Pam Madland

The freedom to create, to express oneself, to paint or draw something that one sees or imagines, that’s the magic of art.

I owe much of my life to my high school art teacher who knew that art should be the center of my career even before I knew it. She convinced me that art would be my life’s pursuit and that I should study graphic arts in college. I did. Now I have two college degrees, one in Arts and the other in Instructional Technology.

After a lengthy career as a graphic designer, I wanted to explore the world of fine arts. My goal is to reach the peak of my ability as an artist, or at least have enough ability to create a less than perfect masterpiece.

Since 2011 I have been a member of Southwestern Artists’ Association. One of the things I enjoy most about being a member is sharing art with other people, whether it is through exhibitions, teaching, or just enjoying and talking about it. I have worked with different media – graphite, oils, watercolors, acrylics, and my newest favorite pastels. Each media has its advantages and disadvantages, but I prefer to explore the various ways a media can be used, especially pastels.

A great deal of impressionism has certainly influenced my own art, but I also like to explore the world of contemporary and modern art. I like the freedom that these styles of art can provide.

When I stare at a blank canvas or a sheet of drawing paper, I contemplate on what I would like to see. What subject would I like to explore, how do I want to paint it, what media to use. Sometimes there is some sort of connection between myself and my subject matter, like something I have seen, experienced, or just plain like. Other times it’s just a random thought or image that pops into my head. Most of the time, I end up painting favorite subjects of mine – nature, animals and wonderful places I have been in my life. No matter the subject or media, it is a joy to be able to create art. I can’t imagine my life without it.