Mr K Cup
“I told Patti that I had a Keurig machine that didn’t work and she said she wanted it for parts to put in her mixed media pieces. Well, Patti found a Keurig machine in the closet and assumed that was it. It wasn’t. She took apart a new machine that I was saving for the camper.
I came home to a pile of pieces, told her it was the wrong one, and after being properly horrified at what she did, she laughed and decided to make me a piece of art from it. So she made a robot who sits on a pedestal that says “I’m Sorry I Ate Your Coffee Maker.”
He is wonderful, and the bloody human teeth (cast from Invisalign Braces) make him incredibly creepy.”
– Nan S.
Brenna’s House of Horrors
“I got my house of horrors for my birthday, and the amount of detail is insane! It is even personalized, and has some of my favorite things included in it, like references to video games that I love. It even has a room geared towards my boyfriend’s interests, with a heavy metal baby with a mohawk and band posters. I love that a lot of the parts are movable and magnetic so I can keep changing the house and keep finding fun ways to change the décor in each room.”
– Brenna H
“An ode to the greatest Christmas story ever told…Die Hard! Patti went beyond my expectations with my custom tree topper. I have friends ask me all the time where I purchased it. My kids know it’s not officially Christmas in our house unless they see Bruce Willis hanging off the Nakatomi building that sits nestled on our tree. My wife and I love it so much we commissioned a second tree topper; Ghostbusters themed. Can’t wait!”
– Ryan and Kellie W.
From Patti Hogarty: To create this tree topper of a scene from the movie “Die Hard” in which the hero jumps off the roof of the Nakatomi Tower while narrowly escaping an explosion, I first needed to create Bruce Willis’s character John McClane because that would determine the scale of everything else.
I thought 1:12 scale would work (1” equals 1 foot), so I bought a posable doll body online and also purchased a 3D print of Bruce Willis’ head from a different supplier.
I used “Apoxy Sculpt” to cover the “ball and socket” joints of the doll body. Then I sculpted pants for him, a watch and a walk-in-talkie. For the fire hose, I pushed a wire through a white ribbon so that it could be adjusted and put a nozzle on it.
I printed still images from the film as reference for how the fire hose was tied around his waist, for insight on how to paint him and for details like the bandage on his foot and the gun hanging on his shoulder.
Researching Nakatomi tower made me realize that trying to recreate it was too ambitious for my skills. So I just tried to make something that would look like a tall building by using forced perspective.
For the explosion, I made a ball shaped wire frame covered with cotton that I painted yellow and orange. The explosion screws off so the lightbulb can be changed easily.
The tower has hooks at the top that John McClane’s firehose can attach to so that he can be moved around the building or even off the building (incase he wants to go hang on the fridge when he’s hungry!). Magnets are hidden around the building to help hold John steady.
Collaborating on this with Ryan was SO fun. I don’t say “yes” to many commissions, but I loved the idea of this so much that I just had to make it and see it in person.
Alcohol Ink Layers
“Patti created this three dimensional painting. It reminds me of what the Milky Way might look like. I fell in love with the colors. Every time I look at it I can see something different.”
Patti Hogarty: This was made by putting alcohol ink on yupo paper, then using a wood burning tool to cut away holes in the yupo paper and layering them on top of each other.
– Kathy W.
A Heartwarming Tribute
I recently had the privilege of receiving a truly heartfelt gift from Patti: a charcoal drawing of my dearly departed Sasha. To say that I am delighted with the result would be an understatement. Patti’s talent for realism and impeccable attention to detail have left me in awe.
As I gaze at the artwork, it’s as if Sasha’s spirit is right there with me, immortalized on paper. The level of resemblance goes far beyond a mere likeness; Patti has somehow managed to encapsulate Sasha’s very essence. The memories of our shared moments come rushing back, and though bittersweet, the drawing brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.
Every little nuance of Sasha’s character has been masterfully captured, from the expressive glimmer in her eyes to the texture of her soft fur. It’s almost as if the charcoal drawing breathes with life, and I feel an intimate connection to my beloved princess through this artwork.
Sadly, Sasha is no longer with us, but thanks to Patti’s exceptional talent, I have a cherished memento that now graces my wall. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, transporting me back to the joyful times we spent together.
I am deeply grateful to Patti for her dedication and skill. Her artistry goes beyond just creating beautiful drawings; they have the remarkable ability to infuse their pieces with the very essence of our furry companions. This charcoal drawing is more than just a piece of art; it’s a timeless tribute to the love we shared with our pets.
– Rani C.
“I gave Patti a photo of my oldest son and his son, my grandson, fishing. She created this amazing painting and colored the boots and fishing box, and then made me a treasure box with the same photo. This is a treasured gift that I gave to my son.”
– Kathy W.
From Patti Hogarty: Whenever someone asked me to create a painting of someone, I would tell them that I’m not good at painting humans. It’s difficult for many artists to realistically capture people’s likeness because if you get one thing wrong, it looks really strange. Not that “strange” is a bad thing; I’m actually a big fan of peculiar things. However, when I’m creating a representation of someone, I aim for different impressions.
