We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patrick Dennis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Patrick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
As a professional painter, I’ve enjoyed many unique projects. I’ve painted for solo and group exhibitions, I’ve traveled extensively to show my works and have received meaningful validation and compensation. But perhaps most meaningful of all has been my work for specific clients to create a commissioned piece of art for their environment.
My painting technique as an oil painter involves a great deal of “surface preparation.” I collect old sheet music, novels, poetry and news stories that help tell the story of each painting. I embed these papers into the first few layers of paint on the canvas, creating a version of collage. Once this dries, I chip, peel and sand away any loose material, then begin the sketch and painting.
When a client asks me to paint for them, we have a discussion of the intention, placement, scale and relevance to other artworks in the space. But most importantly we decide on materials that will be used in the underlay. I have used house plans, marriage certificates, poetry, music, photos and many other keepsakes which are recorded on the back of the canvas since my process will likely obscure the materials with paint, leaving just a clue as to the items underneath. Of course all these papers need to be treated first, to allow for the adhesion process. But the client always knows that these items will be commemorated in the final work of art.
Recently I was asked to create a painting to honor the passing of a loved one. The family provided me with a memorial program, bingo cards (!), and a favorite piece of music as well as a suggested subject photo on which to base the painting. It is deeply meaningful to me to be entrusted with the materials and project and important to do justice with the finished piece. In this case the theme is “Ascension,” which is both fitting and inspiring to show the love and joy this family member brought to others.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been an abstract landscape oil painter for over 30 years. My education background is in psychology. I’ve worked as a school teacher, lobbyist and museum specialist, but my passion has always been in art. I’ve found that a diverse experiential background has made me a better observer, a skill that plays well into painting with a purpose.
I live on California’s Central Coast in a small town. I moved here because it’s where my elderly mom lives and it was time to step in to help. I thought it would be boring after living in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta but it’s a very solid, satisfying place. I opened a studio on Main Street and soon created a gallery space open to the public. The area is beautiful and full of inspiration.
I aspire to paint more than “pretty.” I like to construct a painting that omits details, asking the viewer to “fill in the blanks” with their observation. I recall memory fragments that translate into subtle, colorful compositions from coastal scenes to abandoned or reimagined places. My intention is to evoke a feeling of curiosity and satisfaction; I do not paint “angry” works. Whatever the subject I choose, it will be a peaceful, thoughtful piece.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I’m a lucky guy. I’ve had some decent success in my field and support myself well as an artist. I continue to work with and for wonderful people. My clients don’t drain my resources; in fact they fill me up with enthusiasm to strive harder, learn more and listen better.
When visitors come to my studio/gallery (an average of 20-30 per day), it is my greatest pleasure to stop and share anything that might help an aspiring artist to pursue this career path. It’s not just that there is a viable living to be made. Learning to paint and market those paintings is like a super power – learning to think in imagery, be consistent, vigilant and intuitive are all side effects of taking this line of work seriously. I hear back from many of these visitors and enjoy knowing they are on their chosen path, gleefully embracing it with gusto! Sometimes we discuss the realities of the work commitment. Other times we discuss techniques. On rare occasions we will collaborate. All of these episodes serve to drive me further and focus on that as a joyful experience.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Being a painter, for me, is not a hobby. It’s not a dalliance. It’s not a distraction. It’s a profession. As such, it requires dedication, commitment and a constant refinement of skills and business acumen. In that respect it is no less valid than any other “traditional” profession.
Sometimes family members or visitors will remark about how “fun it is to do this for a living.” Make no mistake: I have chosen this work as much as it has chosen me. But I take it seriously and work just as hard at it as a doctor or lawyer. I am entrusted with a precious task – to create a shift in ones environment, an investment that will be kept for many years. My clients are making a personal commitment. I accept the fact that what I create with my hands will have an impact in their home or office. It will likely make a silent statement about who they are and how they wish to be perceived.
What I do is not simply an elaborate decoration. My paintings have a story, a lifespan and a voice of their own that has meaning.
Painting professionally is a lot of work. But it is work that enriches the soul at the end of the day, and how many “traditional” professionals can enjoy that?
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.patrickgallery.com
- Instagram: workingartiststudio
- Facebook: workingartiststudio
Image Credits
Photos by Patrick Dennis and Tony Merchell.