Newport Beach Artist Showcases Brush Strokes on Ugallery

Most buyers visit galleries to purchase artwork, but one Newport Beach artist is giving connoisseurs the chance to browse through her artwork online.

Heather Patton, 25, of Newport Beach, is one of the newest artists to exhibit on Ugallery -- a curated online art gallery that allows people to browse and shop for artwork. Patton says she has moved her artwork online in order to expand the market for her work locally and around the world.

"I think a lot more artists are considering online galleries as an option," Patton said. "People can really take their time with art before they purchase it, without the pressures of someone trying to make a sale, or other people looking over your shoulder."

Patton says finding a creative avenue to showcase is essential because being an artist is exspensive and comes with many obstacles, including the misconception that artists over value their work in order to make more money.

"I think a lot of people don't realize how much money it actually does cost to make a decent painting with archival materials," Patton said. "Since galleries generally take a 50 percent profit from whatever price your painting sells for, you need to make sure you are making something that will cover your expenses and make the time you spend on each piece worth-while."

Stephen Tanenbaum, spokesman for Ugallery, says portraiture is Patton’s strength as she paints with a frenetic energy that is complemented by her controlled brush strokes.

"Many of her portraits are painted alla prima, or in one sitting, with live models," Tanenbaum said. "Her method of painting breathes a sense of urgency into each painting that speaks volumes once the portrait is complete."

Patton was raised in Orange County and lived in Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar and now Newport Beach. She is a graduate of Laguna College of Art and Design.