Nevertheless, I still enjoy a challenge and I considered that painting people’s backs might be something I could do. It’s more forgiving and has a touch of mystery, which makes it captivating.
Therefore, I have decided to embrace this approach to overcome my obstacle. However, instead of painting them freehand, I opted to print the photo and do an image transfer, where the ink transfers the image onto the canvas for me. From there, I paint over it.
I have used the improvisational comedy tool called “Yes, and… thinking.” “Yes,” I’m not skilled at drawing human faces. “And” there are alternative ways to represent a person in paint aside from their face.
As a result, I began occasionally painting the subject’s back rather than their front.
So, I encourage you to view your weaknesses as challenges that require a different problem-solving approach. Embrace your own unique talents and quirks. Explore different perspectives and approaches to your passions. There’s only one way to discover your potential as an artist.
Harry Potter Apothecary Cabinet
“My mom, Patti, made a meticulously crafted Harry Potter cupboard. Words cannot express how impressed I am with the level of detail and craftsmanship put into this masterpiece!
From the moment I laid eyes on the cupboard, I was transported to the enchanting world of Harry Potter. Every inch of the cupboard has been carefully designed and meticulously executed to mirror the whimsical and magical essence of the Wizarding World.
Upon opening the multiple cupboard doors, I was met with a treasure trove of magical surprises. Each cupboard and nook is adorned with tiny replicas of spellbooks, potion bottles,, and magical trinkets, all expertly handcrafted with incredible precision. The attention to detail in each item is simply remarkable, down to the tiniest etchings on the spellbook covers and the minute color variations of the potion bottles.
This remarkable piece of art has become the centerpiece of my home, sparking countless conversations and leaving a lasting impression on all who see it. Its attention to detail, magical surprises, and the nostalgic charm it exudes make it a standout piece that brings the magic of the Wizarding World into our everyday lives.”
– Kate H.
Legend of Zelda Diorama
“Patti created this beautiful Legend of Zelda piece for me.
It takes inspiration from across the entire Zelda universe and has a ton of hidden cabinets and drawers that are filled with even more odds and ends from Hyrule.
Patti spent quite a bit of time doing research into what Zelda was and how she could make the best piece possible. She did such a great job with the research! So many references in the piece that just make me so happy to look at.
The Zelda games were my happy place so I get nothing but joy from looking at this incredible piece that Patti had made for me.”
– Joey H.
From Patti: Joey grew up with my daughter and has always been one of my favorite people. So when he asked if he could commission a Zelda art piece I was excited to learn about one of his childhood joys.
There are so many important props and items in the world of Zelda that I wanted to make a room where the hero, Link, might have as an old man where he stored souvenirs from his journeys. A “man cave” where Link could display his treasures and memories.
I bought a couple huge books for myself to use as research and spent hours online at “Zelda Wiki” learning everything from the smallest ingredients used in cooking to large parasails and balloons used for traveling around Hyrule.
The shelves and countertops that I made are magnetic, as well as the items and props that can be stored on them. I wanted Joey to be able to pick up and examine items, then arrange them without them falling over and off the shelves.
I love interactive art. Even better if it has lights! So I used LED lights to make glowing fairies and Poe Souls in jars. I put lights in the gem display table so that the crystals and rupees would glow. The shelves and countertops are lit to reveal food, cooking ingredients, plants and props.
I hope you enjoy discovering all the detail in these photos. Not knowing anything about the Legend of Zelda games didn’t stop me. But it did take a long time for me to make; partly because I needed time for research and the ideas that are inspired by it and partly because Joey didn’t give me a deadline -which I took advantage of. So I worked on this diorama concurrent with many other projects. I needed time to try new things and time to fail (third times’ the charm with me).
I turned this around in about 3 months.
Robobulbs
“My Robobulb Figurine is a true testament to the imaginative prowess of its creator. With its unique combination of robotic elements and hodgepodge design, this figurine stands out as a remarkable work of art. The attention to detail is impeccable, with each component carefully chosen and expertly crafted to create a delightful sense of whimsy and humor.
What sets this figurine apart is its ability to bring a smile to your face and ignite your imagination. Its charming character is evident in every inch of its design, from the quirky expression to the exaggerated, oversized tongue. It’s a playful representation of a robotic being that transcends the conventional and ventures into the realm of pure creativity.”
– Rani C.
From Patti: I made 4 Robobulb figurines as gifts for some of my friends. They were SO fun to make!
The Medinah Shriner’s Club Steampunk Treasure Chest
“In the heart of Indiana, a group of spirited Shriners, known as the Medinah Shriners Club, parades through the streets in true pirate fashion. Their vessel of choice? A magnificent pirate ship that sails through the cheers and applause of the onlookers. But what’s a pirate ship without a treasure chest to hold its prized possessions? That’s where I came into the picture, tasked with turning an ordinary toybox into a fantastical Pirate Treasure Chest to grace the bow of their ship.”