Kayaking among the house boats in Eastlake, artist Patrick Howe gathers much of his inspiration from the way the water reflects early morning light.

Five years ago, the Seattle resident was given the “Best New Artist” award from the Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair and has since featured his work at the annual event.

This year, Howe has about 50 canvas paintings set up at his booth that all reflect one of his favorite themes – contemporary landscape.

From the way the brilliant orange leaves capture the sun’s glow in “Arbor Path” to the way the sun filters through the branches in “Golden Autumn,” Howe uses oil and water colors to capture scenes from settings such as the Arboretum or Discover Park.

“It’s amazing how much beautiful landscape qualities there are so close in the Northwest region,” Howe said. “You don’t have to go very far at all.”

Prices range from $195 to $3,600 for a large, 7 foot by 3 foot painting. Though many artists frame their work, he prefers to wrap the canvas around the edge so people can choose to frame it later, or hang it as is for a more contemporary look.

He noted that the event is known throughout the world as the preeminent arts fair of the Northwest.

It has been a great way for him to connect with the Northwest community, he said, but also with collectors who have come from different states and are interested in his work.

He looks forward to talking with people who pass by his booth and asking them what they find interesting about his work.

He invites the local community to drop by his studio, the Patrick Howe Gallery in Eastlake, and watch him work, using a direct painting method.

“Atmosphere is really the subject,” he said of his artwork. “It’s not just a tree, it’s the way the light reflects off it, or the way I hang other qualities from it, like the rain or nature.”

For more information, visit www.patrickhowe.com.