Oil Paintings

Val Pate's landscape paintings result from his focus on light and strong topographical composition.  Many of his paintings originate from his time spent in the Scottish Highlands, which have drawn him back repeatedly.  His concern with light and atmosphere establishes a mood, particularly apparent in his portrayal of nature in moments of transition, often those preceding or just following a storm.

Shorebird Decoys                                                   

Inspired by the carving of shorebird decoys once used in hunting, the art of decoy-making has evolved into symbolic expression.

In the heritage of my Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore family, my birds are mostly south bay carvings. My decoys are not the highly feathered, slavishly painted detail birds, but are traditional and impressionistic in the gunning style. I make stickup "flaties" and "root head" rigs. They are intended to evoke the feeling of a more simple way of life, organic and heartfelt.