Cora Smalley Brooks Paintings

Cora Smalley Brooks was an American painter known for her work as an Impressionist and her association with the Provincetown art colony. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1885, she grew up in a time when the opportunities for women to pursue artistic careers were beginning to expand, though they still faced significant barriers.

Brooks showed an early interest and aptitude for art, which led her to study at the Kansas City Art Institute. She furthered her education by traveling to New York City, where she attended the Art Students League, a prestigious institution that trained many notable artists of the era. At the Art Students League, Brooks honed her skills and was exposed to the latest trends in art, including Impressionism, which would greatly influence her work.

In the early 20th century, Brooks became part of the Provincetown art colony in Massachusetts, a hub for artists and writers. Provincetown was known for its beautiful light and seascapes, which attracted many Impressionists. Brooks became one of the prominent figures in this community, contributing to its artistic legacy through her Impressionist landscapes and seascapes, which were celebrated for their vibrant color and light.

Brooks' work was exhibited at various galleries and shows, including the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Art Institute of Chicago. Despite her success, she, like many women artists of her time, did not receive the same level of recognition as her male counterparts. Nevertheless, she continued to paint and be an active member of the Provincetown art scene until her untimely death in 1930.

Today, Cora Smalley Brooks is remembered as a talented painter who contributed to the American Impressionist movement and the artistic heritage of Provincetown. Her works are a testament to her skill and passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world.