Patou Artist Blog

 

Prince Albert II de Monaco with Patou Patou showing Prince Albert II her latest work

Patou was in Monaco for her mother's birthday with her husband Thierry, her four sisters their husband and nieces. I am always happy to be in Monaco and in our family home, where we all grew up: there are so many memories.
When I am visiting my mother in Monaco each time I see old friends that attended school with me, including Prince Albert de Monaco. We had an amazing lunch at my mother's house and showed him my latest work, which he liked very much.

Therefore, the point to this week's blog, is to look at who and what is around you for inspiration. Maybe it's a family member who has overcome a tough challenge, a joyful dog, a great dinner with friends and wine you had recently that will, in some way or another, weave its way into your work.

Recall your memories, look at your surroundings and open your heart to what's familiar, as well as what scares you; for you never know it will better you and what flows through your brush, lens or whatever medium you call your own.

  "Art is magical, welcome into my world"  Patou

Casa de Campo is full of artists! As well as the many young and talented artists at the Altos de Chavón School of Art and Design there are many other established and well-known artists who call Casa de Campo their home and Patou is one of these artists!

Patou has been living (somewhat part-time) in Casa de Campo for over a year now and has been drawing on the serenity and natural beauty of Casa de Campo for inspiration for her beautiful abstract paintings. Patou, being a very welcoming friendly person invited me into her home to view her paintings and her workshop which overlooks her gorgeous garden.

As well as paintings on canvas, Patou creates ‘art trays’ – a very simple concept, which is very beautiful! Patou takes an ordinary tray and adds one of her paintings to create a bright and colourful tray!

What makes an abstract painting so special? This is a question that people have been asking for a long time, just as we search for the meaning of life or the end of the rainbow. We do not have an answer for you today, nor will we next week. Abstract art is what it means to you and how it makes you feel, and it is special for each person in a different way.

Patou likens abstract painting to music without lyrics or a beautiful daydream—there is no anchor point in reality. Lyrical music tells you what to think, while a melody tells your heart to feel the music in all its emotional power. Everyday life often dictates that we follow linear trains of thought, while a daydream is free flowing and limitless, guided only by the imagination.

To either create or appreciate abstract art, you must let go of the reality around you and sink into yourself, focusing only on your feelings and the freedom you’re opening the door to. Disregard the image, because there is no image. Let in colors, lights and textures, and let them all mix together. You must feel with your heart, not think with your mind.

Patou says she likes to paint beauty with a capital B, and to always convey a message. The message is not political or religious, personal or philosophical—just simple: “Let go of everything and enjoy the moment.”

Try it. It’s easier than you think.

As a child, do you remember finger painting in the bathtub, drawing with chalk on the sidewalk or making little sculptures out of Play Dough? More importantly, do you remember how these small and simple acts made you feel? Most likely, you felt happy and relaxed and experienced a sense of freedom – the freedom of getting lost in your imagination. So, as an adult, what’s stopping you from reclaiming these feelings every day, particularly in these challenging and highly stressful times?

 

Through art, whether it’s sketching on your lunch hour, taking photographs at any given moment or writing a story, you will discover many benefits to your overall well-being. Not only will the regular practice of art enable you to express your creative side, it will also help you find the outlets that work for you to reduce stress, get in touch with your feelings, think clearer, and overall, establish balance in your life. And now, more than ever, it’s critical to implement positive, daily activities to overcome personal difficulties.

From soothing tension to discovering a new talent, art can offer the optimum escape, joy and self-awareness. Moreover, the process of creation can take you out of one state of mind and put you in a better one -- one that helps you manage your behavior, so you can find insight and focus and take on any challenge that presents itself.

Patou encourages you to take the time to find your creative form of expression, even if it’s as simple as looking at an art book, visiting a gallery or starting a new music collection.