Artist Bio

Patricia McMahon Rice has had a lifelong interest in art, first nurtured by her high school art classes and private lessons. She has studied at the Art League in Alexandria, Va., the Northern Virginia Community College, and the Corcoran School of Art in Washington. D.C. Since l994, she has been teaching art to students in her home studio.

Patricia has taken classes and workshops with several notable portrait artists including: Daniel Greene, Danni Dawson, Dawn Whitelaw and Robert Liberace. Robert’s classes in classical drawing and painting with a strong emphasis on human anatomy have been especially beneficial to her as a portrait painter.

In the fall of 2006, her portrait of five-year-old Katherine entitled, “Day Dreaming” was a Finalist in the Portrait Society of America’s Tri-State Portrait Competition – SC, NC, and VA. A self-confessed “people person,” Patricia enjoys meeting new clients and finding the right light and pose for each one, whether a formal or informal portrait is desired. Having raised six children, she easily establishes a rapport with children allowing them to grow comfortable and to fall into natural poses.

Portraits may be painted during a series of sittings or from reference photos. Aspects from several photos may be combined to achieve the best likeness and composition. Whenever possible, Patricia prefers to be present during the photo session in order to choose the best setting, pose and lighting She prefers natural light, rather than flash photography, so that the pattern of light falling over the features tells something of the character of the person. Fabrics, reflections, nature and texture are all carefully noted capturing a true likeness – it is the essence of her work.

Patricia is a member of the Lorton Arts Foundation in Lorton, Virginia (www.lortonarts.org). She has a studio in her home in Warrenton, VA filled with beautiful north light for painting, which can be visited by appointment. For information about commissioning a portrait or workshops and classes, please request information from Patirica via the contact page.