A second generation illustrator, Brooke is the daughter of two gifted artists. As a youngster however, Brooke's first love was her clarinet. And, being happily involved in music (while learning to play seven instruments along the way), Brooke didn't really start drawing in earnest until she was in her thirties. But then she 'discovered' watercolor and the joys of mixed media, and the rest is, well...
Brooke's work has adorned everything from mural walls, private homes, and businesses, to mailing envelopes, children's magazines, and book publications. She is presently 'experimenting' with big, exciting, watercolor landscapes, but don't be fooled, her real passion is children's picture books.
While waiting for the phone to ring (publishers still do call, don't they?), she is happily working on several 'word-less' picture books for little ones. And, yes, if you tippy-toe by her 'studio', you can hear her talking to her illustrations ("Mildred, you did what? Honey, why didn't you tell me?").
Here is my most recent photo of Brooke. Although she worked for centuries as (can you believe this?) a professional photographer, she does not like being the object of photographic attention. So, this hastily taken shot will just have to do. For now.
Oh, and that's me, carrying Brooke's favorite Winsor & Newton #12 brush. Fully loaded, too. I got the photo by using a time delay on the camera. Lily, Featherbottom, and I were all talking at once, hoping to distract her.
I thought it might be a good idea to add some of the clients that Brooke has worked with. Might give you some ideas...
*Focus on the Family, children's magazines
*Pockets Magazine for Children
*Review and Herald, Children's magazine
*My ABC Christmas Book, (Chariot Books publisher)
*The Lake Where Loon Lives (Islandport Press publisher: Picture Book 2014)
*Crossroads Community Church, Grey, ME: 54 foot wall mural (toddler's room)
*Holland Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Bath, ME: 24 foot wall mural (kids waiting room)
That's just a few. There are many others. But my favorite Brooke Illustration is this big, cool, multi-media (there's even Vaseline on it!) drawing of a fish. Great painting. I'm puzzled though. How is it that I never knew fish wore lipstick?
Mildred
