PJ (Pamela) Copeland
Member of Alberta Society of Artists, Pastel Artists of Canada and Exhibiting member of Federation of Canadian Artists.
I have always loved art and could be found drawing all through my childhood. During school, I would be the one others often came to for help when we were to create an image of some type. I married young and through a series of events, life took over and any plans to attend art school fell through. It wasn't until 2000, that I decided this was it...I was going to get some training and it was now or never! I enrolled in classes at the University of Alberta Extension Department. I had met UofA instructor, Ron Wigglesworth, at workshops prior to these classes and was excited and happy to be able to be taught and then, mentored by him. He cemented my love for chalk pastels and opened the door to printmaking as well. We are still good friends and I treasure his advice. Since then, I have experimented with acrylics as well, honing some skill in that medium. As time allows (I am retired now), I hope to continue into oils as well as expand on my pencil and ink skills. It's about time!
I love nature and revel being in it as much as I can. Much of my work is based in that love, in hopes that others will lose themselves in my interpretations. I am also passionate about portraiture and have done several of my family members and friends. No interpretations here, just trying to portray the character of the subject as closely as possible. Challenging and fun!
Acrylics are newer to me and I have come quite a way in working with them. I work on canvas and panel board but recently started painting on dried wood with bark or live edge. They have been well received as I am able to price them within reach of more folks.
I am an older artist and worry that I may not have enough time to explore everything I want to do, so I work at painting and other subject matter as much as possible! Making hay while the sun shines, so to speak...! So much draws me in and becomes a spark in my soul; I am doing my best to capture each and every one of those sparks!
In prior years, I am pleased to have been able to include the Late Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Lois Hole, and Canadian Olympic Cycling Gold Medalist, Lori-Ann Muenzer, as purchasers of my work.
Displaying outdoors how pastels work not long after moving to Claresholm. (Much younger with much darker longer hair!)
Earlier, I have shown work at the University of Alberta Extension Gallery, Electrum Gallery, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Fringe Gallery, and had work in the Red Deer and District Museum as part of the juried provincial level of the Alberta Community Art Club Association (ACACA), and also at Visual Arts Alberta Association.
I have received multiple awards in the early 2000's at the Yellowhead Rotary