The "Summer of Love" Meets the Sonoma Super Bloom for the Gather In The Garden Exhibit 2026
"Flower Power" is a massive, high-octane exploration of color that bridges the gap between the natural world and the electric soul of the 1960s. This 48x60 masterpiece is a radical departure for Porter Brooks, trading the precision of a chef’s knife for the raw, aggressive energy of a palette knife. The result is a Heavy Impasto Oil on Canvas that doesn't just sit on the wall—it commands the room.
The piece is a masterful blend of Psychedelic Pop and Abstract Expressionism, channeling the defiant optimism of the 60s. Inspired by the "fantastical" aesthetics of the era—the neon flash of Laugh-In, the graphic punch of vintage peace posters, and the vibrant swagger of the miniskirt revolution—Brooks distorts the irises and poppies of the California Wine Country into a Technicolor dreamscape.
Physically, the canvas is a feat of extreme sculptural relief. By applying the oil paint in thick, defiant ridges, Brooks has created a surface that is as much a sculpture as it is a painting. This heavy texture allows the light to play across the vivid oranges and deep purples, changing the energy of the work as the day progresses. The overall vibe is high-energy, 60s Retro-Mod, and unapologetically celebratory. It is a one-of-a-kind statement piece designed for a collector who wants to bring the wild, untamed "Power" of the flower back into the modern home.
Exhibition & Benefit Details
This piece was created as a featured entry for the Sonoma Gather in the Garden month-long benefit. It will be on exclusive display at the Alley Gallery in Sonoma, California, starting May 7th for a limited two-week run. In the spirit of the community, a portion of the proceeds from this sale will be donated to The Vintage House, a Sonoma community center dedicated to the well-being and support of our local senior residents.
