Louise Brook
Louise Brook is a multidisciplinary artist, based on the Northamptonshire / Oxfordshire border in the UK. Having developed two distinct areas of specialism and portfolios (abstract and wildlife) she split her business in 2023 to better serve her clients and customers.
Louise Brook Creative represents the abstract side of her practice in which she uses layers of acrylic paint and mixed media to create rich texture and visual interest, whilst inviting the viewer on a journey to explore a contemporary narrative or more complex overarching theme. Since moving out of London to focus solely on her artistic career her work has continued to evolve and these bold, exciting abstract works have become her predominant focus.
Louise describes her inspiration as a broad, natural curiosity, combined with a love of nature. Ideas are drawn from an exciting variety of sources ranging from current affairs to academic research, as well as the natural surroundings which she is passionate about preserving for future generations. Using storytelling and discovery, Louise creates an accessible narrative with the intention to inform and intrigue, sparking interest, curiosity, and conversation. Recent achievements include being a Highly Commended Finalist in the Society of All Artists Artist of the Year Award 2024, Longlisted for the Visual Artist’s Association Artist of the Year Award 2024 and 2023 and the Longlisted in the Visual Arts Open 2023. She has also been awarded a place on the prestigious 2024 New Platform Art Professional Development Programme.
My Story
The ideas I explore through my art reflect a deep-seated thirst for knowledge and a natural curiosity that has been with me throughout my life. I am fascinated by complex topics, progress, and stark juxtapositions. Recent themes in my work include the passage of time, the cost-of-living crisis, biodiversity loss, and the startling evolution of human intelligence. Storytelling, discovery, and the element of surprise bring me immense joy and motivate me to create. My creativity is inquisitive, and both the intention behind my work and its composition are multifaceted. I aim to create pieces that are striking from a distance and demand closer inspection. What may seem simple on the surface reveals intricate details, rich textures, and a compelling narrative woven through the layers. My purpose is to surprise and delight, to challenge and question, and to leave the viewer informed yet intrigued, sparking interest, curiosity, and conversation.
My artistic process is a constant dance between the intuitive and the intentional. I predominantly work with acrylics and mixed media, which allow me to create depth and interest through rich layers and textural detail. I deliberately begin each collection of works without a set theme in mind, building the surface, adding layers, and developing texture. Through this process, a subject emerges—whether it's a current affair, a recurring idea, or simply something that resonates deeply with me. From this point onwards, the artistic process continues with this theme in mind. The collage materials I use are integral to my work; I carefully research and select pieces that best illustrate my chosen theme. Working iteratively, much of what I create will be covered up during the process, while new elements are added in later layers. This approach of addition and subtraction, a back-and-forth journey through the painting, excites me; I embrace change within the artistic process, as it often surprises me and gives the viewer tantalizing glimpses of the narrative and artistic journey behind the piece.
Artist CV
Contact Details:
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Name: Louise Brook
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Website: www.louisebrookcreative.com
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Telephone: 07973432423
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Job Title: Fine Art Artist
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Social Media:
Gallery Representation:
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Influx Gallery, Notting Hill, London: Full Artist Representation, March 2023 to present.
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Church Lane Gallery: Director & Finance Officer June 2022 to June 2024; Resident Artist, May 2021 to June 2023.
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Woodbine Art, Middleton Cheney: Resident Artist, August 2021 to present.
Education: Largely self-taught, Louise is highly motivated to learn new skills, investing in specific training to explore different approaches and mediums and taking advantage of online learning opportunities. Courses include stARTs Abstract (Judy Woods), Collage Kickstart (Catherine Rains), and Watercolours (Rachel Cronin). Louise has been accepted onto the 2024 New Platform Art Professional Development Programme, a prestigious opportunity that offers industry guidance, networking, and exhibition opportunities, which she is eager to use to advance her career.
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Awards:
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Society of All Artists, Artist of the Year 2024 – Highly Commended Finalist, July 2024
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Visual Artists Association Artist of the Year Award 2024 – Longlisted, May 2024
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Visual Art Open 2023 – Longlisted, July 2023
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Visual Artists Association Professional Artist Award 2023 – Longlisted, July 2023
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Artist of the Month @ Influx Gallery – Honourable Mention, July 2023
Exhibitions:
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2024:
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NATURA Exhibition @ Daku Coffee, Kensington, London: 18th March to 30th June 2024
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Northants & Rutland Open Studios – Spring Show, Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire: February 2024
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Perpetual Exhibition @ Influx Gallery: January 2024 - present
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2023:
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Solo Exhibition, Transitions @ Influx Gallery: August 2024 to present.
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Stratford-Upon-Avon Arts Society – Summer Exhibition: 16th -27th August 2023
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Influx Gallery – Odyssey Exhibition: 4th June 2023 to present
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The Holy Art Gallery, London - The Art of Existence Exhibition: 10th – 19th February 2023
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Fusion Art, International Juried Online Exhibition - 8th Annual Colorful Abstractions: 7th January – 7th March 2023
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2022:
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Espacio Gallery, London - TERRA Exhibition: 19th to 23rd October 2022
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Other PR:
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Cherwell Lifestyle: Full Page Editorial, April 2023
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Artists Closeup Magazine: Half page feature, February 2023
Career History: Louise has built a steady stream of commissions and sales, including originals and art merchandise. She has an established social media presence and e-commerce website. As Director and Finance Officer of Church Lane Gallery (Banbury) for two years, she oversaw the artistic and strategic direction of this vibrant artists' cooperative. A member of the Visual Artists Association (VAA) and the Society of All Artists (SAA), Louise is now focused on building on her early successes and expanding her gallery and exhibition experience, as evidenced by her increasing exposure. For the latest news and updates, please visit www.louisebrookcreative.com.