"...Your portraits are more than likeness and expression. They tell a story." H.A.L.
Ms. Lutz has been a passionate artist since childhood. She grew up in the suburbs of the Fairfax, Virginia in the historic area of Clifton. She attended a private academy, Benjamin Acres Country Day School, just outside of Washington, D.C., where her parents worked for the Department of Defense and Department of Labor. Known then to her friends as Jamie Brooke Smith, she fondly remembers drawing a crowd in Kindergarten, "...where the adventure began". She had created a bowl out of papier mache, painted it white with a flower of every color in the center. She then presented it to the teacher upon which the teacher proudly remarked and exhibited the masterpiece for the 4 year old onlookers to enjoy as well. The teacher asked if she could help Brooke sign her work, since she could not yet write. She then very carefully, painted Brooke's initials, JBS, in red just under and to the right of the flower. The class, motionless, studied every move of the paint brush. That first experience with art was vivid and unforgetful. The impression was a strong and everlasting one.
"Brooke excels today and approaches every portrait with such enthusiasm. Capturing the essence of her subject's personality and charm is paramount to her." - M.L.
Beginning her formal training at the age of 16, Brooke attended Virginia Commonwealth University and continued on at Wake Forest University and earned degrees in Fine Art and Art Education at High Point University and Salem College.
"Lutz's love for children shines through in her portraits. She likes, as she says to, 'catch the gleam in their eyes and special grin that captivates each parent and grandparent." -C. Peterson, Forsyth Woman Magazine, 2007
"Children are such a pure joy. They are so honest and excited about everything...so much fun to paint! - B.L.
Ms. Lutz possesses not only a fundamental talent for capturing children in oil but as importantly has the ability to easily identify with them the very moment she meets them. Working equally well with children and with adults, Ms. Lutz puts people at ease and has the ability to bring to
canvas that spark that is so unique to each person.
Ms. Lutz is a member of Portrait Society of America.
