Brent Estabrook is widely recognized for his bold, large-scale oil paintings of stuffed animals, combining a sense of childlike playfulness with a refined painterly technique. His meticulous process, rooted in his background and medical education, reflects a disciplined approach to mixing and applying paint with near-surgical precision. Each thick, richly pigmented brushstroke is laid down with careful attention, building up an impasto that echoes the textures of plush fabric, velvet, and fleece. This intricate, sophisticated process is paired with the boundless joy and curiosity typically found in the world of childhood, creating a unique fusion of elegance and exuberance.
Estabrook’s artistic journey began unexpectedly during his time in dental school. Faced with the pressures of student debt, he turned to painting as a form of escape, creating large-scale works of various currencies—his first paintings were of oversized novelty checks. His first sale soon followed, sparking a thrilling realization that an artistic career was not only possible but within reach. His work evolved quickly, and as he honed his craft, he produced a series of vibrant skull paintings. Drawing from his medical knowledge, Estabrook felt empowered to experiment with color and technique, refining his distinctive brushwork and palette, which would eventually become his signature style.
The defining series that launched Estabrook into the spotlight was Perpetual Recess, started in 2015. These monumental oil paintings feature dynamic, textured compositions of stuffed animals, each brimming with exuberant energy. Bathed in bright synthetic hues like hot pink, acid green, and electric blue, these works radiate joy, while also showcasing Estabrook’s mastery of the brush. The dense layers of paint and baroque composition create a sense of playful chaos, balanced by the artist’s precision in every stroke.
His recent works continue to celebrate the rich textures and vivid colors that have come to define his practice, though they also reflect a deeper exploration of formalism. Estabrook has increasingly focused on authenticity, stripping down his subject matter to its simplest form, and allowing his process to unfold with minimal outside influence. This shift marks a new phase in his artistic evolution, as he finds an unexpected magic in the purity of his painting process.