The Female Eye: Spotlight on Patricia Traub

Patricia Traub, Rescuer With Lemur, African Wild Dog, Two Rare Poultry, Oil on Panel, 12” x 12”

After my first trip to Africa in 1980, where I spent several hours drawing a cheetah resting on a dead acacia tree, I came to know an inherent beauty shared by all species. From that experience, I devoted my painting to expressing content that reflects contemporary issues focusing on animal welfare, conservation and interdependent relationships between animals and humans.

Inspired by fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth century Italian and Dutch painters, I see elegance in their use of light and shade, as well as carefully planned composition. This has influenced the harmony and balance between my subject matter and the deep dark spaces. I am also moved by the use of a close picture plane, which gives the viewer the experience of being part of my painting in an intimate way.

I combine both worlds, which I continue to explore.