Waving My Brush Attcha:
Artist living on the mountain in Carmel Valley, Cachagua
Patty lives deep in the mountains of Carmel Valley with her partner Tom and many animals. They enjoy a remote off-grid life style t their “Hodge Podge Lodge”. Her “tree-top” studio overlook the Cachagua Valley and Los Padres forest. This quiet reclusive life is inspirational in and to her work. Believing we should follow our passion, writing this blog satisfies another part of her “creative itch.“
A little about where I live and how I paint:
“I’m drawn to country, animals, aging barns and overgrown homesteads. Old buildings that lean and shed their paint grab my attention. They have untold stories hidden in their walls. These things draw me to my easel. Cachagua is rich with these historical subjects.
I knew some of the old timers in these places. I rode their ranches, drank their “grappa” and listened to their tales. I”m motivated by it’s colorful past, it’s today, and the animals… they grab me with their whispers. Cachagua has special meaning. I try to capture those whispers in my work. This quiet reclusive life seems to be truly inspirational.
Each painting has it’s own life, conveyed in its own way. Some paintings call to be done quickly and simply in plein air. Other paintings need detailed plans and preliminary color notes. Often I draw attention with precise shapes and edges, intense color and value contrasts. I use a limited palate of subtle earth tones and value changes. Conveying the emotion and message is the fun part… sometimes the hardest part.”
I grew up drawing horses and pictures on my school work, instead of the math assignment. A giant box of crayons was the ultimate gift. Artists become artists with a variety of credentials … life, brush-miles, artist mentors, workshops, educational degrees, instructional internet/books, and persistence. I’ve had them all and am still seeking. It’s an exciting search.
I display as a Featured Artist and Board Member of the Carmel Valley Art Association. I am the official Rodeo’s artist for the annual Carmel Valley Ranchers Roundup, painting annually for the event and it’s advertising poster.
The best reward an artist receives is the personal satisfactions of their accomplishment… the painting itself. It’s hard to let my favorites go or sell. They need to live with us in our home or in the studio before I’ll send it on. My work has received numerous prizes in juried art events in California. I received first place award for “Softly Point Lobos” in 2014 (Seaside City Art Commission) and 2nd place for “Making the Cut” in 2015; also 2nd place award for “Garland Park Barn” in the ‘Paint the Village’ event 2016. My work is collected and displayed in Paris, Conn., Toronto, Mass., Canada and throughout the U.S.
So, As my old friend prospector and rancher used to say, “Well, guess those are all my tricks”…. Now, I’ll be looking forward to writing a “Cachagua type” blog about art, events, etc. Hope to hear from some of you.
Waving My Brush Attach… Patty Gaglioti
