Patricia Gomez, *was born April 8, 1962. +Age 62, of Tampa, Florida passed away on Sunday October 2, 2022

I have painted throughout my whole life although my formal career was in law. Since my retirement in 2019 I have become a full time artist. As such, I work mostly with acrylics and oils on canvas and make sculptures out of clay.

I was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia and have resided in Tampa since 1998. My art is informed both by the influence of my Colombian, Caribbean roots, and my life in beautiful Florida. Vibrant colors and textures are ever present in my paintings and sculptures.

I am a cancer survivor that savors and celebrates each day. I thank God for family, music, nature, every person in my life and for art. Creating keeps me going.

Formation: During the 80’s I took drawing classes with Omar Gordillo in Bogotá, Colombia. During 1984-1985 I learned various painting techniques at the Dudhope Art Centre in Dundee, Scotland. Back in Colombia I took painting classes with Nelly Rojas a fantastic painter, mentor and human being under whose direction I learned to trust my artistic instincts. As luck had it, I found Candace Knapp, an accomplished artist who I am proud to call my friend in Tampa, Florida. For nearly 20 years, on and off as my studies and work permitted I have been attending her classes weekly. The time spent with her and other artists at the Old Hyde Park Art Center is the highlight of my week.

Local Group Exhibits: Tampa Art Museum, HCC College, TECO Gallery, Feathered Serpent Gallery, Old Hyde Park Art Center, Gilbert Chapel, First United Methodist Church de St. Petersburg, FL. I have also participated in several other exhibits organized by the Coalition of Hispanic Artists (CHA) of which I am a co-founder and member.

Awards: National Painting Contest for Public Employees, Bogotá, Colombia 1986; 2007 Calendar of the Hispanic Alliance of Tampa Bay; 2008 Calendar of the Hispanic Alliance of Tampa Bay (finalist); 2nd Annual Día de la Raza, Feathered Serpent Gallery, St. Petersburg, FL, 2013.