Rising Stars: Meet Brook Proctor of Longmont

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brook Proctor

Hi Brook, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been creating art my entire life, and it has always been my personal escape—a world of imagination and expression. From a young age, art provided me with a sense of accomplishment and a constant reminder to never give up. Growing up with a single mother and limited resources, I didn’t always have what I wanted, but I always had the tools to create—even if it was just a pencil and paper. This resilience shaped my journey and fueled my determination to succeed.

Today, my dedication has led me to exhibit at renowned art fairs, host solo shows, showcase in galleries, and fulfill countless commissions. While these milestones are life-changing, my passion for painting remains deeply personal. I create for myself first, and if others connect with my work, it brings an added sense of fulfillment. I continuously push my artistic boundaries, striving to grow both in skill and imagination, ensuring that my journey as an artist never stops.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of being an artist has been both smooth and challenging. While the act of painting itself comes naturally, the true difficulties lie in mastering the skill, fueling imagination, gaining exposure, and making a sustainable living from art. Many don’t see the behind-the-scenes struggles—the fear of rejection, the vulnerability of sharing personal work, and the countless late nights spent creating, preparing, marketing, and handling logistics. Being an artist means pouring not just time but also heart and soul into every piece, often without guarantee of recognition. Despite the doubts and obstacles, I’ve learned the importance of believing in myself and staying positive, no matter what.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My artistic journey has always been defined by diversity, both in subject matter and medium. From animals to abstracts, golf courses to portraits, I love exploring different styles and techniques. I work with a variety of mediums, including oil, spray paint, embroidery, pastel, and watercolor, but the one constant in all my work is color. My use of color is what I’m most known for, and it’s something I take great pride in—it has sharpened my eye for color matching and creating cohesive palettes. I also take pride in continuously pushing myself, which led me to overcome my initial intimidation of oil painting. As I grew more comfortable with oils, my realism improved and evolved. I believe my ability to adapt and my bold use of color set me apart, though I also recognize that every artist has their own unique voice, making true comparison impossible.

What were you like growing up?
I truly haven’t changed much since I was younger—I’ve always been a kind and passionate person who loves to create. As a child, I was obsessed with drawing unicorns, dragons, and butterflies. I would proudly gift my most cherished drawings to friends and teachers, simply for the joy of sharing my art, without any fear of judgment or overthinking. Outside of drawing, I loved playing “house” in the bushes, riding horses, and dancing to music videos on MTV. That same creative spirit and love for expression have stayed with me, shaping the artist I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bnpvisualarts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bnpvisualarts/#