Vicky Patrikakos
Year of birth: 1950.
Where do you live: New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States of America.
Your education:
Master of Art, University of Florida, Art Education, Florida, 2014.
Bachelor of Art, University of South Florida, Studio Art, Florida, 2004.
Bachelor of Art, Montclair State College, Psychology, New Jersey, 1983.
Associate of Art, Essex County College, Mental Health, New Jersey, 1981.
Certificate in Interior Design, Sheffield School of Design, New York, 1994.
Certificate in Mural Painting & Faux Finishes, Faux Effects, Florida, 2002.
Describe your art in three words: Realistic, Classical, Engaging.
Your discipline: Studio Art & Art Education.
www.vickypfineart.com | Instagram
Can you tell us more about your early experiences with art in Greece?
When I was growing up in Greece I started drawing as soon as I was able to hold a pencil and a pad. I colored with crayons then colored pencils. I would find great enjoyment to draw and color by myself and with my older siblings while they were doing their homework. In primary and secondary school the curriculum concentrated on languages (ancient and modern Greek, later Latin, French and English) as well as math, physics, chemistry, geometry, religion, algebra, history and geography. In high school we had one class in home economics where we were taught how to knit hats.
My Mother recognized my artistic abilities and assigned me to make salads with beautiful edible decorations. I also participated in decorating the house for different holidays and seasons. In high school I would walk by the little harbor in town to go to school and I loved looking at the reflections of the colorful fishing boats in the water.
Vicky Patrikakos | Monembasia Greece | 2019
What inspired you to pursue art despite your other responsibilities?
My passion for art has always been in me. I appreciate and love nature; the complex way that everything works around us and in us, the everchanging hues of flowers and leaves, the contrasts of light and shadow, the mesmerizing reflections in the water or on shiny surfaces and the facial expressions of people.
How has your education in psychology influenced your artwork?
Besides art, I have always been interested in people’s behaviors. While I was studying psychology one of my courses was art therapy, which gave me a deeper understanding of how art can empower individuals to discover and communicate their innermost feelings and thoughts, facilitating healing and growth. Of course, the psychology education helped me to understand my strengths and weaknesses. It helped me gain insight into what I need to achieve peace and fulfillment. One of my main ways is by creating art.
Vicky Patrikakos | Epiphany Tarpon Springs | 2005
Can you explain your process for selecting colors and how you achieve the vibrant palettes in your paintings?
I start with a white canvas, enthusiasm, brushes and an all-color palette. Primary colors plus some secondary color paints serve as my foundation to achieve the precise tones and hues that I envision. I leave a big space in my palette for blending the different colors with the medium which makes the oil paints dry faster and changes the viscosity. I always have white on my palette for highlights or to create lighter values. White also helps me cover and correct the mistakes. To achieve vibrant colors, I strategically brush contrasting hues alongside each other to enhance their brightness. I begin by layering colors progressively, applying glazes after each previous layer has dried.
Vicky Patrikakos | Butterfly | 2024
Can you share the story behind one of your recent paintings, such as “Butterfly” or “Marina in New Smyrna Beach”?
The image of “Marina in NSB” comes from a snapshot my daughter took during her morning run. We frequently drive by the marina and every time the boats, the sky and the water look so different and intriguing. My daughter knows that I like the sunrise glow and reflections, so this was the perfect combination of both. I was excited to start painting this piece and as soon as it was completed and dried it was sold. It is important to mention that I do not replicate exactly what I see. I put my own feelings and vision in every painting I create.
Vicky Patrikakos | Marina In New Smyrna Beach | 2021
Are there any new techniques or mediums you are eager to explore?
I am eager and planning to explore more media. Besides oils, watercolors and colored pencils, I have made murals and faux paintings. Now, I am beginning to work with natural materials from palm trees. I use power tools to transform them into works of art. While Michealangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel, he said he should be sculpting instead. Sometimes I feel the same way. I love chiseling blocks of plaster and shaping them the way I want. Soon after these creations I am excited to start something totally new and innovative: 3D Printing.
How important do you think formal education is for artists compared to self-taught methods?
I think formal education is very important combined with innate talent and desire to make art. Judging from my own experience I have noticed that my paintings I tried to create before I attended USF are very different than what I can do now. Formal education broadens the horizons of the artists. It gives us opportunities to learn from experts about history of art, techniques, styles how to manipulate different media and transform them into works of art and solve problems.
Personally, I achieved my higher education by attending the nearest educational institution everywhere I lived synchronizing my classes with my family’s schedule. My master’s degree was online and gave me more flexibility with my schedule.
A lot of my artwork is inspired by my garden. I have a passion for growing plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables then creating paintings of them so they last forever. I also write poetry and recently published my first poem book of 50 poems titled, “Life’s Ups & Downs: Poems That Make You Laugh & Cry.” You can find the book on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3WrHAff
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