Janet Brooks
Janet Brooks holds a BFA in Studio Art and an MFA in Painting from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a visual artist in varied media as well as a book designer; she has been an art educator for many years in central Texas, the Bay Area of California, and Nashville TN. Her exhibitions include participation in juried, faculty, and membership shows regionally and nationally. She has juried several regional art shows and has informed and assisted students as they hang their work in a number of exhibitions.
“Art provides continuity and focus in my life. I draw, paint, sculpt, design and teach. I have created many abstract works via acrylic painting, serigraphy, and collage. I draw and sculpt portraits and figures. Much of my current work explores the realm of nature via oil, acrylic, and watercolor media – these paintings are both objective and symbolic. I draw from observation and I allow for invention. The close study of the natural world reveals a realm both delicate and dramatic, intricate and intense. Naturalist E.O. Wilson says it all for me: ‘The diversity of life has immense aesthetic and spiritual value.’ ”
Courses Taught
ARTS 2366 Watercolor Painting
Faculty Spotlight
If there was one artwork that you could bring home and display, what would it be?
I would love to have Albrecht Durer’s Left Wing of a Blue Roller (1512). This hyper-focused examination of the bird’s wing represents a masterpiece of pictorial staging that captures every nuance of color and detail of form.
What do you most hope students will take away from your class?
I hope that students will enjoy the exploration of watercolor media and will find a personal area of expression – and make new friends. .
What is your favorite technique or topic to teach? Is there one lecture or selection that is the most fun for you to teach?
I really enjoy introducing the variety of techniques in the media at hand as each student will discover the range possible and will further develop what speaks to him or her.
What types of books do you read? What are you reading now and/or what is one of the most treasured books on your bookshelf?
I enjoy reading ALL kinds of books – I do read more books about artists / art history / art techniques. I am currently reading Caravaggio: A Life by Helen Langdon.
Name a place that you’ve traveled to, but feel like you need to go back to because you didn’t have enough time there.
I would love to go back to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan for 1000 years! It is a beautiful city rich in traditional as well as contemporary art and design.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy going to art exhibitions, book stores, music and theater events, hanging out with friends, and walking in nature.