FRANK LEONARD BROOKS

1911-2011


Born in London, England, Brooks came to Toronto in 1912. Mostly self-taught, he took classes at the Toronto Central Technical School (c. 1928) and at OCA for a few months, studying with Group of Seven artist Frank Hans (Franz) Johnston (G7). In 1935, he married Reva Silverman. Brooks taught art in Toronto, while participating in major art exhibitions across Canada, and in the Canadian Section at the 1936 World’s Fair. At this his work focused on the shipping activities of the Great Lakes. During WWII, he enlisted in the navy, eventually appointed Official War Artist in September 1944. Brooks has 113 pieces in the Canadian War Collection.

Disillusioned with the art scene in Toronto after the war, Leonard and Reva went to Mexico where he studied under renowned muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros, while Reva concentrated on photography. His work evolved, focusing on abstract painting, then figurative work which evolved from abstract, to non-objective, as well as free-form collage acrylics with rich texture.

Brooks was a prolific artist, working in numerous media including oils, acrylics, watercolours, casein, duco, polymer, wax, and graphic mediums. He wrote books on the artistic process and was a teacher of music to children. He and Reva were instrumental in turning the small Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende into an international cultural destination and UNESCO world heritage site.

Late in his career, Brooks returned to his love of abstract collage and was prolific in creating these small, enchanting works of colour, texture and form – utilizing paint, paper and found objects. Frank Leonard Brooks died at the age of 100 in San Miguel de Allende. His work can be found in museums and major collections around the world. Reva Brooks is considered one of the 50 most influential women photographers in America.

 

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