We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patrick Seufert a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Patrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Being an artist during these times can be difficult.  Around college graduation my peers and I were hit with a recession.  Today, many student loans are still being paid off because of high interest rates and the overall cost of college. Almost 2 years ago covid hit everyone hard.  I feel it hit millennials especially hard as many of us (who are now in our 30’s) are still trying to be independent.  Presently we have to deal with the real possibility that we may lose our democracy.  A lot of people see this as whining and complaining.  To those people I say consider the cost of living and higher education now compared to 30 or 40 years ago.  

At this moment I am unable to make a living off of my oil paintings.  I feel the time when I will be able to do that is coming soon as I have learned a lot since graduating from Tyler School of Art/Temple University in 2009.  The decision to not make duplicates (prints) of my work has more than likely cost me money.  This decision was made based on a personal viewpoint about prints and because I fear losing painting time and the desire to create new work.

Patrick, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an oil painter as well as a private art teacher from Philadelphia.  My landscape paintings usually depict urban and industrial scenes though I will occasionally paint rural scenery.   Small, thin brushes are used to achieve crisp edges. I use a simple tool called a mahl stick in order to keep my hand steady.  I take all my own photos and use them as a reference.  Mixing paint is also an important and lengthy step.

Paintings are completed in three to four stages. The first stage involves a highly detailed drawing, rulers are used where needed. If there is sky in the painting that is painted before buildings or other objects.  The second stage is where things like buildings and cars are covered with flat layers of paint. There is little to no gradation involved in this step. Masking tape is utilized in certain areas to achieve straight lines. The third stage is where most of the work comes in. This involves going from section to section on the canvas and carefully applying paint using small brushes.  One day I may focus on a car, another day I work on a brick building. Edges are refined and softened including areas where masking tape was applied. Sometimes a third layer of detail is needed depending on the scene.

I would say I am most proud of my ability to be patient and not cut corners. My paintings take a tremendous amount of time to complete and I know my customers expect only the best. I feel my paintings are unique in the sense that many depict urban blight or undesirable industrial spaces. When I am out photographing I typically try not to shoot buildings that I feel have been seen many times over. I try as best I can to capture the feeling and character of the area I am walking in.  I also strive to bring a certain dramatic quality to each painting.  Because of this I usually avoid cloudy days in order to get higher contrast with strong shadows.  

Both of my parents are artists so I have been exposed to art my whole life.  My parents own a private studio attached to their home in Bucks County.  My father, Robert paints spectacular landscapes of Bucks County and the surrounding area in oil using a painting knife. My mother, Alice is a excellent water colorist. Both are great teachers who have taught children and adults for many years.  

People may see me as simply being lucky because of my background. There certainly is truth to the fact that I have had certain advantages over others and am grateful for that.  At the same time I feel I have accomplished a lot on my own and have worked hard over the years to perfect my craft.  

I graduated from Pennsbury high school (Bucks County, PA) in 2004.  After graduation I attended Tyler School of Art, part of Temple University.  At that time the Tyler campus was located in Elkins Park, PA.  Currently Tyler is located on North Broad street on Temple’s main campus.  

My parents knew how difficult it would be to make a living as a fine artist so we decided majoring in graphic arts was the way to go. I quickly found out however that it was not for me as I struggled with working on the computer.  I switched my major to fine art junior year. I spent most of my time learning from master painter Charles Schmidt who left Tyler in 2009 but is still painting today. Charles (Chuck) taught me how to draw the figure and how to better understand color. I participated in a number of Chuck’s drawing classes.  I knew the importance of drawing and I got tremendous value from each class.  In addition to attending Tyler I worked summers and weekends in retail.    

After graduation I saved what I could and paid off my student loans around 2015. My parents were aware of the difficulties of trying to make it as an artist so they allowed me to stay at their house until I could get my feet off the ground. Between 2009 and 2016 I painted as much as I could and continued to work part time. I also entered into as many juried shows as I could.  During this time I feel I found my niche by painting industrial & urban scenes in oil.  The work got tighter and more refined as my hand became steadier and I picked up certain techniques.

Around 2016 I was able to move out and have my own studio space.  I continued to work part time until late 2016 when I decided to start teaching at my parents studio.  My parents were again there to guide me. 

Once covid hit in the spring of 2020 I moved back into my parents place since we were unable to hold in person classes. I am not ashamed to admit that moving back with my parents was difficult mentally. I purposely did not take unemployment, at the time I felt I needed to do things on my own.  This may have not been the best decision but I felt I had to stay motivated and keep moving forward.  During the spring of 2020 most of my time was spent setting up virtual art classes in the studio.  I held my first virtual semester in the summer of 2020.  I continued to teach virtually in the studio until the spring of 2021 when I moved out.  I am happy to be back teaching in person classes and am grateful for the students who have stayed with me during this difficult time.  

For about the last 6 years I have gained a better understanding as to the business of art as well as the ins and outs of owning a small business.  During this time I also have consistently been accepted into juried & outdoor art shows. My work has been displayed & won numerous awards in Philadelphia, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut and many other locations across the continental United States.

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

I feel that everyone needs some sort of creative outlet. We are living in a time where a lot of kids are losing their creative side. This will be very problematic, especially for those living in lower income areas. Most big cities have problems with drugs, guns and affordable housing. At the same time schools are cutting funding for art and music. Kids have no outlet for their frustrations. 

People can get creative at any age.  Sometimes I feel this may be a better option than watching a movie or TV show.  This does not mean movies and TV do not have their place but creating on your won can be very fulfilling and relaxing.  

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As much as I have enjoyed teaching over the years I would like to eventually be able to live off my art. I feel that time is coming soon.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.patrickseufert.com
• Other: www.seufertart.com