Pam Ingalls will be teaching a Still Life and Portrait workshop at
Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio (WIFAS) in May. Strong color and sound drawing
are primary in Pam’s paintings. Her choice of simple subject matter is
surprising, sometimes humorous, and always full of emotion.
Read our recent interview with Pam to get a feel for who she is as an
artist.
Q: When did your interest
in art begin and how long have you been an artist?
A:
Both of my parents are artists, so drawing was just a part of our family
life. In Junior High I started to get hooked, and I majored in Art at Gonzaga U—where
my father was an art professor. I also went to the Accademia in Florence, Italy
my junior year. But I didn't really completely decide to give my all to art
until I was in my early 30's.
Q: What do you seek to communicate
through your art or your art instruction?
A: My favorite subject matter is everyday life and
everyday people. I hope that people will get a new look at their own
surroundings by seeing my version of everyday life. Maybe they'll be inspired
to express what they see in their own way.
Q: What drives you as an artist?
A: I'm
always striving to get more skill, to paint more fluidly.
Q: What is a recent piece of art you created and what
inspired you to paint it?
A: It could be anywhere at all that I get inspired to paint.
I was at my friend Sandy's house last summer when I spotted the sink in her
loft. I knew I would have to paint the lovely, everyday scene.
Also, I've been painting portraits in different small
communities that are similar in size to Vashon Island, where I live. One of my
favorite portraits from this long-term series was a girl I painted named
Josalin in Comalapa, Guatemala. Sort of an imp, she had a wonderful, honest
look to her. I couldn't resist painting her!
Q: Do you have a favorite brand of paints, brushes, or canvas that you
use?
A: I got hooked on DaVinci paints
about 25 years ago because they are so buttery. I'm used to them, so I know just
how to mix the colors I want. I use a very limited palette: two reds, a warm
yellow, two blues, black, and white. I like soft brushes, and any brand will do
for me. I paint on gessoed masonite.
Q: What advice do you have for artists seeking to improve their work?
A: I think making copies of paintings you admire is one of
the best ways to improve. With all the access we have from books and the
internet, we can learn from almost any artist that's ever lived! It's never
been so easy to learn!
