Neil Patterson

Original Oil Paintings

Biography

 Neil Patterson is an internationally renown artist and workshop instructor.  Neil’s dream to become an oil painter was born in an elementary school, where his fascination for a reproduction of a painting by the Group of Seven forerunner, Tom Thomson, sparked his desire to paint. At the age of twelve he visited the National Art Gallery in Ottawa, and decided he would one day be an oil painter.  On his thirteenth birthday he received his first oil paints. After stealing one of his father’s canvas combine belt he created his first masterpiece.  Neil began his formal training as an artist at the University of Calgary and the Scottsdale Artists’ School.

In 1992, Neil’s work was featured in the Premier National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Oil Painters of America (OPA) at Prince Galleries, Chicago.  In 1995, Neil was the first Canadian to become a signature member in the OPA.  In March 200 he was awarded the status of Master Signature Member, becoming the 34th painter in this elite group.  Neil now sits on the board of directors of the OPA.  He has juried both regional and national shows for the OPA and has served as OPA juror of awards in Springville, Utah.

In 1993, Neil was elected to the prestigious group of intellectuals and artists known as the Salmagundi Club of New York (1871).  He has numerous awards to his credit, and has been published in many books, newspapers and monthly periodicals.  His work has been featured in the International Artist magazine which is circulated worldwide.  Neil’s work can be found in select galleries across North America.

Neil believes color is the essence of painting. He uses an impressionistic Alla Prima style of painting to convey his ideas through landscapes and florals in both Plein Air and studio painting.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

In order to relate to painting, to connect with it, there must be emotion. There must be passion. A painting is not merely a reproduction. It is much more than that. It must speak to the heart and soul. It is this quality of passion that is of primary importance. The passion I feel when I see beauty is the same passion I look for in my paintings. It is passion I feel when I see beauty is the same passion I look for in my paintings. It is passion first and foremost, and then it is design, colour, the handling of paint and simplicity that come into play in the making of a work of art.