Pat Cheal

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Pat: “My name is Pat Cheal and I am from Michigan in the USA.”

When did you start painting?
Pat: “I started my art career in the early 80’s, working with rapidograph pens on vellum and airbrushing gouache on illustration board. Since the early 90’s my work has transitioned over to almost completely digital. In the past two years I’ve felt an irresistible pull to return to more traditional methods – with a real brush in hand not a Wacom -and so I’ve taken up oil painting. Much of that work is painted en plein air and I couldn’t be happier!”

What inspires you to paint?
Pat: “Light! Mountains! Water! Canyons! On some days, almost anything inspires if I can create a good composition.”

What subjects do you like to paint?
Pat: “I’m probably most comfortable painting landscapes in part because I love to be outdoors. And I also love traveling to places that take your breath away no matter which direction you look. When I’m surrounded by such beauty it can be a little terrifying to paint – but so rewarding, too!”

Did you go to college or are you self taught?
Pat: “I attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and also had some terrific classes at Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. But the best education I got by far was on-the-job when I was hired into a small art studio.”

Do you have a career in art or is it a hobby?
Pat: “I’ve been a commercial artist most of my adult life. Many years spent freelancing, and now currently working as a Final Artist for the past 14 years at Root Inc., a very unique consulting company based in Ohio with worldwide clientele.”

If you had to chose four colours, what would they be?
Pat: “Only four colours?… Black, white, blue and green!”

Have you had any exhibition or publications?
Pat: “I’ve entered 2 Plein Air events this year and my work was displayed along with a bunch of others. Just an honorable mention at the Fresh Plein Air event this summer in a local Michigan town. I was pumped!!

What is your painting speciality?
Pat: “My landscape paintings are an evolving style of art that teeters between impressionism and realism.”

What medium do you use most?
Pat: “Gamblin Oils”.

Which artists inspire you most?
Pat: “Edward Hopper. Winslow Homer. NC Wyeth. More contemporary artist today: Doug Braithwaite. Matthew Siever. Kathleen Hudson. Bryan Mark Taylor.”

Anything else you would like to tell us?
Pat: “Even though I’ve worked as an artist all my life, I feel like I’m only taking baby steps in my fine art career right now. It’s so exciting for me to learn and grow and experiment with every piece. As I’m trying to find my way, I’m astounded by all the wonderful artists like you Jocelyn, and many others who so graciously offer a hand for advice or support. For all the huge talents I’ve met, I’ve been amazed how humble and helpful almost everyone is. It’s wonderful to be a part of this community of artists – near and far!”

Contect with Pat Cheal:
pat@pattheartist.com
www.pattheartist.com
Instagram pattheartist

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