Fine Art & Portraiture
About the Artist
Her artistic approach combines a thoughtful blend of past and present, using time-honored techniques and materials of the great masters while adding her own contemporary flare, resulting in works of art that are aesthetically beautiful and unmistakably unique.
Patricia has been painting and creating fine works of art since 1996, and learned her craft from some of the best artists in the country. Between 2001 and 2003 she studied under the reknowned portrait artist Daniel E. Greene (PSA, NA, AWS), considered by many to be the foremost pastelist in the United States. Since 2004, she has studied under the award-winning American artist Robert Liberace, a prolific sculptor and painter who was given the distinction of "Living Master" by the Art Renewal Center in 2013.
Under Mr. Liberace's instruction, Patricia spent time studying the classical methods and materials, and developed a deep appreciation for the centuries-old technique of painting with oil on copper, a method widely recognized for its great technical difficulty and superior aesthetic qualities. Oil paintings on copper have since become one of her specialties, and a point of distinction. Patricia's approach as an artist is inspired by the living tradition of Classical Realism, and she seeks to combine her deep knowledge and respect of the past with a creative vision for the future.
Patricia is an active member in the Portrait Society of America, the International Guild of Realism, and Oil Painters of America, and her paintings have won numerous awards. In 2006, her portrait in oil, “Day Dreaming,” was a Finalist in the Portrait Society of America’s Tri-State Portrait Competition. In 2009, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2017 she has won National Recognition in the Portrait Society's "Members Only" Competition, twice for pastel portraits, twice for portraits on copper, and twice for paintings on linen. In 2014, she received a Certificate of Excellence in the Portrait Society’s International Portrait Competition for her painting on copper, titled “Lauren.”
Known by her friends and clients as a "people person,” Patricia loves meeting new clients and working together to arrive at the perfect portrait or still life that will be cherished for a lifetime. Having raised six children, she also delights in painting children, and has a knack for putting her subjects at ease, allowing them to be comfortable and to fall into natural poses that result in great portraits. Patricia also offers workshops and classes, and is known for her inspiring and informative teaching style. For more information or to sign up, please see the Classes page.
In 2020, Patricia joined the faculty of the Stuart Street Atelier, a fine artist collective and teaching facility located in the first floor of the historic train station at 6364 Stuart Street in the charming old town of The Plains, VA. Patricia's studio occupies what used to be the old freight room, bright and airy with 20' ceilings, filled with beautiful light for painting. The atelier has a large lot with free parking, and Patricia welcomes visitors by appointment.
For more information about commissioning a new portrait or still life, please click here to learn more about the process. If you have any other questions, or would like to inquire about purchasing one of the works posted in the Gallery, please feel free to contact Patricia directly, via the Contact page.
Patricia McMahon Rice is an award-winning artist specializing in fine art oil paintings in the Classical Realist tradition.