patrice drago

I paint to capture the essence of life at the moment.   When still, it manifests as the tiny whispers between life's noisy events where I can just "be," and behold the simple things as the miracles they are.  When life is moving at breakneck speed, my abstracts seem to create themselves as mirrors to the lively and sometimes marvelously thunderous experiences of my life.   All are meant to capture the light reflected by the abundance of our planet; our universe.

I work primarily with oil and acrylic, but I use all media, exploring new techniques and materials.  While my paintings and style are always evolving and finding new directions, there is a constant, underlying theme of vivid colors and lightness of spirit. 

Writing is my way of giving life to "what-if's," shining light on the humor, ironies and surprises - welcome or otherwise - that are inherent in every human experience.

I write short stories and non-fiction articles.  I am hoping to complete the children's book I have undertaken to write and illustrate, with my marvelous dog Shannon as the central character.  And a character she is!

I currently reside in Annapolis, MD.  I have shown and sold my work in Southern Maine and the greater Washington, DC area for more than a decade.  Drawing and painting all my life, I studied art in high school and as electives while attending the University of Maine at Orono, and have continued to learn through classes at various schools such as Central Piedmont Community College, the Art League of Northern Virginia, and Anne Arundel Community College.

I am involved as a volunteer with Maryland Federation of Art, a non-profit organization that has a gallery and provides high-profile opportunities to North American artists through six national juried exhibitions annually, several fund-raising activities that contribute to MFA and the Circle Gallery being rated the #1 gallery and non-profit art organization in the area.  MFA is expanding and membership has grown exponentially in the past five years. I contribute writing and editing for website usability. and promotional communications.

I have contributed artwork to non-profit organizations such as the Cultural Alliance of DC and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.   My commissioned works hang at Marriott International Headquarters in DC, and in private collections.  

My corporate life of over 30 years has been in the lively hospitality industry -- from cruise ships to hotels -- allowing me to find highly social and creative jobs.  I have proudly worked for Marriott International for 29 years due in large part to the many different opportunities and paths I was able to take.  This eventually developed into an incredible career mostly focused on instructional design, process improvement, and customer service.  I am lucky to continue working with Marriott now on project basis, as my quiet inner voice pulling me to spend more time painting became louder and impossible to ignore. 

Given the gift of finding my passion, I continue to find ways to extend my art endeavors further into the local, regional and national community. 

I accept commissions on a limited basis.  If you are interested in commissioning a painting, contact me at art@patricedrago.com.

I have fulfilled a number of commissions over the past ten years, mostly for individuals.  I was particularly honored with a commission from Marriott International: