Gestural Expression in Figurative Painting with Patrick Michael Reeves
Introduction
TOPICS COVERED
Introduction to Patrick Michael Reeves
•Background as an artist specializing in impressionistic painting.
•Overview of the lecture’s focus: Gestural shape and expression in rendering images.
•Artistic Philosophy
•The power of gesture in capturing movement and emotion.
•Bridging traditional techniques with personal expression.
•Influence of Impressionism
•Connections to artists like David Shevlino and Richard Schmid.
Drawing Inspiration: Shevlino and Schmid
•David Shevlino
•Exploration of his dynamic, gestural approach.
•Focus on looseness and abstraction to convey motion.
•Shevlino’s emphasis on simplifying forms without losing narrative impact.
•Richard Schmid
•Mastery of precision within impressionistic spontaneity.
•Techniques in balancing suggestive and realistic elements.
•Schmid’s ability to communicate texture and depth with gestural strokes.
The Foundations of Gestural Shape and Expression
•Understanding Gesture
•Gesture as the essence of movement and vitality.
•Capturing the energy of the subject through bold, sweeping strokes.
•Shape as the Building Block
•Using large, abstract shapes to establish structure.
•Negative space as an integral part of shaping the image.
•Expression through Brushwork
•Creating mood and atmosphere with varied stroke techniques.
•The relationship between brush pressure, speed, and texture.
Patrick Michael Reeves’ Process
•Observation and Connection
•Looking beyond the surface to find the story of the subject.
•Connecting emotionally with the image to guide gestural choices.
•Establishing the Composition
•Sketching with fluid, gestural lines to define the layout.
•Emphasizing rhythm and flow over precision in the early stages.
•Building Layers
•Blocking in shapes with a focus on tonal values.
•Introducing color in broad strokes to create harmony and depth.
•Refining Without Overworking
•Knowing when to stop: letting the gesture speak for itself.
•Adding selective details to anchor the composition.
The Role of Intuition and Risk
•Embracing Imperfection
•Using mistakes as opportunities for creative exploration.
•The value of spontaneity in keeping the work fresh and alive.
•Trusting Your Instincts
•Developing confidence through practice and experimentation.
•Balancing learned technique with personal style.
Practical Demonstration
•Live Painting Session
•Demonstration of gestural techniques in real-time.
•Step-by-step breakdown of Reeves’ process:
•Initial gestures.
•Developing shapes and tones.
•Refining for expressive impact.
•Audience Interaction
•Inviting questions during the demonstration.
•Offering insight into the decision-making process.
Connecting Gesture and Expression to Impressionism
•Shared Principles with Shevlino and Schmid
•Simplification of forms to focus on essence.
•Expressive mark-making to evoke emotion.
•Personal Adaptations
•How Reeves integrates their influence with his unique voice.
Closing Thoughts
•Importance of play and exploration in developing a personal style.
•Practical advice for incorporating gestural techniques into daily practice.
•Resources and Further Learning
•Recommended books, workshops, and mentors.
ABOUT PATRICK
Patrick Michael Reeves b. 1974
Patrick Michael Reeves is an American painter celebrated for his impressionistic landscapes that evoke the serenity and majesty of coastal and natural scenes. Born in 1974, and raised in South Texas near the U.S./Mexico border, Reeves grew up amidst the wide-open vistas of South Padre Island. These formative surroundings instilled in him a deep affinity for expansive landscapes and the ocean’s boundless energy, elements that continue to influence his work today.
From a young age, Reeves was captivated by the Impressionists and their ability to convey emotion and form through abstract shapes. Early mentors inside and outside of school encouraged him to pursue this passion, ultimately leading him to study painting and life drawing under Karl Umlauf at Baylor University. In 1996, he graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. Following graduation, Reeves moved to Dallas and began a successful career in design, initially working with Fossil watches before expanding his repertoire to include roles as a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, and Fashion Designer. Over the years, he contributed his talents to major brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, GAP, Express, and Dakine in California, where he served as Creative Director.
While living in California, Reeves reconnected with his love for fine art, drawing inspiration from California’s landscapes and rediscovering the plein air tradition. He furthered his studies with accomplished Western landscape painter Frank Serrano and DreamWorks Studio artist Mike Hernandez, joining a community of plein air artists along the California coast. In 2019, Reeves traveled to Florence to study under renowned artist Jacob Dhein, further honing his technique.
His artistic journey continued in 2023, when he embarked on an intensive Master Class with artist
Jeremy Mann in Spain. This transformative experience inspired his latest solo exhibition, Paintings from Spain, which captures the warmth and drama of Spanish landscapes with his signature impressionistic style.
Today, Reeves lives in Dallas, Texas, where he continues to create and exhibit work. His dedication to capturing natural beauty has garnered him a global following and connects him with art lovers and collectors worldwide.
Selected Exhibitions and Awards
• 2018 — “Around The World,” Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, TX
• 2019 — “Outside The Box,” Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, TX
• 2019 — “Keeping It Real,” Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, TX
• 2020 — “AIS Small Works Showcase,” R S Hanna Gallery, Fredericksburg, TX “Magic Hour,”
• 2020 — “Current Works,”
• 2021 — “AIS Small Works Showcase,” Reinert Fine Art Gallery, Charleston, SC
• 2023 — Best in Show – “Fresh Off The Easel,” Dutch Art Gallery
• 2023 — “Paintings From Spain.” Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, TX
Education
• 1996 — BFA in Graphic Design, Baylor University, Waco, TX
• 2019 — Master Class with Jacob Dhein, Florence, Italy
• 2023 — Master Class with Jeremy Mann, Spain
Represented by:
McKay/Williamson – London, England
Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, TX
Artist Statement:
Through a combination of shape and color, I try to capture life in everyday situations through a
dreamlike lens. Using minimal information, my goal is to invite viewers to fill in the gaps where form and figure are more of a suggestion than a definition. My work, a memory captured in traditional oil, reflects shared emotions and experiences, inviting empathy and introspection.