Delicate butterflies rest tentatively atop colorful flowers. Exotic Tropical fish swim amid underwater fantasy.

"My goal is to create a peaceful, relaxing mood with a spot of interest that will, with your own imagination, become more interesting to you as time goes by," explains Patricia Paik Estes of her unique art style.

Pat, a native born Californian of Korean descent, studied extensively at Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, earning her bachelor’s degree from Cal-State, Los Angeles, and her master’s from USC. She also studied in Mexico on a scholarship.

Pat combines realism, impressionism and surrealism with an original glazing technique that is very difficult to achieve. "I wanted to develop a unique style that no one had ever done before," she continues.

Although she studied oils and watercolors in school, Pat prefers to use acrylic paint, which is longer-lasting because of its synthetic pigment.

"Each new experience adds to my background which I incorporate in my work," explains Pat, who continues to teach art at the high school level and along with her love of the arts she finds time to be active in many art related projects and organizations.

Pat and her late husband, Russ, resided in California for the better part of their lives and up until his passing in 2005 Russ, also an artist, worked together to create award winning fine art in multiple mediums.  Pat was very instrumental in helping Russ develop his unique art style that combines dry point etching and relief printing.

Pat and Russ were two of 12 artists in the state who were registered with the National Museum and Gallery Registration Association in Washington, D. C.,  Membership in the National Gallery was by invitation only from the board of directors. One of every 800 applicants is accepted.  The gallery would place the artist’s work in archives, appraise it, lists,  and registered the work.  This process would inform the buyer that this is a valid collectible artist.  Fifteen of Pat’s works are now in limited edition of 500 lithographs.

As did the masters of old, she paints on panel rather than canvas.

Because her work has been on exhibit all over the United States, Pat  traveled extensively to art shows throughout the country.

Pat's accolades include her invitation to exhibit her works in Spain, France and Switzerland. "The more I travel and the more I see, the more I can draw from inside myself," she observes. Her work has appeared on the sets of featured television programs.

Pat’s awards have been numerous. Amongst those include the key to the city by the mayor of Santa Barbara in 1979 when she won a gold medal for Best of Show in the international competition that was held there.

Since 1975 the Paik name has won many other competitions on a national and international scale. "Each painting is a whole new experience," she smiles, "because I don’t know the outcome ahead of time."  "It’s important to know when to stop and not overwork a painting. I like to think that from any angle my paintings have well balanced composition."

Although painting is her first love, Pat is an extremely well-rounded artist who is at home with any media.  Metal sculpture, weaving, stitchery, macramé, clay sculpture and jewelry making are among her many talents.

Her creativity even extend into music and dance. She has given Korean folk dancing performances for international festivals and fairs. The Kayageum, a long stringed traditional Korean instrument , stands in the hallway, and Pat’s deft fingers bring it to life.

With artistic ability going in so many directions, it would be easy to be disorganized-but not Pat. "Once I start a project I have to keep at it until I’m finished," she smiles.

Paik . . . soft-spoken and self assured . . Invites you to explore the works featured in the Paik Gallery.

Welcome!