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PATRICE CAMERON

ART AND THE EMMERGENCE OF SELF...A Journey of Expression

3/2/2025

Hello again and welcome to this month's art letter.
I'm sitting in my studio looking at the paintings of misty landscapes I started back early December. I had determined this is an area I want to explore with oil paint on canvas. I started with a small 12x12 canvas, and an intention of working larger...as I enjoy the way my body moves to music while my painting arm has full motion to navigate the brush. Not like a wild woman, but one who is in tune with both inner and outer experiences
In my practice, I work in a series which allows me to paint a single subject from multiple angles. The creative journey is not always about the finished painting... but the process of exploration, learning, and self-discovery. (The Masters worked in series...like VanGogh, who worked for five years on paintings of sunflowers! Yikes.)
But this series approach allows me to embrace the beauty of my mistakes and each painting becomes a stepping stone towards creative growth and insights.

This next painting is larger and painted after 9 small pieces.

Now this is my most recent. I have put in hundreds of hours painting, exploring, making mistakes, and persevering. This piece is the first to express parts of me that feel true and unique. Not necessarily the color palette alone, but how I placed paint and walked inside the painting. I feel as though I have excavated this, deep from within. It's different from when I first started.

Art is a mirror reflecting our unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences. But it's not just confined to the canvas. Everything we do...whether it's cooking, writing, or even how we interact with others... is an expression of uniqueness. Each choice we make is a brushstroke on the canvas of our lives, contributing to a masterpiece that is truly ours.

Embrace your journey and remember that every mistake can be a step towards something great... our authentic self.

CELEBRATING WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT

3/2/2025

Celebrating What's Most Important... Happy Wednesday everyone, and what a perfect day to celebrate yourself!

Yes...in today's newsletter we are going to take a moment to celebrate the most important person in our lives: ourselves. We are all busy, which makes it even more important to pause, reflect, and appreciate our unique journeys. Let's start by acknowledging where we've been. Our life is a tapestry woven from our experiences which have shaped us into the person we are today. That's worth celebrating!
In our daily hustle it's easy to overlook the incredible things we accomplish...growth, connection, creativity. Go ahead, admire all your current endeavors.
And as we honor our past and present, let's not forget to dream! Our aspirations fuel our motivation and give us desires we strive for.

I have been celebrating myself lately. I completed a year long intensive art program with 20 new large paintings in my portfolio and the invitation for a solo show going up February 1st...this Saturday. This was last years big dream! Let's look at some:

Celebrating ourselves is not an act of vanity; it's a necessary practice of self-love and acknowledgement. By recognizing where we've been, appreciating our current efforts, and dreaming of what's to come, we cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves.
And remember... each step you take is worthy of celebration. We are works in progress and that is something to be proud of.

ART IN ACTION

3/2/2025

ART IN ACTION...Hello again Friends!
I'm happy to announce my art portfolio was accepted by Milan Art Institute and I have received my certificate of mastery!

Soon after, I was approached by an artist friend extraordinaire, Susan Curington, who has been working on an epic sized mural and asked if I would paint all the children's faces. It took me 5 seconds to answer.

As an artist, I often find myself reflecting on the power of art to overcome boundaries and promote connections, one of art's many super powers! This recent opportunity... to add to Susan's large mural at the elementary school, highlighted the importance of community collaboration for me.

This mural features a vibrant collage of children from diverse backgrounds blending the essence of the community. While I spent my time painting on the weekends, Susan engaged with the students and offered to let them paint, which infused the project with life. This collaboration not only empowered the children but also instilled a sense of ownership and pride in their school environment.

Community based art projects like this one are important. They serve as platforms where artists, like Susan, can engage with local voices. This is where the mural becomes more than just paint on a wall... it transforms into a coordinated narrative that may inspires future generations.

Here the mural is still in progress, but I wanted you to realize the scope of this project. There are big windows across from it and it's one of the main hallways the children use.

I am grateful to contribute my small touches to this grand project! It was very fulfilling for me and an inspiring reminder again, how art strengthens bonds while making the community beautiful.

ONE'S QUALITY OF ATTENTION

10/30/2024

Happy Autumn, Friends!

