Brook Tate

I am a self taught oil painter based in Bristol, UK. I have always been fascinated with the works of traditional painters and old masters, and at the age of seventeen I found some old paints in my dad's garage. From that day on I spent hours painting in my room after school.

Painting remained a hobby until I moved to Bristol, where my creative process and style seemed to really take wing. My love of traditional portraiture has not changed, but I have discovered a style of composition which celebrates the sitter's personality while standing alone as decorative art. Colour choices are key in my work as I feel very passionately about the importance of choosing the right tones and shades for emotional and atmospheric effect. I chose to use colours that 'sing' in different light, which is heightened and complimented by the use of gold metal leaf and wood engraved details.

I choose to paint on wood panel as the surface is not only a wonderful material for the medium but because every piece has a unique pattern and 'life' behind it. I try to keep large areas of the panel free from paint as this allows for the wood itself to be appreciated. It is always a challenge to decided where to place the paintbrush when the patterns are so b...

The Other Art Fair Bristol - July 2018
Brook Tate Solo Exhibition - Bristol - April 2018
Flux Exhibition - Chelsea - April 2018
Talented Art Fair - Shoreditch - March 2018
TianZiFang Shanghai- August 2015
Dragon Bar Hastings - February 2013
Hastings Arts Forum - August 2011/12