"In the first mild day of March, each minute is sweeter than before." ~ William Wordsworth

This page features paintings of settings and subjects that have touched and inspired me over the years.

I've divided this artwork into five collections (in some cases there are sub-categories as well). Each highlights one or two paintings which periodically revolve ~ so you have lots to look at. The collection changes frequently with the seasons.

FIVE COLLECTIONS

Golf ~ My husband is an avid golfer (I'm just an enthusiastic "duffer"), so for years I've painted golf-themed artwork for our Christmas cards, plus other scenes from courses we've visited and enjoyed.

Fire Departments ~ This are four sample paintings here ~ all from the Everett Fire Department.

Other Settings (inspired by our travels in the U.S. and abroad) ~ This sampling of 10 paintings features artwork of settings from all over the United States plus Canada, England and the former U.S.S.R.

Other Subjects (kittiewinks, critters and more) ~ Our kitties are our best pals, and they've made their way into many of my paintings. You'll see a memorial portrait of three favorite pets here.

The Holidays ~ Although both the Puget Sound and Spokane Collections feature dozens of settings, there are a few more Christmas paintings here, including a nativity scene.

NEW ARTWORK ~ Artwork finished in 2009 and 2010 has a NEW! button. Beneath the paintings, you'll find a story and photo for each.

For a larger version, just click on the painting. You'll also see the title, location and the date that I finished the artwork.

ENTIRE COLLECTION PDFS & ALPHABETICAL LIST

Enjoy the collections, and click on Ordering for information on purchasing!

 

 

"Aviary on Eight ~ R.O.C.C." ~ (VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2003 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

My husband, Doug, and several of his buddies compete in a special men’s invitational tournament every June at Royal Oaks Country Club (R.O.C.C.) in Vancouver, Washington. Doug has played in this event for over 25 years.

Not only is the course beautifully laid out and landscaped, it also features some wonderful visual touches like foot-paths through the woods, little stone bridges, “squirrel” and "acorn" markers at the tee boxes ~ and whimsical bird houses (like the one pictured in this piece) sprinkled throughout the tee boxes and fairways.

I finished two paintings of Royal Oaks ~ the one pictured here and other celebrating the holiday season with a golf-attired snowman guarding the grass-covered stone bridge on number five.

For more information on this beautiful private country club, visit www.royaloaks.net.

"Perfect Labor Day Morning ~ R.V.C.C." ~ (MEDFORD, OREGON • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2002 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Rogue Valley Country Club in Medford, Oregon, hosts the largest match play golf tournament in the United States. The “Southern Oregon,” as it’s affectionately known by its many players (over a hundred), is hugely popular and guarantees keen competition in all of its division.

Nearly as popular as the golf is the sprawling sun-speckled deck of the clubhouse which overlooks the course. Breakfasts at sunrise, afternoon cocktails with friends and dancing in the evening ~ this deck is a magnet for all of the participants and guests during this event.

My friends and I are enjoying our leisurely meal while my husband, Doug, practices a few more putts before his match.

To learn about Rogue Valley Country Club, visit them at www.rvcc.com.

"Overlake Golf & Country Club" ~ (MEDINA, WASHINGTON • PAINTED MAY 2001• ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Located just east of Lake Washington, this world-class private golf club is breathtakingly beautiful in the springtime as its grounds have been planted with thousands of bulbs ~ quite an inspiration for its members and guests.

It has several famous members on its roster, including Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Steve Balmer.

My husband grew up playing golf on this course and spent a lot of time with his dad here, as they both shared a deep appreciation and love for the game.

For more information on this country club in Medina, visit www.overlakegcc.com.

""The Classic' at Echo Falls Country Club" ~ (MONROE, WASHINGTON • PAINTED SEPTEMBER 1994 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This is a portrait of Richard Karn (of “ABC’s Home Improvement” television show) making his putt on the 18th green of Echo Falls Country Club in Monroe. Cheered on by celebrities, volunteers and friends, Richard made it look easy as he raised thousands of dollars for Bellevue’s Overlake Hospital and Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

Pictured (L-R) are Don McKenzie, Cathy Davis, Paul O’Rourke and Paul Lester, host Richard Karn, winners Detlef Schrempf and Dale Ellis, volunteers Marcy, Vicki and Jamie, player David Samp, and volunteers Scott and Nicole. I’m at the right side of this impossible green ~ it’s surrounded on ALL sides by water with only a narrow foot path for access!

Factoid: Doug and I were married at this lovely setting in April 2000 on the prettiest spring day.

To learn more about Echo Falls, visit them at: www.echofallsgolf.com.

Entire Golf Collection pdf ~ Click here to see a 3-page pdf of all 14 beautiful golf courses and clubhouses.

"St. Nick on #9" ~ (IMAGINARY GOLFING SETTING • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2008 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)

Ah . . . it’s the holiday season once again ~ and jolly old St. Nick has earned some well-deserved R&R after a long Christmas Eve of spreading cheer and delivering gifts to good little girls and boys of all ages.

What better way than 18 holes of golf with his snow buddy, “Frosty, the Golfer”?!?

Dressed in his “plus fours” and festive red plaid vest (that matches his opponent's scarf), Santa is setting up the putt that will guarantee his nearly perfect post-holiday getaway.

I painted this piece for our Christmas cards in 2008. This is the 11th in a series of holiday golfing scenes I've created for my husband every year ~ since before we were married.

"Santa's Holiday Hazard" ~ (IMAGINARY GOLFING SETTING • PAINTED DECEMBER 2004 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)

Oops! Santa’s golf ball went in the “drink,” and he with it! Our feckless St. Nick, finished at last with his annual toy delivery, was enjoying a much-deserved game of golf when this happened! And ~ it’s not a private moment . . . he is surrounded by a gallery of friendly forest creatures who are just a little surprised to find him in their middle of their skating pond, also known as the “water hazard.” Better luck next time, Santa ~ best to keep the ball on the fairway.

"The Tee-It-Up Train" ~ (IMAGINARY GOLFING SETTING • PAINTED OCTOBER 2006 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)

It must be the day after Christmas as Santa's at the helm of this whimsical steam engine, chugging us along the railroad tracks to the golf course. Doug and I are waving and wishing everyone a wonderful, prosperous and healthy holiday season from the passenger car. Our vagabond kittiewinks, Andy and Sophie, have hitched a ride on top.

NEW! "Candy Cane Links" ~ (IMAGINARY GOLFING SETTING • PAINTED OCTOBER 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)

This card celebrates golf aficionados who LOVE golfing year round. Sun or snow ~ this breed of player can’t get enough of the game.

With few exceptions, my husband Dougie would fall into that category!

The artwork pictures a snowman welcoming “duffers” to a snow-covered course with holes marked by whimsical candy cane flagstaffs.

The photo here and on the back of the greeting card is the creation of our neighbors that once lived across the street from us in Sammamish. We don't get snow here very often as we're too close to sea level, so this leaning little guy had a pretty short lifespan once he was created. Compelling none-the-less, he was the inspiration for the artwork!

Entire Snowmen & Santas Golf Collection pdf ~ Click here to see a 2-page pdf with all 8 holiday paintings.

 

"Riding in the Salty Seas Days Parade" ~ (PAINTED NOVEMBER 1994 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This painting is a portrait of the restored fire truck, Engine 2, used by the Everett firefighters in their late spring festival, “Salty Seas Days.”

The truck is one of several old vehicles filled with friends and family waving at the crowd, and feature a firefighter on the back dress in full dress uniform. The artist’s friend, Daryl Jensen, drove the truck shown here.

The EMS chief, Jack Robinson, was standing at the rear. His son, Jeremiah, and friend, Ryan, shared the seats with me and Jack's fiance, Bonnie Richter. Another firefighter’s sons were outfitted “for action” as well. Old retired Station #2 is in the background.

"Old Station #2" ~ (PAINTED NOVEMBER 1991• ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The old headquarters building for the Everett Fire Department, 2801 Oakes Avenue, was occupied on June 25, 1925.

At that time it was heated with sawdust. Over the years some changes have occurred to the exterior of the building. The bi-fold doors and small paned windows have been replaced. The intricate art deco sconces on either side of the entry way are gone ~ and the flagpole on the roof is no longer in place. However, by and large, Station #2 looks every bit as handsome today as in 1925. It is registered as a historical building in the city of Everett.

This painting is currently owned by retired E.F.D. firefighter, Mike Lambert.

"Old Station #1 & the Steamer" ~ (PAINTED OCTOBER 1993 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Station #1, Everett Fire Department, no longer exists in the city of Everett, Washington ~ however, the handsome vintage Ahren’s Fox pumper does.

This handsome Ahren's Fox Steamer was delivered to the Everett Fire Department in 1907.

When the I painted this piece, the beautiful old “rig” was on display to the public in a protective glass case outside of Station #4 in Everett. It was once driven by Everett Firefighters in the annual “Salty Seas Days” parade (pictured here).

"Old Station #1" ~ (PAINTED NOVEMBER 1992 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This painting depicts an aid call at Harbor View Park which overlooks the city of Everett, Washington.

Pictured to the left in the painting are “Butch” and “Duffy” of the Everett Police Department. Ken Opets, Michael Lambert, John Tanaka and other firefighters are shown tending to an injured pedestrian hit by a car.

The Airlift Northwest helicopter is hovering above the accident scene. The artist is pictured as a bystander to the right.

This artwork was used as the featured cover artwork for many of the Washington State 911 Criteria-Based Dispatch flip charts. This painting is owned by Mike Lambert.

For information on the Everett, Washington Fire Department, visit www.everettfirefighters.org.

Entire Fire Department Collection pdf ~ Click here to see a 2-page pdf of all 8 paintings.

 

 

BACK EAST & THE MIDWEST

ARIZONA

OREGON COAST

UNITED KINGDOM (Canada & England)

THE FORMER U.S.S.R.

"Scott's Pennslyvania Palace" ~ (DOWNINGTON , PENNSLYVANIA • PAINTED DECEMBER 2008 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This lovely brick two-story house is located in the charming community of Downington, Pennslyvania. Handsomely detailed, the Scott family just loved this home and it was the scene of lots of get-togethers. The four of them are pictured on the front lawn enjoying a picnic with traditional fare: PB & Js, chips, veggies, fruit, juice ~ and of course, huge slices of watermelon!

This is the third home portrait that I completed for their collection in 2008.

NEW! "Old Ole Ulvestad Farm" ~ (CHOKO, MINNESOTA • PAINTED OCTOBER 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This vintage farmhouse, located in Choko, Minnesota, looks much the same as it did when it was constructed in 1899 by Ole Ulvestad. Notice the buckboard buggy behind the house.

This piece was commissioned by Patricia Hampton and features a portrait of her father's family. Most of his eight sisters are wearing their "Sunday best" frocks sewn from the same red plaid bolt of fabric by their mother (back upper right).

An avid genealogist, this painting was inspired by Pat's trip back to this Minnesota farmland in the summer of 2009. (Photo of the Ulvestad farmhouse courtesy of Patricia Hampton.)

"Desert Delight" ~ (MESA, ARIZONA • PAINTED MAY 2008 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

In 2003, Doug and I purchased a cozy Mesa, Arizona patio home overlooking Alta Mesa Country Club.

It's has been the setting for countless hours of fun and relaxation for us and friends who frequently come to share good times in the sun.

This little "hide-away" overlooks the #8 green of Alta Mesa Country Club ~ my golfer husband's favorite Arizona view!

We’re pictured in front of our “desert delight” with good friends, Maria and John Herbert, Marie Marx and Rick Strohm.

"Desert Dream House" ~ (CANNON BEACH, OREGON • PAINTED JANUARY 2002 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This beautiful Southwest-style home was once home to my dear friend, Marie Marx during her marriage to Rick Strohm.

