Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Dominguez.
Hi Patrick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a semi-professional artist based in Clayton, North Carolina, specializing in vibrant, expressive watercolor paintings. Using a loose style, I strive to capture the emotional essence of my subjects. Having grown up across the United States, Egypt, and Venezuela, my work reflects a rich blend of global cultures and landscapes. I especially love painting portraits of people and beloved pets, often feeling a deep connection with my subjects as their likeness comes to life. a My faith in God and fascination with biblical narratives heavily influence my art, inspiring me to visually reimagine ancient historical themes and stories.
With years of experience engaging audiences through acting, music—performing on guitar and harmonica with a touch of Neil Young’s spirit—and public speaking, I view my art as simply another medium for storytelling. I am continually refined by the works of masters like Andrew Wyeth and John Singer Sargent, along with personal mentors including Alan Morris and Charles Reid, with whom I had the privilege of completing an intensive five-day workshop.
I got my start as a watercolor artist almost by accident. My dad, who had dabbled in oils and acrylics, handed me a cheap old watercolor set and paper pad, saying, “I don’t know what to do with this… would you want it?” I took it and let it sit in a closet for about a year.
One day, bored and looking for something to do, I remembered the set and pulled it out to try painting the image on the pad’s cover. I enjoyed the process, though I knew I wasn’t quite getting the technique right.
Soon after, I happened to run into a local watercolor painter named Alan Morris. When I shared my first attempt and asked how to properly handle the medium, he warmly invited me to come paint with him—what an absolute blessing! Alan was incredibly skilled and taught me so much; I owe him a deep debt of gratitude. I will never forget him haphazardly flicking paint onto the paper, encouraging me to “keep it loose,” or exclaiming, “That’s hot!” whenever I made a bold, beautiful stroke.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My greatest struggle has been finding enough time to paint regularly. As a full-time pastor who decided in my late fifties to plant a new church, free time is hard to come by!
Even so, painting remains essential to the rhythm of my life. It offers a quiet personal sanctuary and serves as a vital outlet for my creative expression.
Along the way, I’ve sometimes wrestled with self-doubt, wondering if I had reached the limit of my growth. I have certainly hit artistic plateaus, but thankfully, those periods have always given way to the joy of new breakthroughs and merciful progress. I am continually blessed by the work and insights of other artists, both living and historic, small and great, and I’m always captivated by the unique stories behind their creative journeys.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I primarily work in watercolor, focusing on a loose, expressive style. Viewers often comment on my use of visible pencil lines—marks that suggest structure and form, yet are freely (and strategically) set aside to serve the overall mood and effect of the piece.
I am deeply grateful that my faith-based artwork has found a place in ministry settings to help others encounter God. Among these, my two best-selling prints feature the disciples encountering the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus, and a shepherd carrying a lost sheep back to the fold.
Alongside my sacred art, I find tremendous joy in creating custom portraits, especially seeing the heartfelt reactions when people receive finished commissions of their loved ones.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I have always loved being surrounded by people—entertaining, performing, and bringing out laughter. As a kid, I was constantly imitating the Beatles, trying out accents, and repeating lines or songs from my favorite movie characters. Though I played sports, it was really the camaraderie and social connection I enjoyed most. In fact, I might have been the worst senior class president my high school ever had—I only ran because I thought it sounded like fun!
Theater, drama, music, and art have always held a strong pull for me, leading me to study acting at an excellent university. Interestingly, art was also the bridge that drew me toward Christianity. Living in Egypt as a young boy, I attended a Catholic school where the religious art—with its raw depictions of sorrow and suffering—mystified and deeply captivated me. Later, in high school, watching Jesus Christ Superstar left me profoundly moved by the crucifixion scene. When I finally dove into the Bible during my college years, I discovered a text rich with that same drama, mystery, and beauty.
Pricing:
- Original paintings begin at $300 for a standard 8×10
- Commissions start at $400 for an 8×10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://patrickdominguezart.com
- Instagram: @pdomingu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.dominguez.58511
- Youtube: @patrickdominguez7344
