Celia Brooks
Artist Statement

      Watercolor is the medium that continues to intrigue and challenge me artistically, in spite of more than 35 years of painting. Landscapes and seascapes in particular catch my interest these days. A close friend, an artist as well, recently pointed out the Zen quality and peacefulness reflected in these images. Painting on location before the sun rises and after it has set allows me to capture the vivid colors that are in the sky during this time of day.

      Gardening, a favorite hobby of mine insures an ample supply of subject matter for my floral paintings. I enjoy painting both formal compositions or a single blossom.

      A collector of fine papers, I find pleasure in the creation of mixed media works in which I can utilize these. Incorporating the gilding process using gold, silver and copper leaf, a ground has to be applied to the paper so the leafing will adhere. An invitation to participate in the group theme show "Hidden Reflections," resulted in my incorporation of mirrors and other reflective materials such as compact discs and cast off pieces of jewelry into this work. A local reporter recently termed these images as "vibrant."

      My internal "view finder" is constantly at work throughout my day. Whether the image is on the horizon or in my mind, I am always on the look out for my next painting.