We recently connected with Patrick Dennis and have shared our conversation below.

Patrick, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I have absolutely no regrets about my decision to be a full time artist. Although I’ve painted for over 30 years, when I moved to California to care for my elderly mom I needed to be available at all times. I opened a studio space in Cambria that was just minutes from her home. It was literally the best decision I’ve ever made. From the first month I have had an enthusiastic response from clients, and that has kept my joy alive through all sorts of challenges.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a California native, but have lived in Oregon, Florida, Washington DC and Georgia during my life. In Florida I worked as a museum specialist; in Washington DC as a political representative and in Georgia I co-founded art festivals and opened a small cooperative gallery. Since I was 30 my hands have always been covered in paint no matter what other work I do. I studied under four very different artists to learn my craft. They were all very different and gave me a broad education.

Although I’ve painted for many years, I spent the greatest efforts to support other artists. That all changed when I moved back to California and opened my own studio/gallery. My circumstances demanded that I make a living solely as an artist and I have given it 11 years now and it just gets better every day. In addition to sales in my own studio I’ve shown at galleries in Italy, England, and Cape Cod among many other exhibitions in California. I have a steady stream of private and corporate commissions and teach students when I can.

My biggest satisfaction is knowing that my paintings bring vibrance and joy to others.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Although I’m friendly enough, I’m also very private. One of my challenges during my art career is to remember that I am part of the product. If my client has a positive experience, I’ve done my job well. So, I engage with prospective clients with a genuine interest and see the sale through to the eventual installation and follow up.

Each year I create hand painted cards and send them to clients to say thank you. Those small efforts are always well received and appreciated.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media is like a hungry child that is never quite satisfied! I keep an active website to showcase my works and exhibitions, post regularly on social media platforms, but there is always more to do to stay relevant. Four times each year I create a mass email newsletter that I send to clients, influencers, galleries and personal friends. I am sensitive to over-communicating, and try to keep it simple and newsworthy. It’s a challenge to be innovative as the audience shifts, and I’ve had to develop unexpected skills to produce short videos and lessons, but I have so much more to learn and do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://patrickgallery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick_gallery_cambria/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workingartiststudio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@patrickdennis5387