In high school, Marie, my sister, Marilee, and I waited until 5:00 p.m. every evening for our parents to retrieve us, so hours of conversation and confidences formed some very strong friendships. Although our careers and personal lives drew us to opposite ends of the United States, Marie and I have always stayed great friends, encouraging and supporting each other.

One of her dreams building this handsome new home against the backdrop of the desert mountains in Scottsdale ~ she and Rick husband designed it together. In early 2002, I visited her on a "milestone" birthday and gave her this portrait of her new home.

"Doug's Dream House" ~ (CANNON BEACH, OREGON • PAINTED MARCH 1998 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This portrait of “The Needles” rustic two-story was completed as a birthday gift for my husband, Doug, when we were dating. It commemorated a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend getaway spent at Cannon Beach on the coastline of Oregon.

On our morning beach walk, he shared with me that this rustic beauty was his “dream home” there. He even scrambled up the steep bank to shoot some photographs for me. Those shots resulted in this painting ~ a very special surprise trip memento for him!

"Fun & Sun at Haystack Rock" ~ (CANNON BEACH, OREGON • PAINTED MARCH 1999 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

I painted this artwork as a special birthday gift for my husband, Doug, just before we were married.

We spent the 1998 Thanksgiving weekend at beautiful Cannon Beach with Doug’s family ~ all pictured in this piece.

The artwork celebrates the gorgeous sunny Friday after the holiday, which was so pleasant that the beach in front of Haystack Rock was overflowing with vacationers in shirt sleeves ~ walking their dogs, flying kites and scouring the sand for sea shells.

"Belyar's Croft" ~ (ST. IVES, CORNWALL, ENGLAND • PAINTED FEBRUARY 2004 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This lovely Bed-and-Breakfast is located in the charming village of St.Ives, an artists' cololy on the Cornish coast of England, not far from Land's End.

Christened "Belyar's Croft," the innkeepers shared that it was once the home of a successful local sea captain. Built in the late 1800s on a hill overlooking the harbor, it is a five-minute walk from the shoreline and boasts a magnificent view of the Atlantic from nearly every room in the house. The stucco-and-stone three-story was surrounded by beautiful gardens, lovingly tended by the charming, hospitable couple who ran the inn.

NEW! "Welcome, Whistler Wonderland" ~ (WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA • PAINTED JANUARY 2010 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This is a portrait of one of the Orrico family homes ~ this one nestled in the neighborhood near world-famous Whistler Village. When I finished re-working the original piece (completed 10 years ago), Whistler was about to host the 2010 Winter Olympics (www.vancouver2010.com).

Doug and I became engaged here on New Year’s Eve, 1999, and we are pictured in the lower left. To the right is Brent Orrico with his wife Vicki, and son and daughter, Christopher and Frankie.

Welcoming us from the front window is Mark Orrico with wife, Janis, and daughters, Stephanie and Allison. It’s a gorgeous winter wonderland!

SCENES FROM UZBEKISTAN (FORMER U.S.S.R.)

"The October Revolution Celebration Parade" ~ (PAINTED FEBRUARY 1988 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

In the late 1980s I traveled to the former Soviet Union with 25 others who shared my interest in this exciting and unusual country. Brought up on "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," and mesmerized in high school by the epic movie, "Doctor Zhivago," I jumped at the opportunity to visit this part of the world, so rich in history and culture.

Our group traveled to three cities ~ Moscow, Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) and Tashkent (Seattle's sister city) and visited remarkable landmarks like Moscow University, three Palaces of the Tsars, author Leo Tolstoy's apartment, the Kremlin buildings, Red Square and numerous museums and galleries. We were enchanted by the Bolshoi Ballet and the entertained by the world famous Moscow Circus. I was very lucky to be in Tashkent during the month-long celebration of the October Bolshevik Revolution ~ curb-side for the huge parade celebrating this event.

