Creatively Featured: Patsy Paterno

Patsy's art has HEART!  She is inspired by her faith in God and her artwork is joyful.  Thanks, Patsy, for sharing your artwork with us!

http://patsypat.blogspot.com

http://papemelroti.blogspot.com

http://papemelroti.com- our family business

https://www.facebook.com/patricia.paterno

Tell us about blogging and how it's worked for you.  

I started blogging in 2006 (one post!) and really did not know what I was doing. It was a hodgepodge of stuff and I forgot about it most of the time. Before my blog, I had a website in Geocities which I had been serious about and then Geocities shut down, so I tried blogging.  I think like most people, if you keep posting, you develop your own unique voice after some trial and error. Now I post three times a week and get encouraged by the many positive comments I get. Blogging has made me more serious about my art and more consistent as well. I love the art community, so generous and encouraging. It makes me want to also share, to teach and to encourage as well. 

 

 

What inspires or influences you artistically?

In 2006, I decided to illustrate and embellish my faith journal. Previous to that it was all words, words, words. And because I did collage or drew on my journal every single day since then, I found out that I had a gift for art. I knew that this gift was from God, and that He would and could bless me and others through it. I get inspired by the Word of God and by His many promises. I want to embed His Words in my heart and mind, and that is why I paint in my journal every single day. My art is all about God! Not about me!

 

Which aspect of your art do you enjoy most? 

I enjoy most the “evolving”. I look though my journals and the canvases I have made and I see how my art has been changing and growing. And because of this I am excited about what the future will bring! There are so many discoveries to be made in art and all of it is like a song in my heart that has to come out and burst into a riot of colors! I also enjoy sharing with others who want to make art and have no idea how to start or feel they don’t have it in them. My sister Peggy and I have these workshops for friends where we teach them and help them find their inner artist. It is sooo true that making art is like having a vacation without leaving home!

 

Have you exhibited work or taught classes?

Yes, I have exhibited my work together with my siblings in the Ayala Museum here in the Philippines. It was in relation to the art work we do for our business, papemelroti. I have given several workshops about faith journaling, Artist Trading Cards, Scrapbooking, but what I like most is teaching about Creativity.

Can you tell us a little about your methods and techniques?

I use wall putty or gesso to create some texture in the background. Then I use acrylic paints, sponges, handcarved stamps, bottle caps, etc to make interesting backgrounds. I think if you have a wonderful background, then the art is more vibrant. Then I draw on the background and paint over it. I like the background to show through my faces, it makes it more complex.

What are your artistic highlights?

Every time someone wants to buy a painting I get thrilled! I’ve been commissioned several times too! A Congresswoman commissioned 3 paintings! That was a thrill because she had the paintings printed and gave it to other Congressmen.  I also came out on TV – I was painting a page on my journal! 

 

What artistic plans do you have for the coming year? 

I’m writing a book! It’s rather slow going though. It’s about the Gift of Creativity. I’ve written the main part and now I am developing the exercises. I also want to develop more workshops to share my joy in the creative process. My sister Peggy and I give workshops to friends now but eventually we will give workshops to others who are interested as well. Our friends are like our guinea pigs!!! :^)