Hello, my name is Patricia Marie Magna.I have always been interested in the “arts”. Museums, music and theater have always held a special place in my life. As a child, some of my fondest memories are attending the symphony, visiting an art museum or enjoying a musical – or - just being at home listening to my father play the accordion.
I began sketching at an early age, around 7 years old. I remember being in my grandparents’ basement for hours - drawing, while my brother and sisters played outside. Well, that was it - the beginning of my love for creating my own pieces of art. From then on, my birthday and christmas gifts encompassed various art supplies from “how to” books to different types of mediums – I was in my glory.
Growing up, my dream was to play in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (I play the clarinet) or to work as an artist for Walt Disney -- but life has a funny way of changing one’s path. Marriage, children and a career later - my passion became - my family. My dream just took a time out.
Taking an early retirement has given me the opportunity to reset and take advantage of an old dream.
Growing up in Detroit, Michigan and having 4 distinct seasons, I have been fortunate to draw from the beauty of all of them. Later in life, I had the opportunity to move to California where I found inspiration in the mountains and deserts of the state. I now live in southern Florida where I am inspired by many facets of this beautiful state – from the unique creatures of the everglades to the marine life of the ocean or from the tropical plant life to the tropical birds.
While pencil has always been my favorite medium, I have gravitated toward oil painting, which possibly could be my new favorite.
Overall, I am a self-taught artist. I have taken a couple of art classes in college and a few local classes for techniques in oil painting.
My work represents my own personal experiences and what I truly enjoy. I capture these moments through painting from life or painting through my reference photos.
My painting style leans toward realism, especially since I try to add as much detail to my work, which ensures my subjects are recognizable and brought to life. I enjoy painting nature in every aspect it has to offer and painting portraits and situations of people in everyday life. I try to challenge myself through my choice of composition - and I hope it is conveyed in my work.
Please browse my gallery and enjoy my artwork as much as I have enjoyed creating it.
Thank you,
Patricia (Patty) Magna