Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Wingard.
Hi Pamela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I remember sitting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, sketching for hours and studying the hand-drawn fashion ads in the Sunday paper. I grew up watching my mom paint ceramics, do macramé, crochet, and sew, while my dad encouraged me to write and pursue my education.
I began my college career as an art major, and my dad encouraged me to ‘take a few business classes.’ I’m sure he was a little worried about me supporting myself as an artist. I ended up changing my major from art to journalism to business, and then went on to get an MBA and work in corporate America as an Account Executive. Wanting to express myself creatively, I went back to school to get a degree in Graphic Design, never thinking I could make a career out of the fine arts.
It wasn’t until my children were small that I picked up a paintbrush. I began painting one evening a week under the guidance of a talented local art instructor. At that point, I realized I preferred the canvas to the computer. I began selling my original artwork and then expanded my business into prints and products.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Gosh, there were lots of struggles! My path wasn’t a straight line, for sure. After I left my corporate job, I illustrated stationery, did design work for small businesses, and then gradually focused on my original paintings. I painted from my studio in Charlotte and sold my work in various locations in the Southeast. I spent time traveling with my husband Joe and visiting our adult sons in Atlanta and Austin.
Then my husband passed away suddenly in 2021. Our boys were grown and out on their own, and I looked around and wondered what I was doing with my life. So, I decided I needed a fresh start. I traveled back and forth from Charlotte to Charleston for a couple of years, taking care of my mom, who was struggling with myeloma. I had always found joy in turning my music up loud and painting, and I was finding it hard to do that. Eventually, I found solace and peace in my art, and it continues to bring me joy.
I moved to Charleston full-time last fall. I’ve always been drawn to coastal art, and I love the beach, so that has been reflected in my work. Now I’m surrounded by all of the beautiful marshes and ocean that inspire me every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I paint abstracted and painterly landscapes, mostly in coastal themes. I paint in acrylics, using oil sticks, oil pastels, and charcoal in my work.
I paint to capture the ‘feel’ of a place, whether a marsh, a vineyard, or the ocean. The beauty of nature makes me feel peaceful and close to God. I enjoy being outdoors, and travel has always been essential to my life, so I reflect that on my canvas. Travel has been incorporated into my work with series inspired by France, Italy, and the California wine country.
I like the imperfection of bold, expressionistic brushstrokes, layers, and line. I used to paint more realistically because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do. Then I realized I’m not ‘supposed’ to do anything but be who I am.
I paint like I cook, and I have a recipe in mind, but throw in a few ingredients that sound good together. I don’t measure, and I find my way as I go.
Much how I’d like to live my life, now that I think about it.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see people taking more of an interest in original art and high-quality prints. Rather than decorating their homes with whatever they find at a local box store, they are selecting art that ‘speaks’ to them in some way. They find art that has a special meaning to them, whether that’s a place they’ve been or a color that moves them. Many people are beginning to understand the value of art as an investment piece that also makes them happy when they see it every day.
I’m also seeing a shift to small archival prints for those who are beginning to collect art but don’t have the budget to spend a lot on a large original.
Contact Info:
- Website: pamwingard.com and barefootlivingco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelawingardart and https://www.instagram.com/barefootlivingco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamelawingardart
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-wingard-0a48b012/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamwingardart
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=jgjX_r3Io1eGwmUqeV_30g&utm_source=ishare
