This February, the West Volusia Artists are spotlighting Patricia Onorato Downey and her acrylic piece titled Koi Pond.
Downey was inspired by the shapes and colors she saw at the pond, observing how the waterfall splashed on the slate rocks and how the light curved and reflected the shapes. She was fascinated by how the rippling water reshaped the reflections.
“I love the peek-a-boo quality of the reeds and the screen of green in front. It was a delightful creation,” said Downey.
Originally from The Bronx, New York, Downey feels that creating art has been a “God-given gift,” which she has pursued since she was 5 years old.
Downey began developing her skills by getting a bachelor’s degree in fine arts education at Kean University in New Jersey. She also studied computer software, advertising art and oil painting.
Recently she has begun to participate in local shows, like the Museum of Art – DeLand’s Guild Fundraiser at Select Growers and the West Volusia Open Studio Tour.
Downey’s charge to other artists is to “Believe in Yourself.”
The West Volusia Artists meet 9 a.m.-noon on the first and third Friday of the month at the Wayne G. Sanborn Activity Center, 815 S. Alabama Ave. in DeLand. Activities include field trips, demos, plein-air events, and monthly challenges. Artists of different mediums and talents are welcome.
For more information, call President Melinda Ellis Cummings at 386-846-3330.
