Mayer’s strong Chicago roots led her to do her Chicago Sports series.

After 30 years of a successful career in the business world, Patricia Mayer launched a new career as an artist.

Her work is selected for the St. Charles Fine Art Show, May 23-24. She will also have an exhibit at Conscious Cup in Crystal Lake July 10-Aug. 7, and at the Northbrook Art Festival, July 11-12.

Besides the art shows, where she shows larger canvas works, Mayer also creates smaller items that work well as gifts or souvenirs like coaster, greeting cards, note cards, ornaments and even puzzles. Two area stores sell her items: Material Things Artisan Market on Woodstock Square, and Savour Art Gallery in Algonquin.

Mayer lives in Woodstock with her husband and a puppy named Pearl. As a Craftsman corporate buyer at Sears, Mayer gave some clues to her creative ability. Still, most of her acquaintances failed to suspect the artist within.

Mayer’s career gave her a chance to think analytically and make decisions based on data. When coupled with her dynamic personality, Mayer’s creative problem-solving and unique perspective became a force Soon this combination made her the go-to person, when it came to harnessing unique perspectives and solutions.

Then Mayer developed Rheumatoid Arthritis. She could no longer handle corporate stress and cope with RA. She opted for early retirement. Mayer knew no one with the disease, so she found consolation with a fibromyalgia support group. Before long, Mayer split off and founded a local arthritis group who meet to support each other and listen to expert speakers.

Mayer paints scenes that are dear to her. Originally, Mayer painted places she traveled like European scenes, and places around Door County, Wis. She considers her early work pastoral. Every chance she got, Mayer attended clinics and workshops, until her unique style emerged, took shape, and solidified.

Now Mayer says her art is “kinda out there, because it’s something beyond the photograph. It’s more experiential.”

Some people call her style expressionism because of the loose brush strokes. Mayer works primarily with acrylics.

“Acrylic dries fast, so I get most saturated, vibrant colors,” she said.

Her goal is to convey emotion and a response to an experience.

Mayer grew up in Chicago and went to school in a regimented all girls classroom of 55 students. She was a good student and participated in sports, but never stood out in a crowd.

“We didn’t mess around,” she said. “In that environment, we just kind of made it.”

Mayer finds it very interesting that she has had the opportunity to develop as an artist later in life.

“Don’t be afraid if you think differently,” she said. “Embrace your differences. Being different could really be your strength. It could be that what makes you different is something that you are so much better at than anyone else.”

Mayer’s strong Chicago roots led her to do her Chicago Sports series. Next, she plans to paint some of Chicago’s cultural sites like Orchestra Hall, and the museums.

“Perhaps,” she said, planning far in advance, “After that I will paint Woodstock Square.”