Patricia M. Heimerl, Visual Artist

Anybody who knows me will tell you that I'm all about process. When I first view a piece of art, I look at the image and then I step in closer to examine the surface: brush strokes, overlapping color, bits of paint, collage materials, and so on. Of course, this leads to questions about the techniques used to achieve effects. This is not unusual for an artist, but then I start looking at how the surface itself (panel, canvas, etc.) was constructed, and the backing and the framing. It's all interesting because I think the final product is more than just the image, it's the entire presentation and I know I have a lot to learn in that area - and it brings out the engineer in me.

I believe in sharing information about process and technique, although I have to confess to moments of selfishness. They usually don't last long, though, because I inevitably discover that someone else thought of it before me. And if that doesn't happen, I remind myself that I can't expect something from someone else that I'm not willing to give in return. It's a cycle that requires constant input from everyone to keep it going. So, I decided to share some of the processes I have learned, or think I've developed on my own. Feel free to contact me if you have questions about these or if you'd like me to include some of my other processes and projects.