''I love trees, love to be in the woods, love sunlit shadows. This came together.
Called it "Where I Belong". One of those keepers!''
https://www.instagram.com/pshepart/
How long have you been involved with the PPAA?
20 years!!!
When did you first fall in love with art?
As a teenager but wasn’t allowed to keep art materials in the home.
What is your background in art? (Formally trained or self taught)
Courses in Haliburton, a few at Buckhorn and workshops locally. I took a 3 month drawing and painting course.
What courses would you recommend any aspiring artist take? (Perhaps describe a course you’ve taken that has helped to sharpen your skills)
Courses on values, and color and composition. Best course I’ve ever taken was with Ann Blair Brown who makes each lesson interesting and valuable, never boring or tedious. Great weekly exercises to learn notan, grisaille, color and composition. She’s great at analyzing problem areas and shares how to improve in a positive way. Takes the time to thoughtfully consider your work and ask about your goals.
How would you describe your artistic style and who influences you the most?
Still all over the place because I like trying new things. I love modern impressionistic painting like Ann Blair Brown and her group. I like paintings that allow your imagination and interpretation to fill in the blanks. Barbara Benedetti Newton is a fabulous painter in all mediums. John Stuart Pryce, Albert Handell, Jenny Buckner, Marc Grandbois, Charlie Hunter.
What medium do you prefer to use and why?
I’ve used watercolour, pastels, acrylic and oil. Each one has its own magic. Watercolour allows for loose, spontaneous happenings. Pastels look incredibly soft with vivid colours. Acrylic allows you to paint faster and has vibrant colours. Oil lets you build and change as you go.
What can we look forward to seeing from you in the Fall Art Show?
Hoping to have a small series of paintings that have a unified theme as well as a few of my animal paintings.
What advice would you offer to a beginner just starting out?
Commit to painting as often as possible. Find a small space where you can leave your materials out. Paint every day even if it’s just a small, quick painting. Sketch as often as possible to develop your skills. Don’t get hung up on “wasting” materials. It’s a canvas, it’s a piece of paper. If it’s not perfection, move on to the next. The doing is just as important as the results, especially in the beginning. Go for it!
Thank you to Pat Shepherd for taking the time to answer my questions!
You can look forward to seeing her work at the upcoming Autumn Show
November 13 & 14th.
