Patti Emmilia P.

A little bit about you?

I’m Patti, the artist behind Patti Emmilia Art based in Perth, WA. I’m also a mum of many hats in a family of six, raising four beautiful little humans (almost 10, 8, 5 and 3), so life is wonderfully full—and often a little wild. Creativity has been part of me for as long as I can remember, and painting has become more than a passion; it’s my therapy. When my days are hectic and my mind is racing, art is where everything slows down. It invites me to pause, breathe, and disappear into colour, texture, and quiet focus until the outside world softens.

I’ve always been drawn to nature, and I’m endlessly inspired by the beauty that surrounds us here in Australia. I feel deeply grateful to call this place home. Being outdoors and staying connected to the natural world grounds me-calm settles in, and I try to weave that same sense of stillness into every piece I create.

All of my artworks are made with acrylic on canvas, often layered with mixed media and built up using a palette knife to create texture and movement. Ultimately, my goal is to paint modern, expressive moments of tranquility, beauty, and nature—a kind of visual exhale… gentle “mind therapy” in colour form.

With a degree in Psychology, I also hope to continue blending my love of art with my desire to support others, exploring the healing space where creativity and art therapy meet.

What is your favourite drink?

I love a good coffee!

What does your day look like as an artist?

My days are hectic in the best (and messiest) way — the constant juggle means there’s never a boring moment. Between the errands, the to-do lists, and everything that comes with family life, I’m always trying to sneak in little pockets of “me time” for painting.

Now that three of my kids are in full-time school, people keep asking, “So what are you going to do with all your free time?” Honestly… what free time? It still never feels like enough.

In the studio, I try not to rush. I want to paint with intention, but also let the piece unfold naturally — to go with the flow and allow it to be ready in its own time. I’m learning not to overthink every decision, and just trust myself and go for it.

Life is busy, messy, and downright chaotic… and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

What inspired you to start painting?

Now that I’m in my 40s, I realised I was standing at a crossroads — and I didn’t want to look back one day with regret, wondering why I never gave my passion a real chance. It’s such a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

With my husband and kids by my side, I dove in head first and started this little business of mine - learning as I go, taking it one step at a time and fully immersing myself in the process. It’s been equal parts scary and exciting… but it already feels so worth it.

Where can we purchase your work?
My art can be purchased through my website at www.pattiemmiliaart.com.au. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook @pattiemmiliaart and contact me directly.

What advice would you give other artists/creatives starting out?

It can feel so overwhelming at the start — like you’ve got a million ideas but no clue where to begin. If you’re in that phase, here’s your reminder: you don’t have to have it all figured out before you start.

Follow artists who spark something in you. Save what you love (hello Pinterest boards). Do a little research, brainstorm, collect colour palettes and textures that make your heart happy… and then just paint. Paint anything. Paint everything. Your style isn’t something you “find” overnight — it’s something you build through doing.

Try to show up daily, even if it’s only 15 minutes. Tiny pockets of time add up more than you think.

And most importantly: make what you love. You won’t please everyone (and you’re not meant to), but when you’re proud of what you create, that confidence shows — and it shines through your work.