Pat's Artist Statement

My careful observations from nature provide the inspiration for floral and landscape paintings. I especially look for the quiet hidden places that merit a second look, or scenes that the less observant non-artist type may not see. For many years, I have been both teaching and exploring the various techniques and approaches of watercolor.

My goal is not to copy exactly what the eye sees, but to seek out pattern, design, and interesting lighting that will convey the "spirit" of a scene or floral.

Color, for me, is a most important element. Also, natural sunlight plays an essential part in my interpretation.

Recently, I have been using my camera to capture the essence "close up" for florals. My interest is to explore the individuality and structure of flowers, often abstracting them in the process. My use of a macro lens takes the viewer inside the flower.

I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University, and my Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan. I also studied one summer at the University of Colorado. I have studied watercolor with local artists and have attended many workshops with nationally known artists. I am member of Rivertown Artists Guild, the Michigan Watercolor Society, and Holland Friends of Art. Recently, my paintings and photographs have been shown in local juried shows, as well as Muskegon and Lansing.

My work has been exhibited at the West Michigan Regional Competition in Muskegon and the Lowell Regional juried show. In addition, I have had solo exhibits at Park Congregational Church in Grand Rapids, the Clark Home in Grand Rapids, and the Grandville Library in Grandville, Michigan.

Exhibits

Holland Friends of Art - Terryberry Gallery - Celebration- First Methodist Church - Grand Rapids Art Festival - Botanical Images - Lansing Art Gallery - A Body of Work - Lansing Art Gallery - East Congregation Church - Grand Rapids - Rivertown Artists Exhibits - Ten Weston Gallery - Wyoming Library, Wyoming, MI