I've been walking in the foggy mornings with Angel, the wonder dog, and enjoying the moody softness of tree shapes and colors. And if that wasn't enough of a blessing...the sun came out and exploded colors before me! Those flaming scarlets, oranges, and my favorite...the greens transitioning to deep purples! My focus allows me to capture the moments on a deeper level.

I write about this experience because it leads me to what I want to share today... how our 'attention' shapes both the artist's creative process and also the experience of the viewer.

These images are from a recent hike at Duncan Creek, Washington.
What do you see? .... Now what do you really see?

For artists, attention is not a passive observation. It is an active engagement with their surroundings, which enhance the subtlety of life, that often goes unnoticed.

When an artist becomes immersed in their surroundings, they develop a heightened awareness to details, textures, color, and emotion, that is often added into their work. These special additions enrich the narrative. This produces art which is a reflection of the artist's vision and viewer's shared experience.

Let's consider those of us who view and appreciate art. Our quality of attention also plays an important part in the reception of art! When a viewer focused on a work of art, they are able to connect and interpret the artists intentions through their own experiences. This process gives art meaning.

In this noisy world..the depth of our interest is what enriches our life.

Here is my latest painting...HEALING MOMENT.

Take a look at her and focus on an area that interests you. What comes up for you, curiosity, emotion? Is there a story that is emerging that reminds you of something or somebody?

It's also ok if purple is your favorite color and you like the unusual background.

There is quality in all attention.

ART AS A CATALYST

9/26/2024

Last year around this time I started noodling the idea of what my life would look like if I had gone to art school, as my family expected. I surprised them all, me included, as I announced my decision to enter nursing. It was a good decision and provided me with many years of rich experiences in the 'healing arts'. I like that term. Still, thoughts of an art career, teased.
I eagerly shared in January I had enrolled and started and intensive year art program and am thrilled to announce that I completed my studies... three months early!

"COSMIC CONTEMPLATIONS"
30"x24"x1.5"
A deep thinker, she elevates her thoughts for inspirationn.

This achievement was not without it's challenges, there were moments of doubt and countless hours of focused practice. Through it all, I found a deeper connection to my art and creative spirit!

Comparing who I am as a nurse and artist I see the process in both decisions involved exploration, the decision, commitment and focus plus....a strong belief in myself that working through failure will make me stronger. This period of art immersion exposed fears... and triumphs. And this inspired me.

"BEAUTY & BALANCE IN NATURE"
30"X24"X1.5"
There is perfection in nature's balance. Beauty in transparency.

My present body of work features oil paintings of women, each radiating expansive spirits and open hearts. These pieces embody archetypes of courage, nurture, resilience, and more. Each woman tells her own story, wrapped in a fantastical mystery that invites the viewer to explore their own emotions and experiences. The colors, textures, and expressions are optimistic and designed to heal and soothe, creating a sanctuary of reflection and empowerment. I paint what i feel and who I am.

"PRISM FOR LIGHT"
30"x24"x1.5"
A lover of rain, she eagerly anticipates the rainbow!

I am overjoyed to share that I have been offered a solo show, an opportunity to exhibit the culmination of my efforts over the past eight months. This exhibition represents one of my greatest accomplishments, and I can hardly wait to unveil the stories that have unfolded on my canvases. this is not just a personal milestone but a celebration of the community that has supported me throughout this journey. Your encouragement has fueled my passion and perseverance.

"LIGHT AS A FEATHER"
24"x30"x1.5
Outgoing and playful...a powerful balance of confidence.

As I continue to build my portfolio, I am reminded of the power of art to connect, inspire, and heal.

Stay tuned for details about my exhibition. It starts
February 1, 2025 in Portland.

It's that time of the year again!

I am delighted to be a part of the Local 14 Art Show & Sale at the WORLD FORESTRY CENTER, in Washington Park.

I am bringing some of my Ladies and will also have Pacific Northwest River paintings and framed 12"x12" florals in oil for small spaces.
Always a fun show.
I'll be there...come visit!

Blessings,
Patrice

How Artists Develop Their Creative Voice

9/25/2024

Hello Good People and welcome to this sun filled August!

