Patti Williams

My Watercolors and Oils are inspired by the excitement and love I get from nature and divine light. My work has been publish locally and worldwide; entered in regional and national shows; won awards and translated into gicleés; cards and tile murals for kitchens and baths.  “To my mind, a picture should be something pleasant, cheerful, and pretty, yes pretty! There are too many unpleasant things in life as it is without creating still more of them.” – Pierre Auguste Renoir. I feel the same about art as Renoir and don’t think I could say it any better.

My style of art is representational.  I use many different techniques in my watercolors.  My very detailed pieces, I use glazing techniques that take a long time, due to the many layers.  Sometimes I will paint an alla prima style using many techniques, wet into wet, negative painting, lifting, back washes, splattering resulting in a representational piece or not. I use handmade archival watercolor paper made in France and professional quality paints.  Watercolor is a dance with the water and color, I just enjoy dancing.  In my oils I mainly use an alla prima style with palette knife, but recently I have started to use brushes when I use water soluble oils.  These are a new medium for me.  They are professional quality paints and archival just as the regular oils I use. I prefer painting oils on a board rather than stretched canvas, because of the hard surface.  But occasionally I will paint on canvas.

 Art and creative expression has always been a driving motivator in my life.  At the age of 11, I took an Impressionistic Oil painting class. I studied fine art at American River College 1969 – 73 and received a degree.  In 2001, my husband made it possible for me to quit my corporate job. I went back to College to continue my art education under Gary Pruner before he retired. I have taken various workshops from many other artists over the years, both Watercolor and Oil. I have become involved in Sacramento Fine Arts Center and I was Show Chair for 2 years for WASH. I am also member of NCA; Elk Grove Artists and member of California Watercolor Association. I’m in two galleries; Blue Moon Gallery; Sacramento, CA; Chroma Gallery; Fair Oaks, CA.

Over the years, my work has been published in various Medias.  In July of 2002 “Reaching for the Stars” was licensed for a one-time worldwide use by Dr. Doreen Virtue to be included in her “Magical Mermaids and Dolphins” oracle card deck, released May of 2003 by Hay House, Inc...  Pictures of my paintings have been published in the Sacramento Bee; River News Herald; Isleton Journal; The Guide to the Arts Magazine and Perspectives Magazine. I have a piece in the City of Elk Grove’s Art Collection, and several others in business and private collections.

Juried Gallery Shows & Awards -   

Watercolor, Award of Merit, California State Fair, Fine Art Exhibit, 2009
Watercolor, Award of Merit, WASH membership show, 2009
Oil, Horton Iris Farm Quick Draw; 3^rd Place, 2007
Watercolor, Marjorie Reynolds Special Award, Haggin Museum 2004
Watercolor, 1^st Place, Sacramento County Fair, 2004
Watercolor, Honorable Mention, Sacramento County Fair, 2004
Watercolor, Award of Merit, WASH membership show, 2004
Watercolor, Award of Excellence, Mother Lode National Exhibition, 2003
Watercolor, Honorable Mention, WASH Membership Show 2002, 2003
Watercolor, 1^st place, Sacramento County Fair, 2003
Watercolor, 2^nd place, Sacramento County Fair, 2003
Watercolor, Olive I. Schmid Memorial Award; WASH Open Exhibition, 2003, 2007
Watercolor, 2^nd place; KR Framing Show, 2002
Watercolor, Honorable Mention, Art Fiesta, 1964