in 2014. I have witnessed first hand how committed he is to bringing cultural experiences to the public and supporting artists in Italy and abroad.
I am honored to have one of my paintings of Italy in this exhibit as the token LA artist.
If you would like to attend the VIP opening with Alfio & select Italian artists, please RSVP to daleyoungman@me.com or call 213-458-3735.
Viva Italia Events:
Saturday October 6, 2018: VIP Opening- Invitation only 7-10pm
Thursday October 11, 2018: Downtown Artwalk 6-10pm
Sunday October 28, 2018: Closing Reception (for Concert 2-4pm, $20 or Free after 4pm)
The closing reception of Viva Italia will be in conjunction with Sound Point Live, monthly LIVE Concert series at GDCA Gallery. October will celebrate Italian music to accompany the art including selections from Donizetti, Verdi, Puccini & more. 2-4pm, $20 or Join after the concert at 4pm for free.
Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts
727 South Spring Street
(between 7th & 8th)
Los Angeles, CA 90014
https://www.gdcagallery.com/
323-309-2875
If you would like to see more paintings in the studio and artist process posts, find me on social media!
Do you really want to miss great images of my palet knives getting a bath?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookeharker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookeharkerpaintings
Exhibits in Laguna & LA- August 1, 2018
Two ways to enjoy a live art vibe this week!
Who is ready to party?
Thursday 8/2 in Laguna Beach, CA 6-9pm
Visit my paintings live at Lu Martin Galleries on artwalk night. We always have so much fun!
and/or
Saturday 8/4 in Los Angeles, CA 7-11pm
See my latest painting of Capitol Records live at Gabba Gallery as part of
“Remix: The Art of Music”
curated by Jason Ostro & Elena Jacobsen
The event features 70+ artists in LA and a portion of the proceeds goes to supporting art in Los Angeles Schools.
Happy Spring Art Updates – March 28, 2018
Happy Spring from Sunny LA!
Many new paintings have passed through the studio in recent months.
Scroll below to see new paintings, a peak into the studio and artworks
in new homes. Plus more about an exhibit opening in Italy next week.
Hong Kong:
Click here to see a close up and process photos of Song of Hong Kong.
Song of Hong Kong by Brooke Harker 54″ x 36″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
Buzz and Flow by Brooke Harker 66″ x 45″ ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Another Hong Kong in Process:
Recently delivered…
I accompanied Lu Martin Galleries on the install of this commissioned painting
of Dana Point, California recently. The mother of the guy on the beach created
this project as her son went away to college for the first time.
The title is “Tides for Tomorrow.”
Blessings to all the parents out there who know what it means to trust this world
with your children…may they come home safe to you no matter the tides…and
may you weather the storms from watching them deal with life… especially for
the times when you have to accept their journey.
May you be brave enough to just love.
AND hanging with Picasso!
Tides for Tomorrow ©Brooke Harker 27″ x 49″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
Rome in a Home:
a home for Fiori di Roma ©Brooke Harker 42″ x 74″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
…The vibrant red petals spoke of life, passion, and rebirth.
There was something magical in the recognition of what blooms anew alongside
remnants of the past.
Click here to read more about this painting…
A home for Festive Days © Brooke Harker 36″ x 48″ ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Paris:
Opening April 1, 2018
Bienale d’art Contemporanea di Frosinone/Anagni
curated by Alfio Borghese
Two of my paintings of Los Angeles, Awaiting the Crowd and Wicked Night
will be included in an upcoming month long exhibition of 150 artists in Italy.
Here is a flash back to when I originally painted these works on a farm south of Rome.
Awaiting the Crowd ©Brooke Harker 32″ x 38″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
Wicked Night ©Brooke Harker 32″ x 38″ ink, oil & acrylic on canvas
Process of Laguna paintings:
 |
I used to wait to paint red last because I love red… then I decided to have more fun now… In what way are you going to have more fun today:)? |
One of my views at lunch. I’m kind of obsessed and in love with my pink shoes.
If you have missed the social media posts about the magic of
these pink shoes…Feel free to follow along on Instagram
or Facebook for important post such as these…
Although really…we only get 2 feet…so love them.
My set up: kinda like a double decker bus…kinda totally different…
Original Holiday Cards for collectors?
I have had some inquiries about if I sent out cards this past year…
I had the beginnings of cards drying outside while I was out of town during
the SoCal Fires in December…and then soot attacked some of the paint and
required repairs.
SO then I worked on some Valentines Day Cards…This photo below is evidence…
Then I thought…mmmm maybe these are for next year. Just know you are in my heart.
May your Spring be full of new beginnings within yourself and the
world around you.
Thank you to all of you who’ve cheered me on through the winter and over the
years…you are part of my inspiration.
Studio Visitor + New Paintings- October 5, 2017
If you saw my newsletter last month, you may have noticed me painting alongside an adorable 23 month old in North Carolina. Right before I departed for that trip, I met this little girl in Los Angeles. She rode her bike to my studio and announced that she wanted to paint with me.
She arrived the next day with an easel strapped to a pink rolling suitcase full of art supplies.
We wired her doll to her easel for reference. Once set up she painted for 3 hrs on three artworks with only a break for water…I took way more breaks than her.
