Making (and viewing!) art frees me from whatever might be weighing me down, physically and emotionally. Art invites me to lose myself in the subject matter and in the painting process, to learn and grow, evolve and connect.

Pat Herman paints watercolors and draws with pencil, pen and ink and other media. A long-time resident of Duneland Beach, she now resides in Michigan City. Her award-winning art has been exhibited locally at SFC and Rising Phoenix galleries, the Southern Shores Art Association, Chesterton Art Center, the Art Barn in Valparaiso and Heartland Artists in Plymouth.

She has had solo exhibitions at the Legacy Center of Queen of All Saints Parish, and the Beverly Shores Depot and Gallery. Her recent series, “Odes to the Sycamore” was presented at The Ellen Firme Gallery and at the Unity Foundation in Michigan City. Her work has been juried into competitions at The Box Factory in St. Joe MI and at the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart where she also has been awarded purchase prizes for her entries.

Recently, for the first time in my 60 years of painting, I did my first series, “Odes to the Sycamores.” A total of seventeen images so far, and more to come. I had long wanted to paint them, having taken photos of them for years. I grew up with them at my Grandma’s house. If I see one and it’s reachable, I photograph it. I should have a bumper sticker, “I Brake for Sycamores!”

It pleases me immensely that many who have seen my “Odes” have been impacted by them, remember them, and reach out to me to let me know. I have received photos of sycamores from them, in their home states or in their travels in the U.S. or Europe.

Folks have told me that they now know what that tree is that they pass often, admire, and never knew its name. They are now more drawn to it and appreciate it in a different way. I have also received photos of other interesting trees they have encountered and want to share with me. It warms my heart to receive them and know that people are seeing the world, or at least these trees, differently.

I didn’t begin with the intention to do a series. As I let the sycamores take hold of my imagination, I began to see the trees in different light(s) and wanted to express all of those views. That led to a second series, drawings of Ponderosa Pines, which I hope will also have an impact on those who see them. I have loved immersing myself in the trees and painting them from different perspectives.

For many years her work was shown in galleries in the Phoenix area. Pat is both a studio painter and a plein air (open air) painter. She enjoys the challenges of both and paints whatever appeals to or interests her at the time. After 60 years of making art, it’s more important to her than ever. Her art and art community are inspirations and motivations. She is constantly reminded by them to continue painting, look forward to upcoming shows and competitions and experience the joy that comes with making her art.

**PAT HERMAN’S EXHIBIT “Perspectives & Retrospectives,” WILL OPEN AT THE**

SFC GALLERY.

Opening Reception will be 5-8 pm

on August 4

SFC GALLERY, 607 FRANKLIN STREET MICHIGAN CITY, IN.

219-877-4420

Pat Herman

PATHERMANART.COM

In the world we find ourselves in today, I think art is becoming more and more relevant and important, for everyone. I know that making art calms my world and the sharing of it with others gives me great joy. When it impacts and pleases others, that’s the best. It lifts me up and inspires me to continue. It’s always my hope that my art will heighten your awareness of beauty in our world, that it causes you to see it and enjoy it more.

July Artist Pat Herman