Wisconsin's natural beauty inspires local artist's work

Driving from city to city, whether on a short trip or a cross-state adventure, people often marvel at the landscapes of Wisconsin.

The rolling hills and shores of Lake Michigan have inspired one local artist, who has just opened a studio in Elm Grove.

"These paintings are very evocative of the gentleness, the tenderness of the Wisconsin landscape," Richard Patt said. "That's what I'm trying to achieve."

Patt, a Wauwatosa resident, will explore the landscapes at his new studio in the Mill Place, 13416 Watertown Plank Road, Suite 250.

"I really love the space," he said. "It's not too large, but extremely well-lit, and the ambience of this whole complex here is really conducive to creativity."

Colors, styles draw looks

Patt grew up in Waukesha County, on a farm on Springdale Road. He has been painting Wisconsin landscapes for 35 years.

He began with watercolors and then moved to acrylic paints so he could paint larger canvases, 4- to 6-feet wide.

"In my development as a painter, Door County has been a major influence on me," Patt said. "The landscape there is very special and kind of unique."

Many of his paintings feature the waters of Lake Michigan. They also feature vibrant, deep colors, which Patt said has drawn people to his paintings.

"While a lot of the color is fairly bright, it's not brash," he added.

One thing that sets Patt apart from other artists is the variety of styles he employs.

Sometimes he'll use a literalist style, so close to photographic that people have told Patt they can't tell his work is a painting.

"There's a certain satisfaction in that, to reflect the exact scene from nature, but I have evolved to the point where probably half of my paintings are, border on, the abstract," he said.

In the abstract paintings, the image is an expression of the color, design and texture of the landscape.

"People from the Midwest tend to resonate with these paintings," the artist said.

The paintings also range in size.

Viewings can be arranged

Patt plans on launching an experiment while in the new studio.

"I'm going to be … doing a whole series of large abstract paintings, fairly different from what you see (in the studio)," he said.

While the studio is mainly for painting, those interested in seeing his artwork can do so by appointment.

Patt is represented nationally by Fine Line Designs Gallery in Ephraim, which has many of the top Midwestern painters in its roster.

He also attends public exhibitions and outdoor art fairs.

To meet the needs of these events, Patt produces more than 200 paintings a year.

FYI

WHAT: View Richard Patt's paintings

WHERE: 13416 Watertown Plank Road, Suite 250

CONTACT: Call (414) 771-7460 to schedule an appointment.