Linda Shannon-Hills
Patricia Duncan, a resident of SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) and active member of the SBR Art Club, is a representational pastel and oil painter whose work reflects a deep appreciation for natural beauty and cultural diversity.
Her artistic journey has been shaped by landscapes, people, and cultures from around the world, as well as by the quiet beauty of her Midwestern roots and the rugged Sonoran Desert she now calls home part of the year.
Growing up on the prairies of South Dakota, Patricia discovered her passion for drawing and painting early in life. Though her first degree was in ballet from the University of Utah, the visual arts remained her steady companion. After raising five children, she returned to painting with renewed focus, studying under nationally and internationally recognized artists. For more than a decade she trained extensively with Joseph Paquet (Plein Air Painters of America) and studied the Old Master’s Danish/Flemish oil techniques with Jeff Hurinenko.
Patricia continues to paint from life, whether outdoors on location or in her studio, and she thrives on the challenges of changing light and fleeting scenes. Her works range from quiet prairie landscapes to vibrant urban views; each infused with both technical skill and heartfelt vision. She has been juried into numerous exhibitions and plein air events, is a member of the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, and is represented by Kelley Gallery and The Art Resources Gallery.
Her teaching is just as meaningful as her painting. Patricia offers classes and retreats at her Bone Lake, Wis., studio and has also taught workshops at SaddleBrooke Ranch. She blends her extensive art training with her background in Adlerian psychology, creating a unique teaching style that connects creativity with personal growth.
One example is her workshop Grief and Healing Through Art and Movement Towards Wellness, inspired by the loss of her daughter, Abbey, in 2010. This program encourages participants to use artistic expression as a path toward healing, drawing on the idea that “inside of each person is a creative force that is identical with the Life Force.” Through color, form, and movement, she helps others rediscover joy, peace, and resilience.
Whether painting in the desert, teaching in her studio, or guiding others through art as a path to wholeness, Patricia Duncan embodies the spirit of creativity and community. We are fortunate to have her as part of the SBR Art Club.