Artist Statement:

I enjoy the versatility of working in both pastel and oil – each allows me to express myself in singular ways, enriching my painting, and adding to my growth as an artist.

Most of my pastels begin with a transparent water-media under-painting, in a complementary color that sparkles through and contrasts with the opacity of the pastel strokes, adding unity to the work.  Although pastels’ pure pigments are in a stick form, I break them and apply them with broad strokes as if I were using a brush.  Pastel’s pure colors and refractive qualities shimmer on the surface of the sanded paper I use. I layer, blend, or place colors side by side to create iridescent luminous effects.  Just looking at the pastels in their trays, reminds me of the thrill of opening a box of 64 crayons as a child and breathing in the wonderful scent of “art”.

My objective is to tell a story, and capture a mood or a moment in time. I strive to describe only the essence of a scene leaving out unnecessary details, inviting the viewer to interpret the art through their own experience. I wish to create an emotional connection through the subject matter that resonates, and when that happens, it’s magic!

Biography:

Pamela Chase Newell is an award-winning artist, whose pastel and oil paintings have been recognized in many prestigious juried competitions.  Pam received her BFA from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. She continued her studies at the Indianapolis Art Center, and with Ron Mack, Dan Woodson, Bob Eberle, Todd Reifers, noted American Impressionist, C.W. Mundy, David Slonim, Todd Williams and Scott Tallman Powers.

Her luminous, colorful paintings have been selected for numerous exhibits including the Hoosier Salon, where she has exhibited for 15 years, Indiana Heritage Arts, Indiana Artists Club, Minnetrista, Open Space, Art About the Land, the Cincinnati Art Club - View Point National Competition, and the Chicago Pastel Painters National Juried Exhibition and well as solo shows. The Richmond Art Museum selected her paintings in 2008 for an invitational exhibit showcasing pastels by 13 award-winning artists from Indiana and Ohio.  In 2007 she exhibited in a collaborative solo show with the Smithsonian Institute at the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center in Zionsville. Pam was the featured artist in the 2007 January/February edition of Fishers/Geist Magazine, the September 2010 Indianapolis Woman Magazine and the April/May 2011 Hamilton County Business Magazine.

Specializing in impressionistic style paintings of landscapes, gardens, and still life, her expressive work reflects a love of gardening (as an Advanced Master Gardener), landscapes and nature.  She works in pure pastel, pastel over water media, and also captures many Indiana and regional scenes “en plein air” and in the studio with oils. The Fishers artist is a workshop instructor throughout the region and a faculty member of the Indianapolis Art Center.  Her oils and pastels have earned the Indiana Artisan designation.  In 2011 her pastel painting “In The Heartland” was presented to Lt. Governor Becky Skillman on behalf of Indiana Artisan and now hangs in the Lt. Governors’ office in the Statehouse. 

She has been honored to have her work juried into the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association’s Painting Indiana III project in collaboration with Indiana Landmarks.  In 2013 the result will be a book published by Indiana University Press showcasing Hoosier artists of the past along with the work of artists living today, celebrating the history, art and architecture of Indiana.

Galleries include: The Hoosier Salon, Indianapolis, the Brown County Art Guild, Nashville, and Renaissance Fine Art and Design, Carmel. Pam’s work is also found at The Indianapolis Art and Antiques Show, The Broad Ripple Art Fair, Art Fair on the Square and Penrod and is held in many private and corporate collections. An exhibition and workshop schedule can be found on her website at: www.pnewellart.com.  Studio visits are by appointment.

Links:

• Shows & Awards
• "Indianapolis Woman" Magazine Article
• "Fishers Geist" Magazine Article
• Inspirations Brochure - PDF