I had the pleasure of jurying and awarding an art show this weekend. The artists were very high caliber and accomplished and I soon realized the basic elements of art and technical skill would not be the total focus of my evaluation.

Today I want to write about the artist's "secret sauce"...their artistic voice. What is this?

It refers to an artist's unique style, perspective, and expression and can be seen in their choice of subject and technique. It reflects the artist's personality and experiences allowing them to convey their ideas and emotions through their painting.

When an artist is in tune with their unique qualities...and paints what they love...and how they want to paint it...they are expressing true self, and using their voice. This voice is not fixed and is constantly evolving.

So how does one pick up a paint brush for the first time and get to the point of expressing a beautiful or dynamic idea through painting?

Here's a good spot to break for a visual treat...one of my newer painting:

Here is my version of the phoenix arising from the ashes...
a well lived woman experiencing the ups and downs of life, who emerges stronger and ready for her next delights, and challenges.
24x30x1.5 oil on canvas

Let's look at the Old Masters. Many started as apprentices providing them with skills, techniques, and exposure to various styles. They studied anatomy, light, perspective and experimented with different mediums and techniques that allowed them to discover what resonated deep within.

Life in their time influenced what and how they painted. They also drew from their personal life experiences, engaged in critical reflection, and welcomed feedback from peers and patrons.
Their artistic voice developed as a culmination of skill, observation, personal expression, and engagement with the world. They were dedicated to painting and willing to explore.

This sounds familiar to the contemporary artist and addresses the process of development. Let's put it all together.... after your next visual treat:

Objects many times have symbols or special significance that elicit meaning. Combining symbols can aid the artist in storytelling. Moon is feminine and comes out in the evening when owl is active. Owl is symbolic for wisdom and intuition and covers the woman's vision, making her rely on inner information.

This is my voice...my way of interpreting parts of my life and visually creating this idea.
24x30x1.5 Oil on canvas

How does an artist know if they are utilizing their voice? There comes a switch when you are no longer imitating but rather, creating your own. This is a reflection of one's inner knowing.

It's not about adhering to what you feel is expected of you but seeing the potential in an idea and embracing that potential through action.

And one' artistic voice is not about perfection...it's about authenticity.

So, nearing the end of the awards ceremony this weekend I presented an award to a gentleman for an exceptional rendition of his self portrait. I asked him to talk about his process and the painting, and at the end he said, "I struggled and didn't like it...so I gave up the struggle, took a big brush, and just started painting."

That is what a deep personal voice looks like and what honored him with
"Best of Show."

The Old Masters Make Great Influencers!

7/13/2024

Hello and welcome to July!

I enjoy reading art history and how the artists lived, worked, and produced their art. I share what I think is interesting and today I'm going to uncover a process many artists used, along with the significance of...painting in a series.

The masters typically chose subjects for their paintings based on personal interests, patron preferences, religious and historical significance, and market demand. I mentioned in an earlier newsletter, the incredibly wealthy Medici family patronized many artists of the Renaissance period where the Roman Catholic church sponsored artists in the Baroque period. And the artists lived very well.

Those artists who painted their inspirations might choose to work in a series. I found a couple well known artists and their subject matter. Let's take a look:

Recognize Van Gogh's sunflowers?
He painted them for five years!!! Yep, I'd call that a series. He used a favorite vase but would also pick a bunch and lay them on his table to paint. He would go out into a field and paint sunflowers there. I looked at many of his paintings and was struck by the differing colors, structures, values, and... actually, everything. More on why, soon.

And of course, Monet's waterlilies!
The pond is located in his garden in Giverny. This gave him unlimited access to paint... approximately 250 oil paintings of waterlilies, which was his focus during the last 30 years of his life! That is definitely a series...and what a series, too!

So, there are several reasons artists choose to work in a series.

To EXPLORE and EXPERIMENT. This could be a theme, subject or depth of a concept. I think a deeper understanding of all three eventually develop over an extended time of practice.

To DEVELOP and GROW. Working in a series can help artists build upon and refine their ideas over a series of works.

To TELL THEIR STORY. When you have multiple pieces of work, the pieces can convey a message and create a layered narrative that can engage viewers on a deeper level..

