Lou Patrou is a fine artist based in the Hudson Valley, New York. A lifelong creative, he began drawing in childhood and later studied photography at the U.S. Naval Schools in Pensacola, Florida. He went on to serve as a filmmaker in the Navy’s elite Combat Camera Group in Norfolk, Virginia.

After his military service, Lou moved to Hollywood, California, where he worked on TV shows, films, and major events, including productions for Disney, MTV, and the Academy Awards. Throughout the '80s and '90s, he continued to draw and paint between industry gigs. In 2000, he returned to the East Coast to focus on his art full-time.

"I have been drawing and painting faces and figures since the mid-1960s. Over time, the faces became more stylized, eventually incorporating design elements and structured compositions."

Lou’s work resists categorization. His pieces range from colorful, whimsical designs to serious black-and-white surrealism and pop-iconic imagery. Though often mistaken for digital graphics, his hard-edged works are meticulously hand-painted. His compositions are deceptively simple—built on obsessively refined shapes and balanced design.

Lou has exhibited in galleries across New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, New Orleans, Miami, London, and more. His work has appeared in over 40 international art and design publications, displayed in the London Underground, Times Square, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Art Week Miami, and on public buildings.

In addition to his fine art, Lou is actively developing a catalog of designs for apparel and lifestyle licensing. His work has been featured at SURTEX in NYC and Licensing Expo Las Vegas.