Flower print

I recently had an order for a print of "Flower". This is a jpg of the professional scan...really nice compared to my earlier shot. The print is actual size on paper and is exceptional. Print cost range is $195-275, depending on size...limited to editions of 175. Also available on canvas.

Monday night life drawing

Drawing from tonight's class. Alex G modeled...super as always. Here she strikes a "Captain Morgan"-esque pose in boots and doo rag. 10 minutes. Conte and pastel. All life drawings are for sale. This one is $150.

Mary

Not exactly my "thang" but I've done a children's book illustration for a friend. The painting of "Mary" (based on my daughter) will accompany several sketches showing other illustration ideas and my friends manuscript. My son, Taylor, helped with creating the look of the character. My friend will attempt to find a publisher...that's the hurdle. My experiences in children's book illustration are limited but I know that often, if a publisher likes a manuscript, they like to get their own illustrator. Has anyone had any experience in this area...know any contacts??

Gesture Drawings

I'm often asked about the importance of gesture drawings...usually 1-2 minutes sketches of a model. I'm going to include here what wikipedia says...yes they have an article on gesture drawing! What they say is great and all true but I would add that for me, it helps me to better draw longer poses in proportion. Under most of my longer studies, there is a gesture drawing...sometimes lightly sketched and barely visible, sometimes visible and sometimes, the gesture drawing, or parts of it, are visualized but not rendered. Whichever the case, it helps me get a look at proportions and placement of various parts of the body before working on the finished drawing.
Wikipedia says:
The primary purpose of gesture drawings is to facilitate the study of the human figure in motion. This exploration of action is helpful for the artist to better understand the functions and exertions of muscles, and acts as a foundation upon which more sustained observations may be based. The practice allows an artist to draw strenuous poses that cannot be held by the model long enough for an elaborate study, and reinforces the importance of movement, action, and direction, which can be overlooked during a long drawing. Thus, an approach is encouraged which notes basic lines of rhythm within the figure, which may be expressed through contour (line) or mass (value). The rapidity of this routine suggests an aesthetic which is most concerned with the essence of the pose, and an economy of means in its representation, rather than a careful study of anatomy or form.

For the artist, there is a calisthenic logic: just as an athlete warms up before exercising or participating in sports, artists use gesture drawing to prepare themselves mentally and physically for a figure drawing session. Because drawing (and especially figure drawing) is generally performed using the full arm, it also serves to "loosen up" the arm so that it won't tire as quickly during a life drawing session which may extend for several hours.

Mr. Art

I receive many wonderful thank you notes from children for talking at their schools but this one is up there with the best...shown as written:
Dear Mr. Pate,
Thankyou for showing your art. I just wanted to tell you what I think about your art. Your art is beutiful. I think that your art is the best art I have ever seen.
People should be paying you more money like 100,000 dallors.
You are the best artist. When I grow up I'm going to write a book about you, Called: Mr. Art
Your friend,
Sarah

Happy Valentines Day

Recent painting titled "Flower". Used on 85 South Magazines February cover as a symbol of love. This original will be in the March 28th show at Dogwood gallery.

Orchard

Oil study of four trees at the edge of an orchard...from some older reference. 11x14

Alex

Recent life drawing of Alex with a teal scarf. Conte and pastel.

Inward

I finished this painting and got a better shot of it...Looks good in a frame I have...30X40...model Chelsea.... Current title, "Inward". Title refers to the focus of a dancer while warming up for a performance.

white tutu

Life drawing from last night's class. 15 minute reclining pose of model Chelsea. Look for this later as a painting. Conte and pastel.