The arts community is mourning the recent passing of Patton Hunter, talented artist, teacher and beloved friend. Patton was a founding member of the ArtsXchange and an ardent supporter of the The Warehouse Arts District. She came to painting later in life after a successful career as a writer and journalist. A favorite early job was reporting for the European office of the US military paper, The Stars and Stripes. She turned to art originally as a diversion during her late husband’s struggle with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Her first love was watercolor. Her exceptional talent became evident early on in her studies of this medium. She evolved rapidly and was soon sought after to teach classes at different venues around St Pete. Eventually she turned to acrylic as a primary medium of expression but she never stopped growing and experimenting in her art, continuing to try different approaches throughout her life. She was a prolific painter, appreciated throughout our community by other artists and by the public at large. In her art, she worked representationally and abstractly, large and small, on canvas, paper and panel. Her self-portraits are wonderful examples of her joy in painting and her ability to play in her work.
Patton honed her art skills and indulged her love of travel by taking workshops around the world. Her sense of adventure was a wonderful part of her personality. She wasn’t shy about taking on a challenge both in art and in other areas of her life. She once took a year off to sail with a friend exploring the European coastline and its many ports. Her last travel adventure was just over a year ago when she crossed Africa off her bucket list.
Patton’s life was a work of art. She cherished her friends, was open to new experiences, loved to teach, reached out to help and support other artists, and was a wonderful companion. She never stopped learning, and was in art classes to the very end. We will miss her, her lively banter, her sense of humor, and her generous nature. She enriched our lives. Rest in peace, dear Patton.
Like so many others-I am absolutely heartbroken! I met Patton 10 years ago and knew instantly she was an Angel sent to be with us. There was always a warm smile and gentleness about her spirit. She touched my heart, I’m a better person for having met her.
What a positive, encouraging artist and teacher! Always tried to stop in and say Hi to her and several other artists, there. Loved her in your face fore-shortened, colorful painting style, R.I.P. sweet lady!
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