"The Children of Tashkent" ~ (PAINTED FEBRUARY 1988 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Tashkent is Seattle's sister city, and it was one of the three Soviet cities on our itinerary. In Tashkent, my friends and I befriended a group of local citizens who welcomed us with open arms. We were lucky enough to spend an entire day at one of Tashkent's day schools for children where we were entertained with dancing, singing and poetry readings (in English) by the youngsters ~ which was amazing, as our visit was completely impromptu.

I painted this typical Russian classroom ~ notice that nap time means actually sleeping in a bed. Also, at that time each classroom had a prominently featured portrait of Lenin, similar to pictures of George Washington in American children's classrooms. This painting of the school children is hanging in a gallery in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click on my Biography page for more information on this fascinating trip.

Entire Other Settings Collection pdf ~ Click here to see all a 4-page pdf of all 17 paintings in this grouping.

 

"Friendly Felines" ~ (PAINTED AUGUST 1995 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Kitties galore! My sisters, Marilee, Peggy and I are cat lovers. (If you look carefully in this piece, you’ll see my two sisters and me lounging on the window seat in the background.) All of our kitties were very independent ~ each with their own special personality.

Peggy’s was the calico named Chloe, who spent most of her time exploring out-of-doors. Marilee’s was the white one, Betty Kitty, who yearned to be outside as well, but lived her life as a “condo-cat.” My big black kitty, KC, was perfectly happy being a lazy “hot-house plant.”

Sadly, our three furry feline friends pictured here have all passed away ~ leaving large holes in our lives.

"Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato" ~ (PAINTED FEBRUARY 1977 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

In the 1970s and 1980s three musicians made their mark on the Puget Sound music scene. They performed a wonderfully creative brand of "fun" jazz ~ and always drew great crowds.

This trio was unique as each person was from a different generation. Twenty years separated the three of them, but in spite of the wide range of ages, they had a truly interesting, unusual sound and their audiences LOVED them.

My sister, Marilee, and I made lifelong friends of Paul West, Rolf Johnson and Gail Clements (now Gail Clements Klein) ~ but especially of Gail, whose talent and personality shine as much now as they ever did in the '70s and '80s.

This painting is one of my very first completed pieces.

Entire Other Subjects Collection pdf ~ Click here to see a 2-page pdf of all 9 paintings.

 

Turkey with All the Trimmings" ~ I've painted a dozens of holiday pieces over the years ~ I LOVE CHRISTMAS! My husband calls me the "Christmas Queen," and is convinced that I go into "holiday orbit" on Thanksgiving and stay there through New Years!

For the past 40+ years, I've created special paintings for my greeting cards. One couple has collected these for decades, and decorates a Christmas tree with them. "Turkey with All the Trimmings" is one of six paintings I completed as special Christmas originals for my family members in 1977. It shows all eight of us lounging around after a long day of opening gifts ~ anticipating our mouth-watering turkey dinner ~ my dad's specialty!

"Peace on Earth" ~ This quiet little stable scene is one of the six paintings I mentioned above that I completed as Christmas gifts for family in 1977. Devout Catholics, my parents waged the constant battle to push Santa and his toy-making elves just a little into the background ~ and keep Christ in "Christmas" ~ the real reason for celebrating this holiday in the first place! With this in mind, it was easy to come up with the painting the birth of the Baby Jesus. My parents loved this little painting, and my mother, Sally, still hangs it in her home every Christmas.

Entire Christmas Collection pdf (excluding the neighborhood and Golfing/Snowman Santa artwork) ~ Click here to see all 4 paintings. You'll find dozens of other holiday-themed artwork by neighborhood on my Puget Sound and Spokane Collection pages.

This "More Paintings Collection" page provides you with just a brief sampling of the dozens of paintings that fall outside the "Puget Sound Collection" and "Spokane, Washington" categories. For a complete listing of all of the current titles featuring other golf courses, fire stations, and more ~ plus a brief description of each piece of artwork ~ please click here.

TELEPHONE: 425.868.9238

EMAIL: artist@pattisimpsonward.com

WEB SITE: www.pattisimpsonward.com