Pat McGrath Fine Art

I see paintings everywhere; in the landscape as I’m passing by on a drive, along a quiet walk in the park, or in fleeting ideas that suddenly come to me. Inspiration visits in many forms, sometimes sparked by a sentence in a book that ignites a vision I feel compelled to express. Nature remains my central influence; a simple field of wildflowers or a complex architectural scene can stir deep emotions and fuel my creative process. When I choose a scene to paint it is usually because a particular composition captures my attention and evokes an emotional response. I look carefully for that point of interest - the element that draws me back in and invites me to explore it further on paper. When working from an idea I gather images that embody the concept and then manipulate them through software until the image aligns with my vision. A value study then guides the composition and mood of the final piece. Watercolor is the medium through which I express myself most fully. I am intrigued by how the paint moves on the paper. The layering of color directly on the paper allows me to evoke emotion simply through how I apply it, and vary the values and hues. I delight in the spontaneity and "magic" watercolor creates as it interacts with the paper, making each painting a unique expression of feeling and observation. Through my art, I hope to share the moments and scenes that move me, inviting viewers to find their own emotions and stories within the colors and forms.

Pat McGrath

"Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do." ... Edgar Degas