Patricia Young- Artists in Action Gallery

Artist Biography:

Born in Portland, Oregon, influenced firstly by my mother, who was a wonderful artist, I painted my first oil painting around the age of eight years old. I excelled in art throughout grade school and high school and I continued to major in Fine Art at the University of Oregon. I went on to study Art Education at Western Oregon University, earning a bachelors degree and teaching certification.

My continued studies at University of Alaska/Fairbanks included advanced printmaking, and I also took courses in photography and serigraphy at Chemeketa Community College.
My life path lead me into the field of graphic design. Now retired, I take pleasure in painting from my home studio and en plein air as often as possible. Fine art painting is what I love to do most. I am devoted to painting for many years to come.

Artist Statement:

I am a representational painter. I paint mostly landscapes. I love painting outdoors – en plein air. Peaceful vistas, garden paths, and places where people spend time to relax and enjoy nature are scenes that inspire me to paint. My love of French Impressionism has always influenced the way I approach my paintings. Color and light are the elements I strive to capture.

I paint with both oil and aqueous mediums. I enjoy each for its unique qualities: the rich hues and textural nature of oil paints, and the soft, transparent array of hues provided by watercolors. With acrylics I appreciate that they are both textural and transparent.

Recently, I have been experimenting with a new approach to my paintings, using different surfaces and tools. I’ve been especially interested in using palette knives for painting which gives me the freedom to omit the fine details, and instead focus on the overall composition and colors of the landscape. These “abstract landscapes” emulate the scenery but they’re more conceptual or impressionistic by nature.

When I’m painting outdoors, en plein air, I love the connected feeling I have with the surrounding colors and atmosphere of the landscape. When I’m painting from sketches or photo references, I am taken back to that place and time , as though I’m reliving the experience of being there, as I paint the scene.