Rupert is a portrait and figure painter who has lived and worked in mid-Devon his whole life. He is one of the Black Dog Studio artists, along with his father, the noted marine artist Robin Brooks, and his sister landscape painter Kirsty Bonning. Painting has always been an integral part of his life: he won an art scholarship to Blundell's School, and followed on from this by studying Art and Art History at the University of Aberystwyth. He returned home to Devon to work, and developed his passion for painting people.

The true interest and wonder for me as a painter lies in the recreation of the world I see around me in two dimensional form. The idea that you can use paint to create on a flat surface a version of reality is something magical to me and still one which never fails to enthuse and excite me. I have always loved painting people, partly because I find it challenging and engaging to do successfully, but also because of the mood, emotion and story that can be conveyed. I hope not only to interest the viewer with the technicality of the painting but also to illicit an emotional response. Whatever I am painting, be it a formal portrait or an every day object, I aim for a good likeness and a diverting image.