Pat Doherty
San Rafael, California
Artist Pat Doherty follows in the tradition of Bay Area painters who capture what they love. A third-generation San Franciscan now based in Marin, Pat draws inspiration from the region’s vibrant café culture, featuring petit fours and decadent pastries in her work. "People say my paintings make them smile, and I’m delighted they have that effect," says Pat. Her distinctive style combines a rich color palette with an angled picture plane to create depth. Her background in graphic design influences her approach—she previously served as art director for the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and San Francisco magazine, as well as senior art director at a private design firm. Pat’s studio is located at the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA), a dynamic arts center with two galleries, 60 artist studios, an education program, and a museum store, where she enjoys the camaraderie and support of fellow artists. In addition to painting, Pat works part-time as a project manager at MarinMOCA, overseeing art class scheduling, the newsletter, and assisting with rotating exhibitions, allowing her to balance art-making with broader engagement in the art world.
Artist Statement
People say my paintings make them smile, and I’m delighted they have that effect.
I am a still-life oil painter. Much of my work takes food as the subject matter. I am drawn to simple objects and like establishing good color relationships between light and shadow. I focus on color, texture, and graphic compositions pleasing to the eye.
I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to combine a professional career as a graphic designer with an avocation and passion for the arts. After graduating from Gonzaga University, my artistic evolution has included being an art director at two major magazines, including San Francisco, a senior art director at a design firm, and an independent freelance art director and designer working with clients nationwide. I have since transitioned from the commercial arena into the fine arts.
I am a still-life oil painter. Much of my work takes food as the subject matter. I am drawn to simple objects and like establishing good color relationships between light and shadow. I focus on color, texture, and graphic compositions pleasing to the eye.
I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to combine a professional career as a graphic designer with an avocation and passion for the arts. After graduating from Gonzaga University, my artistic evolution has included being an art director at two major magazines, including San Francisco, a senior art director at a design firm, and an independent freelance art director and designer working with clients nationwide. I have since transitioned from the commercial arena into the fine arts.
Artist Background
Gonzaga University
Bachelor of Arts, 1972