Greer artist Patrick A. DeCrane will exhibit his newest collection of watercolor paintings -- Vintage and Classic -- at West Main Artists Co-op Tuesday, July 2, through Saturday, Aug. 3. In keeping with his established style of using intense colors, there will be more than 18 paintings of cars and buildings, inspiring a new appreciation of architecture and vehicles from the past.
Patrick A. DeCrane
The public can view this exhibit (along with two others) at no cost Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, a public and free reception for this exhibit will be held on Thursday, July 18, 5 to 9 p.m., during the city’s monthly ArtWalk.
“I have always had an interest in old cars and old buildings,” DeCrane said. “There is a story behind every vintage building and classic car. As they say, ‘if walls could talk, what story would they tell us?’ I believe that everyone who attends will find something they can relate to from their past.”
It took DeCrane about 10 months to paint this collection. All of the works will be for sale, ranging in price from $60 to $250.
In his artist’s statement, DeCrane said: “I have been painting and drawing most of my life. Art helps me to both escape and cope with life. While I enjoy painting with acrylics and pastels, I find watercolors the most challenging and enjoyable. I generally use intense colors. I also find great satisfaction in drawing with pencil and charcoal. My subject matter varies yet generally my art work includes flowers, trees and still life.”
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, DeCrane began his formal art education in high school. During his military career, he traveled and studied art at numerous colleges, earning an associate of science degree from Park College in Park, MO, After retiring from the U.S. Army, he worked for the Military Officers Association in Alexandria, VA, for 11 years. Prepared for a new adventure, he then opened, owned, and operated a bed and breakfast in Blowing Green, VA, for 10 years with his life partner, Michael Thomas. Ready to retire after three careers, DeCrane continued to expand his art skills by taking classes in pastels and watercolors. After retirement he was Chairperson of the Bowling Green (VA) Arts Commission. During this same period, he set up and managed The Sidney King Art Center, and coordinated three art events a year.
“I have two wonderful adult children from a previous marriage, Shelley and Dan. Dan and his lovely wife, Janelle, have three talented children, Gabby, Cady and Kenton,” he said. “I have a life partner, Michael, whom I have been with for 28 years.”
The 69-year-old now lives in Greer, SC, and has been a member of WMAC since 2017. “WMAC provides an excellent opportunity for me to exhibit my work at an affordable price and with good visibility,” DeCrane said. “Our board and marketing personnel work hard to give us visibility to the public. It is a pleasant and encouraging environment. Good healthy interaction with other artists.”
West Main Artists Co-op is one of Spartanburg’s leading arts agencies. It is a membership-based nonprofit that hosts three exhibits each month by its members and guest artists. More than 50 local visual and performing artists are members, and about 30 have working studios in the converted Baptist church on west Main Street in Spartanburg. In addition, it has two stages, a printery, and Spartanburg’s most extensive collection of locally made artwork that is on sale year round. For more info, please visit online: WestMainArtists.org.
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