Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Patton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My father used to take me on long walks on the bluffs of Lake Michigan. He taught me to love nature and to hug trees. Yes, we actually hugged many trees. I love everything about the beauty of nature and especially birds and animals. I started sketching when I was a very little girl. My first-grade teacher inspired me to this day. She saw that I would rather draw in class than do anything else. We were learning the alphabet and she had me draw an animal for every letter. She added the pictures to the wall for all to see. I was quite proud. When my three sons were little, I painted a mural in each of their bedrooms. Friends started asking me to paint murals and created many for families in Houston and businesses as well.
I moved to Alaska in 2014 until 2016 and met a woman who was teaching Alcohol Ink painting. I could not believe how vibrant the colors were! I started painting on ceramic tiles and was hooked. Then, I started teaching others how to paint in alcohol inks. It really is an addiction, but a good one! I teach at my West Houston studio and go to homes and businesses and teach as well. I also paint in watercolors and acrylics. I enjoy painting birds and landscapes. When I lived in Alaska, I photographed wildlife, mountain scenes and beautiful whales and marine life. These photos are very often my references for paintings. I traveled to Ireland and Canada as well and get great inspiration from the prairies, beaches, and long winding roads. I was inspired by John James Audubon the ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. I used to pour over his books when I was a little girl. I am now inspired by John Whalley, Michelle Usibelli and Alex Warnick.
Painting is like meditation for me. I paint and listen to music and feel completely content.
Recently, I received a letter from one of my collectors. She bought a painting called “Stormflowers”. She was going through some very chaotic times and this painting seemed to touch her. It brought her peace. I want people to be moved by my art. That is my goal.
Has it been a smooth road?
I guess the biggest struggle I had was when I approached a gallery in New Orleans. I showed them my website and they asked me to paint 5 bird paintings. I was so excited! I spoke with the curator many times and showed her what I was working on and spent many, many hours on the 5 paintings, We had an appointment to meet at the gallery. I drove from Houston to New Orleans and she was not there. I called her and she had forgotten. The owner went into the back room to have a private call with her. They came back out and told me they were going in a different “direction” and just taking french style paintings. They did ask me to leave the paintings as they may change their mind. As a novice, I did. They called a week later and said they do not want to hang them in the gallery and they would ship them back. They shipped them back to the wrong address and it was just a nightmare getting them back! I did get them and sold several of them! The Nuthatch “Into the Storm” I kept as it was my Mom’s favorite bird. What I learned is ALWAYS get a signed contract up front.
I am now in 2 amazing galleries – Copper Shade Tree in Round Top, Texas and Turnagain Gallery in Bird, Alaska. The owners are awesome and I have learned a lot from them.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with A Patton Fine Art – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I would say, I am probably known for my alcohol ink art and teaching here in Houston, Texas. I also travel to Lady Bird Johnson wildflower center in Austin yearly and give classes on painting wildflower in alcohol inks. Every time I teach, I am a bit giddy because every alcohol ink piece is so different. Like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get. I love watching my students go from – Oh, I am not sure how to do this, and by the end of the class, they are hooked! Laughing and having fun! And I make new friends with my students. With social media, we keep in touch and they show me their progress. I am quite proud.
One other thing I am known for is my bird paintings. I sell a lot of bird paintings because I love birds! Birds seem to make people happy. They are beautiful creatures.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best is that there are so many things to do!! And a different restaurant on every corner. I love the food and culture. Also, there are a lot of art fairs I can participate in which is great. I am in at least 2-3 per year. Also, this is a great place to work and raise a family. All my boys are Texans and have so many friends!
I guess what I like least is the heat and traffic and billboards. I wish Houston was a bit prettier, but there are some places that are quite beautiful like the parks. The flowers and greenery last forever it seems!
Pricing:
- A Patton Fine Art – Lessons in my studio are $30 per hour for alcohol ink painting
- A Patton Fine Art – I can travel to your home in Houston and do group parties for $40 per person
- A Patton Fine Art – I do commission paintings! Depending on the size, they start at approximately $125 each
Contact Info:
- Website: www.apatton.faso.com
- Phone: 281-384-5636
- Email: pattonpainter@gmail.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
