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Stay up to date with Michael Fitzpatrick's latest paintings and blog posts!

Inspiration Awaits

Inspiration can come from anywhere, and it often hits us unexpectedly. What at first seems like a regular coffee cup and delicious chocolate can suddenly be transformed into a wonderful mini still-life series that is rich and intimate. Taking reference photos is always helpful, and if you don't end up using them for their original purpose, they are great for testing new techniques and ideas! Even taking photos of your favorite places or places you've been is a wonderful source of inspiration - it gives us a sense of connection and emotion to that location. My latest pieces were inspired by the world around me - from objects in my studio to the surrounding landscape.

"During the month of December 2014 it rained the entire month. A very rare
occurrence for the Napa Valley. I was holed up in my studio listening to
Ken Follett's trilogy of the 20th century and painting mostly still life pieces
of things in my studio. The result was the coffee and chocolate pieces."

"I was in the John Pence Gallery in San Francisco and when I came out I
saw the Pink Vespa parked across the street. The reason I took a shot of
it I was planning “That”s How I Roll” and though it would help. I ended up
doing a study entirely with a squeegee."

"I ride bicycle in Napa and San Francisco and the following images were
captured on i phone during those rides: Crissy Field, Montgomery St.,
Winery Pond, Duck Horn Winery, Beach house, Goat and Red Barn."