Patricia Powell-Hughes is a contemporary painter whose vibrant, dynamic works celebrate the beauty, energy, and fragility of the natural world. Working from her studio on Dharawal land in Thirroul, NSW, Patricia embraced her inner artist after a busy professional career, allowing her creativity to flourish and bring joy to her life.
Growing up by the sea at Bronte Beach in Sydney and now living on the South Coast, Patricia has always felt deeply connected to the ocean. Its ever-changing colours, reflections, and patterns—nature’s artwork in constant motion—are central to her creative inspiration. Water plays a pivotal role in her work, not just as a subject but as a metaphor. Its absence of colour and ability to reflect light and surroundings captivate her, allowing her to create pieces that invite personal interpretation and evoke unique emotions.
Patricia’s art is renowned for its bold, vibrant abstracts that radiate energy and movement. Her works are a symphony of striking colours and intricate patterns, often featuring delicate, detailed circles that bring depth and character to each piece. She loves experimenting with colour, fearlessly pushing combinations to unexpected and dazzling extremes. Up close, her works reveal layers of complexity, while from a distance, they captivate with their stunning visual impact. Using only the finest watercolour paints, Patricia ensures her creations are rich in vibrancy and depth, evoking a sense of wonder and joy in every viewer.
Music is another key influence in Patricia’s artistic process. Often, she finds herself “painting a song,” translating melodies and lyrics into visual expressions of colour and form. Lyrics like Neil Finn’s “colour is its own reward” from Fingers of Love embody her creative philosophy: colour is an experience, a way to express emotions and reflect the world around us.
While much of her work draws inspiration from the ocean, Patricia also explores broader themes of environmental beauty and fragility. Her pieces celebrate nature’s interconnectedness, encouraging viewers to pause and appreciate its delicate balance.
Patricia’s art is an intoxicating blend of energy and joy, capturing moments of wonder and reflection that shape her experiences—whether swimming in the ocean, exploring rock pools, or painting to music. She hopes her work brings you that same sense of joy, inviting you to lose yourself in its depth of colour, intricate patterns, and boundless energy.