New paintings:
Downtown Stride by Brooke Harker 90” x 60″ x 3.75″ medium: ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Urban River by Brooke Harker 66” x 44″ x 2.75″ medium: ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Join us Tonight at Lu Martin Galleries!
First Thursday Artwalks in Laguna Beach:
Tonight: October 5, 6-9pm
November 2, 6-9pm
December 7, 6-9pm
Title pending…possibly Laguna in Motion 32″ x 40″
Lu Martin Galleries
372 N Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
www.lumartingalleries.com
949-494-8074
New in the Studio: The South of France
It’s time to add Le Grau du Roi to the bucketlist! I’ve been working on these two commissioned paintings for art collectors who have visited this canal over twenty times on vacation.
What places are meaningful to you that would be great for a painting?
Soon at Edward Montgomery Fine Art
– Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Later this week there will be a couple of my paintings at Edward Montgomery Fine Art.
If you know art lovers/collectors and friends near San Francisco, please send them in!
Golden Gate Shores by Brooke Harker 42″ x 74″ x 2.75″ medium: ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Edward Montgomery Fine Art
Dolores St. 4 SW Ocean Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
831-622-9292
Next painting residency: Back to Chicago
After a recent trip to take photos in Chicago- I’m returning! I will be in residency with a family there for two weeks to paint two large commissions. Abstracts though! This will be a fun adventure applying the technique utilized in my city scenes to create in a new way. Abstract painting was one of my first loves as some of you who have been following me for awhile know:)
My father and I had a lot of photo stand offs in Chicago. Whenever I took a photo of him, he took a photo of me:) He’s such a character.
I’m in the lower left…
It meant the world to me to take photos with my dad:)
photo credit: Shannon Maddy
Wishing you an appreciation of beauty in big or little ways:)
with gratitude for following my artistic journey,
Brooke
Paris in Asheville + NYC- September 7, 2017
|
Cuteness alert!
I believe this photo above speaks for itself. I met a kindred spirit in Asheville, North Carolina…The middle figure in this recent commission Sisters in Paris, is the little girl painting next to me above. I will share more about working alongside this 23-month-old prodigy later 🙂
See more photos on Instagram and Facebook.
Chilling with Sisters in Paris
original dimensions: 78″ x 55″
medium: ink & acrylic on canvas
privately commissioned to paint on location in Asheville, North Carolina
3 New Taxi Paintings:
Parade of Taxis by Brooke Harker 30” x 30″ x 2.75″
medium: ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Jewel of the City by Brooke Harker 30” x 30″ x 2.75″
medium: ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Kaleidoscope Night by Brooke Harker 30” x 30″ x 2.75″
medium: ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
available at Lu Martin Galleries in Laguna Beach, CA
Contact Lu or Greg at: 949-454-8074
372 N Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA
New Art Homes! Will your house be next?
If you have one of my paintings in your home-I would love to see a photo!) Please also let me know if I have permission to share. Obviously, I would leave off your personal information:)
Click here to see more paintings in homes.
Hollywood & Vine by Brooke Harker 54″ x 74″ 2.75″ medium: ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Reign of Today by Brooke Harker 69” x 46″ 2.75″ medium: ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
Dreams of Paris by Brooke Harker 50” x 28″ medium: ink and acrylic on canvas
Silverlake Crossing by Brooke Harker 32” x 30″ medium: ink, acrylic & oil on canvas
Chicago Adventures:
I recently returned from taking photos with my dad in Chicago. It made me so happy to get to take photos alongside of him. It used to annoy me as a child how long he would stand in one place seemingly taking the same photo over and over. I now understand what he was doing.
I’m thankful to be the daughter of a photographer:)
For those of you who have been asking for paintings of Chicago – I have photos to paint:)
Contact me if you are interested in a commission.
Back from Cuba + Studio pics- August 2, 2017
Back from Cuba!
Technically I have been back from Cuba for while now:) I made it to Havana in the brief window of time Americans could travel alone there. People have often asked me, “How was Cuba? Sometimes it’s easiest just to say “amazing” because I haven’t quite figured out how to express in a few words what I saw there. The trip transcended being mesmerized by a sea of classic cars and colorful buildings. The genuine connections with the people, their resourcefulness and strength of spirit moved me deeply. When an experience is bigger than words I get to paint.
Until then…here are a few photos I took:
Laguna Beach Artwalk this Thursday!
August 3, 2017 6-9pm
Venezia Anew by Brooke Harker 48” x 48″ x 2.75″
medium: ink, oil and acrylic on canvas
at Lu Martin Galleries in Laguna Beach, CA
Contact Lu or Greg at: 949-454-8074
372 N Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA
Title?
I think this painting will be called Kaleidoscope Hustle...if you would like to suggest any other titles…please send me a message:)
Dreams of Paris left for it’s new home a couple days ago:)
The mother and daughter in the painting will have this on their wall.
A Peak into the Studio:
You may have seen some of these photos on social media or if you don’t follow along and would like to see @BrookeHarker on Instagram or Brooke Harker Paintings on Facebook.
photo by Victoria Tulk
This one is almost done…yet to be determined…
photo by Victoria Tulk
US Travels:
Upcoming travels include a trip to North Carolina for an Eiffel Tower commission, Chicago and Colorado.
If you would like to see a painting of somewhere special to you, feel free to contact me about a commission on canvas or a smaller study with ink & watercolor on paper. I most recently made this one below from a pool in Palm Springs:)
