Patricia McCormack French - Biography

A love for all things in the art world began at an early age for Patricia (born 1959, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). She credits her grandfather ( Arthur McCormack), who served as the treasurer of the Museum of Modern Art,( under David Rockerfeller ), New York City, for introducing her to the arts. Providing her with the exhibition catalogues as well as trips into the city, he sparked an interest that developed into a passion. Recognized in grammar school for her abilities, she received a scholarship to Pasadena Art Centre. From there, studies at University of California Santa Barbara under William Dole led to a focus on watercolour.

Born in Pennsylvania, but growing up in California, her work was influenced by the California plein-aire impressionists of the early 1900's,as well as artists such as Sargent, Homer and Whistler. She also credits Timothy J. Clark, contemporary artist and lecturer at Art Students League N.Y.C. for making significant contributions to her art education.

Self-education has always played a major role in the pursuit of her talent and the writings of Robert Henri, a fellow American ex-patriot who painted on Achill Island in the 1930�s serve as a foundation for her artistic philosophy.

Known for her landscapes, horses and figurative work, Patricia currently works from her studio / gallery in Castlerock village. Dedicated to exploring artistic vision, a sketchbook, paints and easel are constant companions. While most of her time in the spring and summer months are spent on location as a plein-aire painter, studio work and commissioned pieces fill the winter months, working in acrylic and oils in addition to watercolour. The breathtaking scenery and atmospheric conditions of Ireland provide inspiration, but often the challenging weather experienced during out of door painting sessions require the techniques of artists like Turner and Constable.

An Irish finalist on BBC'S Watercolour Challenge in 2000, Patricia was interviewed by Ivan Little and later featured on the BBC Country Times program. Her painting Ode to Belfast, based on the poem by Arthur O' Shaughnessy, and depicting a Belfast Street musician and his collie dogs, was selected for the Bass Ireland Awards in 2002.

Summer 2003, Belfast City Council presented her commissioned painting to the Special Olympics Team, U.S.A.

Autumn 2003, the National Trust for sale in their shops selected her prints of the Giants Causeway, Carrick-a Rede, the Lions Gate, Downhill, and the Mussenden Temple.

Environmental Heritage at Dunluce Castle and Carrickfergus Castle carry her images of those sites and recently Bushmills Distillery began selling a print created exclusively for them.

Painting workshops with the National Trust are planned for this summer at the Giants Causeway and Castle Ward and Mount Stewart.

She has participated in the Arts Council Artists in the Schools Program, tutored for five years at Flowerfields ,Portstewart, and at the An Creagan Visitor Centre, Cookstown.

She is an artist in residence at the National Trust Property Castle Ward.

And is currently working on two commissioned paintings for Mount Stewart, they will be produced as limited prints and presented to couples who hold their wedding or other special event on the grounds.

March 2006, she was invited to exhibit in the French city of Champneirs , along with artists , Barrie Maguire, Marty Garland and James G.Miles. The exhibit was well received and extended to six weeks due to public interest.