About the Artist
Growing up in southeast Colorado, the open prairie and fields, wildlife and the outdoors were a big part of Jeff Brooks' life. They stirred a desire to someday capture the images of the world around him, but he had few opportunities to study art in depth. The small school he attended did not have an art program, but his parents encouraged him and kept the dream instilled in his heart. Drawing became a pastime during the long winter nights and gave Jeff the basics for someday pursuing art.
After a severe back injury and major surgery, Jeff found himself needing to find a career with his physical limitations. Watching the painters on Public Broadcasting Service TV helped pass the time while healing and the "art desire" started coming to the surface. In 1992 he became active with the Thompson Valley Art League in Loveland, Colorado where he resides. Watercolor, pastels, drawing, and then oils were the starting point after many years of no artistic endeavors. For the past seven years, Jeff has juggled work and family to learn and grow with his favorite medium: oil. Realistic still life, animals and landscapes are his most frequently painted subjects.
Participating as an active member and serving as a Board member for over three years, Jeff found many "gaps" in the organization and was hired by the Art League as Gallery Director in July 1996. He is now in charge of operations for the League and Gallery, which include scheduling classes, monthly displays of the members' works, juried shows and the Arts and Crafts Festival held annually in August. He organized and leads a paint group in Lincoln Gallery, that is designed for persons just getting started or needing help with their work.
Jeff has studied with local artists Lu Haskew, Lani Vlaanderen, Liz Todd and Travis Erion, who have helped expand his artistic interests. These artists, along with classes, workshops and books have provided valuable information and learning experiences.
Jeff has won awards from the Greeley National Exhibition in Greeley, Colorado, the Southeastern Colorado Fall Art Exhibit in Lamar, Colorado, the Thompson Valley Art League's Regional Art Exhibit and Members' Shows in Loveland. Jeff has sold works around the country and one piece was purchased as a wedding present for a couple in Japan. He presently displays on a regular basis at Lincoln Gallery in Loveland.
"Artists always give a profound statement to explain the feelings projected in their works and how it supposedly gives an insight to their 'being' as an artist. I struggle with this area and came to the following simple conclusion: God gave me a gift that I have an opportunity to explore and use. One part of it is the end results of my paintings. The other is to interact with people; to be an example, to listen, to give encouragement and pass on knowledge so they might become better artists. "