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Elmhurst doctor finds creative expression through painting

In some ways, the worlds of art and medicine aren't all that far apart.

Both require a certain amount of creativity, flexibility and innovation.

Dr. Michael Brooks has discovered that his long-running medical career and his relatively new interest in creating art are complementary ways to channel his energy.

The Elmhurst physician says his interest in painting dates to his childhood — and the itch for creative expression never completely disappeared — but he didn't really start to pursue it until about 10 years ago.

“Being a busy family physician, I decided I wanted to start a serious hobby,” he said. “When I first started doing art, it was a way to put your mind on something else.”

Board certified in family medicine, Brooks received his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is on staff at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital and is in practice at Clarendon Hills Family Medicine.

He's one of several emerging artists whose work will be exhibited this weekend at the Art in Wilder Park show in Elmhurst, along with that of more than 100 established artists.

“What's great about art is you can do it when you're ready to do it,” he says. “I'll set up a still life of fruit or a photo of a person and I can do it at 10 o'clock at night. You can do it on your own terms.”

He began dabbling in oil on canvas paintings, learning by doing and by watching other artists, though he didn't receive any formal schooling.

“Through the years, I've kind of learned from different teachers,” he said.

He discovered he favors painting true-to-life images.

“I would consider myself a realist artist, fine portraiture,” he said. “I would consider it representational art. Generally, my subjects tend to be a lot of people. I'll also do landscapes, still lifes, that sort of thing.”

Brooks said he plans to bring an assortment of his paintings to the weekend fair.

Though selling his work was never his focus, he found himself parting with a couple of his paintings last year after word got out about his avocation.

“Hinsdale Hospital approached me to do a solo show. They were fascinated that a physician had this interest outside the hospital,” he said. “It was a lot of fun. I had 25 paintings that went up at the hospital. It was up for, like, six months. It also went to another hospital.”

The exhibition was so successful that the health system featured his work in a “Healing Through the Arts” program.

“They liked it so much they made a video,” Brooks said. “They screened it at a conference in Florida.”

The video also featured other health care professionals who enjoy artistic pursuits, such as a doctor who plays in a jazz band.

Brooks said doing art complements his medical profession in ways he didn't expect.

“I find it kind of charges me for my profession,” he said.

Several pieces he's done decorate his Clarendon Hills office and many of his patients like to talk about his art.

That shared interest helps him build rapport with his patients, although he jokes that it sometimes distracts them from the real medical reason for their visit.

Brooks said he's looking forward to being a part of Art in Wilder Park.

“The art thing has taken me on a journey,” he said. “My goal isn't to sell. I just want people to see my art work. I'm interested in the reception of my paintings.”

  Some of the works by Dr. Michael Brooks of Elmhurst that he will display at the Art in Wilder Park show. Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
  A piece of artwork by Dr. Michael Brooks of Elmhurst still requires some finishing touches as he works on it in his home studio. Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
  A painting that Dr. Michael Brooks of Elmhurst will display at the Art in Wilder Park show. Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
  "What's great about art is you can do it when you're ready to do it," Dr. Michael Brooks of Elmhurst says. Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
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