Brooke Lanier is a Philadelphia-based artist who is best known for her paintings of harbors and boats. Growing up in Minnesota, she spent extended periods of time observing patterns of waveforms, light, and colors in water. She is incredibly nearsighted, and while swimming and water skiing she was unable to wear her glasses. These experiences continue to inform her paintings, since she became accustomed to seeing the world in myopic detail or as simplified large, colorful shapes.

Lanier earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Tyler School of Art, where she spent her first year studying in Rome, Italy. She also holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has exhibited her work in Prague, Rome, New York, and across the U.S. In 2007, she received 2nd award in Volkswagen’s “Driven” competition for young artists with disabilities; the prize- winning work was inspired by her retinal detachment. She received a grant and had her work displayed in the Smithsonian Institute and the John F. Kennedy Center before going on a two-year national tour.

During her time in Philadelphia, Lanier became fascinated by the historic ships on the Delaware River within walking distance of her studio. Initially compelled by their commanding forms and fascinating textures, her curiosity led her to seek more information about the history of the ships through conversations with their conservators and volunteering to help with restoration efforts.