For COHESION . Working in a series that is interconnected can help artists develop a consistent body of work that demonstrates a style, theme, or concept.

And for EXHIBITION. Creating a series allows artists to present a body of cohesive work for exhibition.

Last month I introduced two of my new paintings to you. I have not been eager to share on social media or in the galleries yet.
Many of you have been with me for years and I want you to view them first. Please feel free to email me your thoughts and comments.

[email protected]

"HER CAREFREE LIGHTNESS OF BEING"
30x24x1.5 with gallery wrap. Oil on canvas

"SHE CHERISHES THE TRANQUIL WATERS"
30x24x1.5 with gallery wrap, oil on canvas

I'll continue on my series and post two more paintings next month.
Part of my inspiration is getting out into nature and experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells I genuinely hope your summer looks bright, sounds delightful, and smells like sunshine feels!

The Unexpected Value of Development

7/13/2024

The Unexpected Value of DevelopmentHello Everyone!
It's June 3rd already and we are starting to transition from Spring to Summer. I love these seasonal changes and also have interesting tranformations occuring in my studio.

I started an intensive one year art program in January with the intention of experiencing a full range of artistic techniques that would broaden my current painting practice. It's been quite the journey and I'd like to share some of the classic to contemporary art instruction through my study work. Ready? Here we go...

Drawing...drawing... and drawing with pencil charcoal, pastel, and paints

Painting...classical techniques with still life, limited palette and multiple layers of oil paint. Oh how I loved this section of practice work! My choice of subjects. Pure play!

Mixed media....contemporary painting utilizing paper, collage, acrylic, spray paint, oil pastel and inks! What I thought would be a joyous experimental playtime... stressed me. I actually whined and cried to my husband Bill, that I wasn't a real artist because I just couldn't appreciate this type of painting!

Yes...I experienced the good, bad, and the ugly.
And then, something interesting occurred.

Part of the curriculum focused on Artistic Voice, which is... who I am, artistically, and how I want to say it through my work. I learned about archetypes and the characteristics they portray and could see myself strongly in three of them. But not until I spent time studying and acknowledging my temperament, did it make sense why I preferred classical over mixed media art making.
Who I am affects how I lay down paint and which materials I gravitate towards.

Some artists approach their work with passion and multiple layers of mixed media and will bring it all together in the end with minimal finish work, and it looks unique and masterful.

That's not me.. I am a conscientious painter and enjoy deliberate well placed brushstrokes. I put my paint on my palette the same way every time. I love working with light, rendering form, and am drawn to traditional processes.
So that is why I freaked out, laying down multiple differing media and creating a hot mess. I was relieved to know this was not the best process for me.

I have loved my past watercolor competitions and most recent acrylic river and waterfall hiking series. What I know about my artistic self, is now leading me down a very different path of exploring and painting the feminine power and strength through symbols, archetypes, and nature. All my art is blending together.

I have been painting my Women of Worth for a couple of months now and have enjoyed keeping them to myself in their tender development. Would you like to see them?

"Enjoying Her Secret Inner Beauty"
30x24x1.5 Oil on canvas

"Blossoming Hope"
30x24x1.5 Oil on canvas

BAROQUE ART INFLUENCE...THEN and NOW

3/4/2024

Hello again! It's been a wonderfully busy past month for me and I have some interesting information and images to share with you.

We're going back into the Baroque period today. There is a painting method called 'chiaroscuro' which is a technique that emphasizes the contrast between light and dark... to create a sense of drama, depth, and emotion, in artworks. The subject matter of that time was also contrasted and intense...life, death, heaven, hell, spirituality and materialism.

Caravaggio was one of the leading Italian artist of the time. He mastered the chiaroscuro method and is well known. I am not fond of his work. He was a belligerent man who painted religious violent depictions of torture, and murder. Not my cup of tea. The only painting of his I appreciate is...'The Narcissist'. Google it...quite lovely. And a perfect example of his mastery of the technique I am going to be discussing.

My favorite Baroque artist is a woman...Artemisia Gentileschi. In an era where woman were not accepted or acknowledged as artists... she was the first to be accepted into the Florence Academy of Art! Her paintings are moving and beautiful and she painted in the chiaroscuro method.

