Introducing Brooke Hoogendoorn

Born in New Iberia, Louisiana, and now based in Lafayette, Brooke Hoogendoorn has spent more than two decades building a career rooted in creativity, instinct, and an unwavering commitment to doing things her own way. Artistic from an early age, Brooke always knew she would pursue a creative life, though traditional schooling never felt like the path meant for her. Instead, she chose the self-taught route — learning through experimentation, curiosity, and years of hands-on work that shaped the artist she is today.

Since becoming a full-time artist in 2003, Brooke’s career has evolved through many creative chapters. Over the past 15 years, she has become known throughout South Louisiana as a sought-after decorative painter, creating murals, custom finishes, and detailed design work for homes and interiors. That close relationship with design still deeply influences her paintings today, giving her abstract work a layered sense of movement, balance, and livability that resonates strongly with collectors and interior designers alike.

Around 2011, Brooke fully embraced abstraction, drawn to the freedom it offered. Her work is intuitive and emotionally driven, often beginning without a strict plan and evolving naturally through layers of acrylic paint, pastel, chalk, pencil markings, and mixed media. Some pieces lean soft and atmospheric while others burst with bold color and graphic energy — a contrast that has become part of her signature. Rather than limiting herself to one recognizable formula, Brooke embraces what she calls a “consistent inconsistency,” allowing each body of work to unfold organically.

While her strongest presence is throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, her work has also been included in select exhibitions outside the region. She has become a familiar presence at the beloved annual Big Easel Art Show in River Ranch, where she was honored as the 2016 Poster Artist. She has also received Best Acrylic awards in 2016 and 2019, along with Best in Show honors in 2018 and 2022, and later returned as a juror for the event. Brooke is also a participating artist with the Bare Walls program, helping place original artwork into curated commercial and corporate spaces .

After more than 20 years of creating from home studios, Brooke opened her own gallery and working studio in 2025 at Brooke Hoogendoorn Gallery & Studio in the heart of South Lafayette. The space serves as both a creative workspace and a place for collectors, designers, and fellow artists to connect with her work in person. Visits are available by appointment only.

Brooke credits the support of her husband, James, and their children, Holland and Griffin, as a grounding and constant source of encouragement throughout her artistic journey.

Who makes up my art circle ?

My art circle is made up of a wonderful mix of local artists, creatives, and interior designers who have become a genuine source of support and inspiration throughout my career. Even though our work may differ stylistically, there’s a shared understanding between artists that creates a really special sense of community rather than competition. We exchange ideas, opportunities, contacts, encouragement, and honest feedback in a way that continually pushes all of us forward creatively.

Because my work naturally leans into the world of interiors and design, many of my closest creative relationships are also with interior designers. Collaborating with people who have such a strong eye for balance, texture, color, and overall design elevates my work in ways I deeply value. Those relationships have become an incredibly meaningful part of both my creative process and my business.

How do you expand your art circle ?

Opening my own studio/gallery space in 2025 was a huge step toward expanding my art circle and creating more connections within the local creative community. After spending over 20 years working from home studios, I wanted to build a space that felt welcoming not only for collectors, but for other artists as well. Hosting smaller exhibitions with two or three artists at a time creates a more personal atmosphere where genuine relationships can grow naturally. I’ve found that those smaller collaborations often lead to meaningful conversations, shared opportunities, and lasting creative support systems.

I also consider my collectors and clients to be an important part of my creative community. One of my favorite parts of the process is helping people with placement, scale, color flow, and especially custom work designed specifically for their space. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing clients return over the years and continuing to trust me with pieces for their homes. Those long-term relationships are just as valuable to me as the artistic ones.

What value do you see in having a creative community?

The value of having a creative community really comes down to connection. Being surrounded by like-minded people — especially other artists, who often see the world a little differently to begin with — is incredibly valuable. There’s a certain understanding that exists between creatives that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it. We encourage each other, share opportunities and contacts, exchange honest advice, and celebrate one another’s growth. Some of the best conversations and ideas happen simply by being in the same room with other creative minds.

I also see collectors and interior designers as part of that community. Because my work overlaps so naturally with the design world, collaborating with people who have a strong eye for interiors, color, and composition continually inspires and challenges me creatively. Those relationships often grow into long-term connections that go far beyond simply buying artwork, and that ongoing support and shared creativity are something I truly value.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

My artistic approach has always been rooted in connection, and I believe art has a unique way of bringing people together. Through my gallery and studio space in Lafayette, I’ve been able to create opportunities not only to share my own work, but to spotlight and support other local artists. Creating a space where people can experience art in person, have conversations, and connect with one another has become one of the most meaningful parts of this chapter of my career.

Giving back through my artwork is also something that’s very important to me. Throughout the year, I donate pieces to many different organizations, fundraisers, and community events because I truly believe art should contribute to something bigger than itself. It’s rewarding to know that something created in my studio can help support causes, schools, charities, and local efforts that matter to people in our community.

More than anything, I believe art is a necessity — not just decoration. It creates emotion, conversation, comfort, inspiration, and connection. Whether it’s through exhibitions, collaborations, donations, or simply helping someone find the right piece for their home, I love seeing the way art can bring people together and make spaces feel more personal and alive.