Artist Monika Pate uses strong light and contrast to create strikingly realistic watercolor paintings. Enjoy more of her portfolio by visiting her website.
![watercolor of grapes in a glass bowl by Monika Pate](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Morning-Light_watercolor_29x21.jpg)
“Morning Light” watercolor, 21″ x 29″
I was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland and moved to the United States in 1993 to pursue a PhD in biology. Art has always been my passion. Although I have loved drawing and sketching, it was mainly a hobby that I enjoyed in my spare time.
![watercolor of a magnolia blossom by Monika Pate](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Magnolia-Blossom-2_watercolor_14x22.jpg)
“Magnolia Blossom #2″ watercolor, 22″ x 14”
After moving to the United States, I decided to take a watercolor painting course just for fun. I fell in love with the medium immediately and wanted to learn more. I took this class in 1994 and have been working with watercolor full time ever since.
![watercolor of a violin and a rose by Monika Pate](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Montagnana-and-Chopin_watercolor_22x30.jpg)
“Montagnana and Chopin” watercolor, 30″ x 22″
When I first started painting, I also wanted to experience other media. I experimented with pastels, colored pencils and oils, but watercolor has definitely been my favorite medium.
![watercolor of a Hellebore flower by Monika Pate](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Hellebore_watercolor_15x21.jpg)
“Hellebore” watercolor, 21″ x 15″
Growing up in Poland, I was surrounded by flowers from our garden. There was also a beautiful lake nearby, and I frequently went on bike rides just to enjoy nature. I think the love of nature and being aware of the beauty of various objects had a big influence on my art.
![watercolor of oranges in a silver bowl by Monika Pate](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Oranges_watercolor_16x14.jpg)
“Oranges” watercolor, 14″ x 16″
I decided to take a realistic approach, emphasizing the fascinating details, forms and textures of my subjects, especially when they are illuminated by a strong light source.
![watercolor of a rock strewn river by Monika Pate](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Little-Red-River_watercolor_21x30-2.jpg)
“Little Red River” watercolor, 30″ x 21″
I love how light establishes the mood of the painting. It allows me to create the strong contrast that I’m after.
![watercolor of white lilies in a crystal vase by Monika Pate](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/White-Lilies-and-Crystal_watercolor_19x15.jpg)
“White Lilies and Crystal” watercolor, 15″ x 19″
I find inspiration everywhere. Sometimes it will be sunlight coming through the petals or leaves of a plant. Other times, it is a beautiful crystal vase that came from Poland, rusty doorknobs from a flea market, or objects that I brought from travels.
![watercolor of a pile of rusty doorknobs by Monika Pate](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/No-Entry_watercolor_22x30.jpg)
“No Entry” watercolor, 30″ x 22″
When I started creating art, I also started noticing and appreciating details that often get ignored. While teaching classes and workshops, I constantly hear the same comment from my students, “I can see it now, after you pointed it out!” It makes me happy that I can help students discover something new and exciting to use in their own art.
![watercolor of a crystal chess set by Monika Pate](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Board-Meeting_watercolor_22x30.jpg)
“Board Meeting” watercolor, 30″ x 22″
I love the luminosity and transparency of watercolor, and preserve the white areas of the watercolor paper rather than using white opaque paint. I also rarely use black. Typically, I mix my own variations of black and this process allows me to create more depth and interest in my paintings.
![Artist Monika Pate in her studio](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/MonikaPate_studio.jpg)
Artist Monika Pate in her studio
My goal in my paintings is to create strong contrasts, with depth and rich colors. My painting technique involves applying multiple layers of pigments. I really enjoy using this layering technique to develop details and to explore a variety of textures and colors.
Artist Monika Pate invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
This is the style I am so drawn to! Love, love, love your work.
Mary Ellen,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate it. I really love the realistic approach and watercolor has been my favorite medium for almost 27 years 🙂
One of the best watercolorists today! Bravo!
Hi Greta,
Thank you so much! You are very kind and I really appreciate your nice comment about my art. I love watercolor and it means a lot to me when I hear such a nice feedback 🙂
Your paintings are very realistic looking and beautiful. The one with the chess pieces are wonderful It reminds me of the show “Queens Gammit”.