Darks and lights help to create the drama and emotional interest in this painting. Want to see how Artemisia did it?

I mixed a black and purple oil paint. It went onto the canvas thick and dark and when I subtracted the light shapes of my image, it left a purple staining color. I can adjust this to any color I want for a blue, red, turquoise, etc, under painting. I can even remove all of the paint with thinner to get down to the white of the canvas. The more I remove at this phase, the brighter the colors will be when I start adding paint. The masters would lift less amounts of paint to get a moodier feel.

And here I am starting to add color....Transparent color. I work from the top back with cooler tones and work my way down, and to the front, with warmer colors. This gives the depth.
And next comes the magic...

Opaque paints! I add them being careful not to cover up the yummy transparent color and darks that are so important with this contrast method.
The focal area are the light bright colors mid and upper right of the hydrangea. Once I had those in I picked up bigger brushes and got loose...allowing my intuition to play.
I added a light background... which is not representational of the Baroque painters....but I'm not living back in that time, and I can add my own flair into the painting.

Take a look at Artemisia's painting above...it's dramatic, moody, and questioning with a limited palette of color. Light, dark, color, and subject positioning.

Now take a look at this up and coming contemporary artist... Cameron's painting... contrast, with a fresh and uplifting feel and loads of color! Ha!
My take on Baroque methodology.....
influenced then, and painted now.

I am already halfway through the classical art portion of this curriculum. I have learned, and enjoyed, so much! One of my best decisions!

Spring is coming because my daffodils and hellebores are all blooming in the front yard. This is a time for me to start preparing for my art exhibits and sales. I have 7 new oil paintings I'm going to introduce at the April exhibit, along with my Panther Creek waterfalls, which I have not yet shown. (No lesson work... I work on my original paintings when my lessons work is done.)

More information will be coming your way next month.
Enjoy the beauty everywhere.
Life is a living art scene...allow yourself to be immersed in it.

Blessings,
Patrice

www.patricecameronfineart.com
[email protected]

SALEM ON THE EDGE GALLERY
156 Liberty St NE
Salem 97301

CURRENTS GALLERY
532 NE 3rd St
McMinnville 97128

Expert to Novice...oh, the Freedom!

2/5/2024

A month has gone by, finding me focused on art lessons and that delightful feeling that anything can, and will happen. Many of you who have been following my art, know that I will explore mediums while developing my own technique and voice.
A dream opportunity presented itself to me in the form of art school, and it did not take me long to gather supplies and put on my novice hat. Part of my life learning curriculum.
I've committed this year to formal online training through the Milan Art Institute! So let's move on because I have some interesting lessons to show you

This subtraction and glazing technique was used by the old masters from the Renaissnce through the Baroque period.

Using tools to remove wet oil paint then when dry adding transparent paint followed by opaque paints to finish.

Btw... the school chooses subject matter to learn from, but I think he's sorta fun.

For the next three months I'll be focusing on drawing and oil painting. Here's a charcoal portrait...to be followed by my first portrait in oil.

Oil painting is different than the acrylic painting. Oil paints have linseed oil as a binder in the pigment so it takes at least a day to dry, between layers. I did not complete this portrait in one day...there were half a dozen sessions, and layers painted, to achieve the finished portrait.
You may notice that paint has been laid down in brush strokes, not blended. I like that look!

Acrylic paint is synthetic and although I love how it dries quickly, oil paints have a dreamy quality to applying and moving around.

I have one more painting progression to show you.....

This was fun. I used a graphite pencil to draw my subject on the canvas. Then I added some yummy thinning medium to my paints and applied to the canvas. While it was still wet I subtracted the areas of white or light areas, and let dry.

With light areas I can now paint in my dark values and the horse starts emerging. After this dries I can complete the painting with some warm and cool whites, leaving lots of color to show through.
So, that is a very good start to the year, don't you think!?
Every morning I wake up thinking about what I'll be learning in the studio.
And yes, I still have a life I attend to, but I am fortunate to have Bill as my best critique person, and supporter!

I look forward to sharing more with you next month
Feel free to email me comments.
Blessings,

Patrice