My Story
Hi, I’m Patty – the artist behind Salty Straw Hat.
Art wasn’t always part of my life. Growing up, I was more focused on sports and school left me with the impression that art simply wasn’t my strength. It wasn’t until later I realized creativity isn’t defined by rules or expectations – you decide what you allow yourself to explore.
In my mid twenties, I began experimenting with art purely for the joy of it, without pressure or the need to prove anything. What started as curiosity soon became a passion and today my studio is filled with canvases, brushes, paper, paints and colored pencils.
What I love most about art is the freedom to experiment – exploring different techniques, mediums and styles continually fuels my creativity. While I’ve worked across many forms, watercolor became my true focus.
It’s loose, flowing nature gives each piece a soft, organic quality that perfectly reflects the feeling I want to capture. Over time, I then began combining my hand-drawn watercolor and marker elements with digital collage backgrounds.
I grew up far from the ocean in eastern Germany, where the sea felt distant and unfamiliar. That changed in my early twenties when I spent a year in Bali with my now-husband, who introduced me to surf culture. The lifestyle, the sport, the connection to the sea deeply resonated with me and quickly became the main inspiration for my work.
Like many surfers, I share a profound appreciation for the ocean – an affection that only grew stronger after living part-time on a sailboat. The sea’s ever-changing character, from calm to wild, deep blue to glowing pastels, continues to inspire and amaze me.
I’m so glad you’re here!
Thank you so much for taking the time to learn a little bit about me and the heart behind my work!
I’m So Glad You’re Here!
Thank you so much for taking the time to learn a little bit about me and the heart behind my work!