Salmagundi Palettes | Artist Member Spotlight | 2025 | July | Patt Baldino
Q&A with Artist Patt Baldino
Can you share a bit about your artistic journey — how did you get started, and what led you to where you are today?
My artistic journey began at the tender age of six, sparked by my artist brother’s passion and set by an early award in school. This foundational love for creation led me to the High School of Art & Design in NYC at 57th Street, which I adored for its extensive art curriculum. While initially hesitant about a four-year degree, I pursued an Associate’s in Graphic Design and Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology, eventually earning my Bachelor’s from the School of Visual Arts. I then built a successful career as a graphic designer, rising to Art Director, and later founded my own company specializing in package and logo designs for major clients like Playtex, Max Factor, and Kraft. Even then, my dedication to fine art persisted; I spent every Saturday painting and drawing at institutions like the Art Students League. This consistent practice gradually led to a full-time commitment to oil painting, a path I’ve now proudly pursued for the past 20 years.
Which artists, movements, or personal experiences have had the greatest influence on your work?
My work is deeply rooted in classical traditions, stemming from an early fascination with Leonardo da Vinci. This foundation was significantly strengthened by my studies with David Leffel and Victor Zalidari, where I honed my skills in the spirit of the Old Masters like Rembrandt. It was followed later at Jacob Collins’s Grand Central Atelier, where I truly mastered the art of rendering form. More recently, studying with Michael Klein allowed me to develop my approach to painting beautiful florals.
What inspires you most — do you find creativity in everyday life, nature, history, or something else entirely?
What inspires me most is the quest to inject ‘life’ into my paintings, often drawing from the everyday natural world. This direction became clear to me during a memorable session at the National Academy of Design. While a model was consistently falling asleep, a stunning bouquet of flowers brought into the room to be painted, instantly captivated me. It was a revelation, solidifying my decision to focus on still lifes and florals. To further animate these compositions, I experimented with adding birds. The enthusiastic response to these early pieces confirmed that birds were the perfect element to bring the vibrant energy I sought, leading me to regularly incorporate them into my still life paintings.
Could you describe your artistic process? Do you have any rituals or habits that shape your approach?
I like to work on drawing the composition first. I feel if a painting composition is off then so is the whole painting. Being a graphic design really helps with composition. Then I do a color block in and the painting develops from there
What mediums do you prefer to work with, and why?
My preferred medium is undoubtedly oil paint. I’m drawn to its incredible versatility, which allows for a rich and forgiving creative process. This flexibility is particularly valuable when I need to rework elements, such as adjusting backgrounds, to precisely capture the desired mood and atmosphere within my paintings.
How do you know when a piece is “finished”? Is there a moment of clarity, or do you sometimes struggle with letting go?
The journey to declaring a painting ‘finished’ often involves a collaborative step for me. While I work towards my own vision, as I approach what I perceive as the final stages, I make a point of sharing the piece with friends and family for their insights. This practice serves as a vital ‘proofreading’ phase; it’s remarkable how often a fresh perspective can reveal subtle inconsistencies or areas needing adjustments. Receiving honest feedback is something I greatly appreciate, as it helps me achieve the precise resolution I aim for in each work.
Are there recurring themes or messages in your work? What do you hope viewers take away from it?
In my backyard, I have several bird feeders. Always enjoyed watching the many varieties of birds and once I started painting them I realized how much I enjoyed bringing them to life on my canvas. There are around 11,000 species of birds, a lot to keep me busy for a while. Through my work, I aspire for viewers to feel the same sense of delight and appreciation for these creatures, fostering a greater connection to the living world around us.
Can you share a particularly meaningful or memorable piece you’ve created?
The painting that comes to mind is my “Floral Surprise”. It’s of peonies with a Blue Jay perched in the middle of the flowers. I really loved painting this one. Painting peonies with Michael Klein was a great learning curve for me. The Blue Jay is a favorite bird of mine to paint because of the colors and the elegance of that bird. Besides that, I was honored to win first place at the Salmagundi Club, Sylvia Maria Glesmann floral exhibition. I have been entering that show for years and was so happy to win first place especially with so many other talented artist in the show.
How has your style evolved over time, and do you see it changing in the future?
When I started painting, my paintings were very dark like the old masters. Over the years my paintings have become lighter. In the future, I would like to explore using a palette knife more. I love to play with different technique, feels it keeps me fresh. My style is unique and exploring ways to explore new ideas.
What has been the most challenging part of your career as an artist?
One of the initial challenges was navigating the business side of art. While I loved the creative process, understanding marketing, sales, and self-promotion was a steep learning curve.
Have you had any memorable collaborations or projects that shaped your perspective?
One collaboration that truly shaped my perspective was my involvement in the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) this past February. It was an honor to be juried into such a monumental show in Charleston, where I exhibited my bird paintings alongside more than 80 incredibly gifted artists for four days at the Charleston Place Hotel. This experience was eye-opening, making me deeply aware of just how expansive and thriving the wildlife art world truly is.
What advice would you give to emerging artists looking to make their mark in the industry?
For emerging artists aiming to make their mark, my key advice is to first establish an artistic foundation. With those essential skills in place, you gain the freedom to authentically express your passion. I highly recommend seeking out ateliers, they are unparalleled in teaching artists how to genuinely ‘see’ and translate their vision.
How has the Salmagundi Club influenced your work or artistic community experience?
The Salmagundi Club has significantly shaped my artistic journey, particularly within the community. Its reputation as a premier club for realism in contemporary art commands respect. When I share my membership, I consistently find that it resonates with people, reinforcing the quality and seriousness of my work, and opening doors within the broader art world.
What does being part of Salmagundi Club mean to you?
Being a part of the esteemed Salmagundi Club is a significant honor that greatly enriches my artistic journey. The visibility gained through exhibiting in their annual shows, coupled with the awards I’ve been fortunate to win, has been immensely beneficial for my career and resonates strongly with my audience on social media. Being part of such a well-established and influential art institution is a truly validating and inspiring experience.
Do you have any upcoming exhibitions or projects you’d like to share with our members?
I’m delighted to announce that my paintings will be featured at the Hamptons Art Fair from July 10-13th, presented through the George Billis Art Gallery. This is a fantastic opportunity, and I’m very much looking forward to it. Looking ahead, I will also have a painting included in the American Women Artists (AWA) exhibition, ‘A Vision of Nature,’ running from October 3, 2025, to March 22, 2026. This is a significant show, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
Currently, you can also view my work at the Hudson Valley Art Association show, hosted by the Lyme Art Association in Lyme, CT. This exhibition runs until the end of July, and I’m especially proud to share that one of my floral pieces received an award there!
Finally, I’m honored to have been juried into both the National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS) 2025 spring international online exhibition and the American Artists Professional League (AAPL) 2025 spring members online show. These virtual shows offer wonderful platforms to share my latest work.
