Meet P. L. “Pat” Brooks: Fine arts artist & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with P. L. “Pat” Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi P. L. “Pat”, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“If you can’t tolerate critics then don’t do anything new or interesting “ – Jeff Besos My artistic work, or play, is different from other fine arts artists. I enter pieces in fine arts shows that are thought to be illustrative, but somehow resonate with judges. Tangled Alligators, cows, frogs, etc. And my cartooned pieces speak to everyday happenings that are messy, full of action, but fun There are those critics who think that all fine art has to be a certain style, but what fun is that if it doesn’t make you WANT to be in the studio creating. So I create what resonates with me and feel fortunate if my works resonates with others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I guess I would call myself a Contemporary Whimsical Artist. Going against the norm in fine art creations probably sets me apart, as I see humor in any subject. Grinning alligators with blue teeth and tangled pattern hides, goats with rosettes for fur, frogs with piano keys for eyes and so on. My cartooned/illustration works are staged like I think Norman Rockwell (my first formal artistic influencer), may have staged a scene … lots of action, mess and humor. What I am MOST proud of is having my own artistic voice. Not letting critics and naysayers twist MY vision into something that is not true to me. Really, I think my journey has been round-about. My artistic endeavors are varied; Entering the Washington Calligraphers Guild, The Graceful Envelope Contest, participating in the InkTober postings on Instagram and Facebook, doing handlettering challenges, doing demos for cartooning, handlettering and patternwork, entering fine arts shows, watching YouTube videos, reading, studying other artists, and talking to other artists about their journey and skills, have all lead me to this point. The toughest part is having a thick skin about critical feedback You need to be open to criticism, but not let it consume or stifle you If you allow for constructive feedback, you can learn and grow, as an artist There is ALWAYS a tidbit that will click to help you improve your skills. The MOST important lesson is to be true to your own artistic voice. Doing commissions are the toughest because you want to please the client, but you need to still include your own voice. Fortunately, I’m collaborating with another artist, Michael Haun, on a book that will be available in February. He liked my artistic voice and allowed me to take his quotes and illustrate them in my own style. Every artist has their own voice There is room in the world for each of those voices As a working artist, I think that it is a privilege to assist others to find their creative voice, by sharing what I know to help them along their own creative journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami: Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Bar for lambchops and tomalito, vineyard salad and pomegranate sangria Jungle Island Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden Viscaya Museum & Garden Miami Zoo South Beach Prime 112 SOBE for dinner with the lobster roll and the salmon The Biltmore – brunch and golf Fort Lauderdale: Kaluz for lunch/drinks on the intracoastal Butterfly World Water taxi Fort Lauderdale Beach GCWS, NLAPW, BAG, PAG, and WAG art shows Pompano Beach House wings and fish tacos Cafe Maxx for dinner – EVERYTHING is tasty Everglades Holiday Park Flamingo Gardens Plantation Golf Club Weston Tennis Center Palm Beach: Los Bocados in Boca for citrus pork tacos Morikami Museum & Japanese’s Gardens Lion Country Safari The Breakers Flagler Steak House Del Ray Beach Atlantic Ave shopping Rocco’s Tacos for margaritas and nachos Polo Trace Golf Club The beach in Del Ray …just to name a few ….

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Peter, has encouraged me to explore my artistic voice. Chauffeured trips to art supply stores, much to his chagrin, to add to my ever-growing art supplies and applauding my creative efforts, even when critics cast a pall over my fine arts work, for being ‘unique’. My first art instructor, Beverly French Davis, is to be commended for sharing her talents, her skills’ lessons and encouragement to allow me to experiment. Every artist out there willing to share their work and talk about their art journey. Talented artists like Judy Nunno, Lois R. Perdue, Cheryl Eggleston, Rolande Reverdy Moorhead, Michael Haun … just to name a few.

Instagram: plbrooks04
Linkedin: Patricia L. Brooks, Weston, Florida
Facebook: Patricia L. Brooks, Weston, Florida
Other: Roodoodles Live video 12.08.2020 Facebook Roo’s Crew on Facebook Calligraphy CRUSH magazine, online Our City Weston magazine The Pelican, Pompano Beach newspaper

Image Credits
Peter Brooks, me with “Ribbiting Personality”. All others taken by me.