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WHEN NOT EVERY PAINTING IS A MASTERPIECE

6/17/2025

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Hello Everyone!
The Pacific Northwest  boasts colorful displays... and the warm sunny days declare summertime!  I am happiest with lush beauty around me.

As usual for me, I am in the studio creating, experimenting, and pushing myself in areas I have not tried before.  Sometimes my work develops beautifully and I am  satisfied with myself and talent.  I don't post pieces  that  challenge or annoy me.  I work on it until I reach a point where I am aware I am no longer making meaningful progress....and then I put it aside, take a break, and start on something new the next day.  Eventually I'll come back to it, see it as a challenge, and work it til.... I paint over it with white gesso and start again....something new and with a different twist.  Keeps me in the studio.
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Here are a couple paintings I recently finished, and am pleased with.  Yes, I know it's summer, but I put on my Christmas playlist and I'm good.

 And what about those images that never make this newsletter.  I think about those and wonder what the Masters did.  My curiosity led me to some interesting info...you interested?


 

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THE LAST SUPPER
​Leonardo DaVinci
Artists have good and bad days.  DaVinci was a difficult artist for patrons to work with as he would abandon commissions.  He had lots of rejections and considered himself a failure.  

The Last Supper commission did not turn out well for him.  He was commissioned to paint a fresco...which is a technique, rapidly done, using watercolor paints on a wet plaster  wall.  The colors penetrate the plaster and becomes fixed as it dries.  Davinci wanted to take his time and decided to use tempera and oil paints on a dry plaster wall.  That didn't work and the pigment didn't stick to the wall, and actually degraded the image.

I'm sure many artists have failed paintings but none quite so famous as this one.  Most of the Old Masters would rework their paintings until they were satisfied.

DaVinci was a perfectionist and re-worked his paintings alot.  He actually had quite a small body of work completed in his lifetime, about 20 paintings, which are now incredibly valuable.

Rembrandt, VanGogh, and Michaelangelo all set aside and reworked their art. 

A common theme I found was their perfectionism and willingness to refine their art.  This demonstrated a commitment to growth and mastery.

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This one went to the critique group.  I was happy with it and after listening to suggestions from other artist's I trust...I gave it my own critique and felt a couple of changes would strengthen the composition...My critique group is a great safety net!
 
I'll be in the studio all summer getting ready for  several Autumn shows.

If you are interested in coming over to see new works for purchase before they go out to galleries or shows, contact me for a visit.  Many of you have already been over.  The hot pot is always ready for a cup of tea.

Blessings,
Patrice

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ARTISTIC FANTASY...or is it?

4/14/2025

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Hello everyone and Happy Springtime!

I've been busier than usual in the studio this past month and have a couple really good examples to show and tell.  Each showing a painting progression and the point where... fantasy and reality meet, during the creative process. 
Intrigued?  Let's start...
​Oil paints are on the palette, cup of tea nearby, Pandora radio on Shuffle, and currently playing xmas music.
I've taken transparent paints of mid to dark values and kinda-sort-of, strategically placed them on the canvas, left.  I've included my sketching tool so you can see how I define my shapes, and space.

On the right I have removed alot of paint with Kleenex tissue, small sponges, and Q tips.  What you are seeing is the staining affect of paint, paint left alone, and a couple of hours of removal, to create lighter values. Am careful to keep the darks where they are needed.  This is all very technical and requires practice and time. 

And then I get up and leave for a little time...either going for a walk outside or getting lunch.  I've found it so important to disengage from the painting at this point so when I come back, I am looking at it with new eyes and feeling my next move.
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Then,I spend time examining it's entirety.  I'm fully present....and I walk into my painting and am there looking around and sensing balance, color, and realize the painting has 'good bones.' 

Then the question "where is this composition taking me?"  I see where the strong diagonals of the path and mist meet... to where the mist identifies the top of the path.  Hmmm...I wonder what's beyond that curve?

I am a creator in this place and am adding opaque paints now, my brushwork controls the energy of the moment.  Lavender mist, through the trees.  I feel it's coolness on my skin as I soften edges.  The mid ground trees need warmer green in the branches coming forward, yes, that's good. 

Then I smile at the colorful mess in the foreground path and mix complimentary colors and enjoy the strokes placed to receive the light. Neutrals give energy to those wild colors and add cohesion to the story, a misty morning hike on the mountain path.  What beauty lies ahead?

 
I'm back now.
As I paint, I rely on technical creativity to a certain point
​then allow intuitive ideas or inspiration that bubbles up, to guide my next steps.
 Want to come into another painting with me?.....
Another fun start laying in transparent paints and developing my sketch with shapes.  I get right into the subtraction portion while the paint is still wet enough to work.  I leave darks and some paint and have fun with those spiky grasses.  I can leave it like this to dry and finish later, or continue applying the final paint...which is known as alla prima painting.  
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After a short walk in the sun with Angel, the wonder dog, I return and take in the painting.

I walk right into the background  determining an Autumn palette, and add the sky. Pink mist and a couple  orange brushstrokes for and abstracted sense of trees.
Long simple strokes create a resting place for the eyes which is needed to balance the busy foreground grasses.  The water is an important secondary player and gently guides.
Early morning sunrises are softer, as the hot sun is not high in the sky producing bright highlights.  Colors seem more saturated and the outcome is pleasing to me.

IIII Intuitive painting and intuitive living are pretty much the same. 
We all have guidelines and when overwhelm occurs it's helpful to disengage
for a short time and do something nourishing.

Come back, open yourself to answers...
get quiet and allow ideas and inspirations to bubble up. 
Then try them out. The outcomes may be pleasing to you too.
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For those of you following the emergence of my Misty Landscapes...this is where I will be exhibiting them all, for the first time! 

Plus, this amazing group showcases authors, world traveling animal and bird artists, competitive award winners, instructors, and Pacific Northwest favorites. 

Artist wine reception Friday and Saturday 5-7pm.
Look for me...would love to chat with you!
Blessings,

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

3/2/2025

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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.

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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.
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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.
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CELEBRATING WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT

3/2/2025

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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.

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ART IN ACTION

3/2/2025

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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.


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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.

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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.
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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.

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ONE'S QUALITY OF ATTENTION

10/30/2024

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​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.
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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.

 
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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.
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ART AS A CATALYST

9/26/2024

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​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!
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"COSMIC CONTEMPLATIONS"
30"x24"x1.5"
A deep thinker, she elevates her thoughts for inspiration
n.
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.

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"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.
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"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.
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"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.
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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

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How Artists Develop Their Creative Voice

9/25/2024

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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:


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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:

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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."
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The Old Masters Make Great Influencers!

7/13/2024

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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:
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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.
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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!

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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]
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"HER CAREFREE LIGHTNESS OF BEING"
30x24x1.5 with gallery wrap.  Oil on canvas
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"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!
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The Unexpected Value of Development

7/13/2024

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

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"Enjoying Her Secret Inner Beauty"
30x24x1.5  Oil on canvas
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"Blossoming Hope"
30x24x1.5  Oil on canvas
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    Hi...I'm Patrice... an  oil  painter who writes, and enjoys sharing how I create and think.

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  • SUNRISE LANDSCAPES
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