Biography
Patsy Seeley was born and raised on the Oregon coast. She received her BS degree in nursing from the University of Oregon and has worked as a nurse for over 30 years. Although always interested in art, she was 45 when she took her first art class and painted as time and work allowed. A passion for painting gradually emerged and in 2001, she made a commitment to follow her heart and work toward establishing herself as a watercolor artist. Patsy’s paintings have been selected for numerous juried art shows and festivals and are in private collections throughout the Northwest.
As a developing artist, she has had the priviledge to study under the direction of John Waddingham, Muriel Pallay, Kaye Synoground, Bill Woltjes, Ron Ranson, and Judy Morris.
In the Fall of 2002 she became a member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon. Her painting, "The Littlest Pumpkin", was selected for the Spring 2003 Watercolor Show and "First Grandchild II" was selected for the Spring 2004 show.
Her "Carnivale Mask V " was selected for the cover of a book of poems, "What She Says About Love" by Tony Magistrale- 2008.
She currently lives on an 18 acre farm in She currently lives on an 18 acre farm in North Plains, Oregon. Her family includes her husband of 45 years, 3 daughters, and 2 granddaughters.
Artist's Statement
"My art is a personal expression of my relationship to the subjects that inspire me. I enjoy painting in a realistic style with a strong sense of light and shadow. I usually paint from a close-up perspective and strive to create a sense of motion in my paintings. When I am drawn to a subject, I take many digital photographs and select several that capture the feeling I want to convey in the painting. From these I create a composition emphasizing simplicity and mood. Intense color application and glazing helps to enhance shape and create value contrast.
I find animal portraits to be especially satisfying. It is a delightful challenge to capture the individual spirit of each animal-every tuft of fur and particularly the eyes, express the animal's unique personality.
Other favorite subjects are flowers, landscapes and still life arrangements of familiar objects."
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my immediate family for their love, constant encouragement, and support of my artistic endeavors. They never complain when dinner is not ready, laundry is undone, or the dust bunnies are mulitplying.
Additionally, I would like to thank the many friends and extended family who have shown an interest in my art and who continue to offer support and encouragement.
I also want to express my admiration and appreciation to Patty Jeanne Semura. In her quiet, gentle way, she demonstrated how to live life to its fullest, with great courage and strength of character. She inspired me to set aside my fears of failure and pursue my ambition to paint.
Recent Exhibitions & Awards
Newberg Gallery & First Friday- 2010

PosterGarden Gallery, Pearl District, First Thursday, Oct 2008

Watercolor Society of Oregon-juried shows



2003 Spring Show; "The Littlest Pumpkin"



2004 Spring Show; "First Grandchild"

Wilsonville Festival of the Arts-juried Exhibition & Show

Multnomah Athletic Club Annual Art Exhibition

Annual Gathering of Artists Spring Show

Riverplace Esplanade "Little River Cafe" Solo Show

Natalie's Estate Vineyard Solo Art Show

Rain Dance Arts Festival Solo Art Show~juried show



2006, 2007,2008, 2009,2010

Waterlily Festival Invitational Art Show

Beaverton Arts Commission Showcase~juried show



2007~ "Under the Cafe Table"



2009~ "Fruit of the Vine"
Bull's Eye Coffee, Solo Exhibit
2007