"Burning Church" by Patrick Willett

Natural Reclamation

Living and working in Western New York, self-taught artist Patrick Willett creates watercolor paintings, pen-and-ink drawings, and photographs. Willett’s upcoming solo exhibition of recent work will mainly feature his paintings from the last two years. These recent artworks involve an exploration of the boundless energy of our natural environment as well as the decay and transience of existence.

“Creating art is very therapeutic for me,” Willett says. “My work involves the healing and renewing aspects of nature as well as the awareness of place that we all share. I believe we are molded by our surroundings to a great degree, which makes the act of landscape painting a somewhat autobiographical effort. I am especially fascinated with the reclaiming by nature of the materials that we choose to build with and the integral energy of our natural world.”

Through use of dynamic, organic line work, striking light, and colors that explore both vibrancy and subtly, Willett captures and conveys energy in a uniquely expressive way. Visit PWillett.com and WillettArt.Blogspot.com to view Willett’s artwork. His recent work is on display at the Queen City Gallery (located in the historic Market Arcade building, 617 Main Street) through June 13. The exhibit opens with a reception on May 20 at 6-9pm.

—jill greenberg