About the Artist

I am a Sonoma County based fine artist working primarily in oil.  My paintings are inspired by wine country architecture, landscape, and personal narrative, with recurring themes of doors, passage, and place.  Blending realism, symbolism, and quiet whimsy, my work reflects a deep connection to Northern California and the stories held within its built and natural environments.

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I am drawn to ideas of transition, both physical and emotional.  I often use architectural elements and landscape as quiet narrative devices.  These themes are informed by lived experience, observation, and my long-standing relationship with the region I call home.  

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After years of painting as a lifelong passion, I began formal study through private instruction in 2007, painting weekly while working full-time.  A decade later, I expanded my practice through courses at Santa Rosa Junior College, where I continued to explore drawing, color, and composition, strengthening both my technical skills and creative voice.

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In 2019, I made the decision to dedicate myself more fully to art, beginning my first Open Door painting inspired by Korbel Winery.  That moment marked the start of a deeper, more focused exploration of wine country architecture and place; work that later continued and evolved through the years surrounding the pandemic and regional wildfires.

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While oil painting is my primary medium, I also enjoy working in pencil, pastel, mosaic, and mixed media.  Beyond painting, creativity finds its way into other personal pursuits, including photography and small handmade projects for family and friends.  I’ve always believed that art should live wherever joy does.

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My work has been shown locally through juried exhibitions, college gallery shows, and community art fairs.  I have received numerous first-place awards at the Sonoma County Fair, as well as a Best of Division award for one of my oil paintings.  A drawing selected for exhibition at the Santa Rosa Junior College student gallery remains a particularly meaningful milestone in my artistic journey.

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This website was built and maintained by me, and is a work in progress; much like every artist’s journey. Thank you for visiting and for sharing in mine.

 

Cheers,
Patti Copus