Artist Highlight

My name is Patrick Slagle and I am a self-taught artist. I’ve been painting in oils, acrylic and various other mediums since I was old enough to make marks on a surface. I was encouraged to explore painting from a young age by my grandmother who painted in oils. She spent lots of time in Florida, and frequently the subject of her paintings were the fish she encountered while snorkeling. These paintings remind me of the creative drive and expression she possessed, and fueled my early desire to create.

I’ve always enjoyed viewing art, however I’m the type of person that looks at a piece and has to figure out how it was formed. My wife will attest that I spend way too long observing some pieces at a museum, but the level of complexity in most art is fascinating to me and has led me to the style in which I paint.

Some of my work is influenced by the mid-century American abstract expressionists, artists such as Rothko and Newman among others. I admire the way an abstract painting can evoke a feeling in the viewer. I also enjoy listening to people consider different abstract pieces and the different narratives they construct to explain to themselves what they are seeing. Some of my pieces begin with a specific intent, but ultimately I enjoy how the perceptions of the viewer shape the reality of any given work.

However, a more recent influence on my work has been exploring the abstract catalog of Gerhard Richter. From the late 1980’s through today he has produced works of exceptional depth and complexity. If you enjoy trying to decipher how a painting is constructed, you can spend hours on any given Richter abstract. My style is a blend of all that I like and grasp of what these important artists have conjured.

With the encouragement of my wife, family and friends, I have recently started showing pieces. My educational background is distinctly non-artistic. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration (LMU), an MBA (ETSU), and a JD (Charleston School of Law). I’ve passed the bar exam in TN and FL, and currently practice in FL. While the law is an interesting profession, I am steadily making the transition to full time artist. Thanks to all of you who have purchased pieces, offered encouragement or been supportive!

I live in Gulf Breeze, FL with my awesome wife and our four cats. Thanks for taking the time to visit my site. Be sure to contact me with any questions, comments or thoughts.