Pamela Haddock

Watercolor Artist

I remember a time in the early 1960‘s in West Virginia when my dad and I were boating on a newly

formed lake that had been created for flood control.  My dad had hiked into the area a few months

before and as we drifted over the flooded landscape he talked about the homes that used to exist but whose remains were now far below us in the depths.  He had picked up some old bottles and horseshoes on his hike and something in his tone and reverence for the items collected stirred my heart and imagination.  

Some of my work is derived directly from places where I have been but many have been run through my imagination.  My sisters tell me that regardless of whether they are real places or imagined they are places where our dad would have liked to have hiked and visited. 

My work is a form of storytelling, through suggestion, color and by creating a mood I call emotional content.   My collectors often add to the stories, telling me they remember the sound of the screen door slamming on the porch or the smell of the hay in the loft.  They describe my work as bold and

emotional.

Living for the past 21 years in Western North Carolina on the Plott Balsams which comprise part  of the Blue Ridge Parkway I have a front row seat  to watch the weather's moods which I faithfully chronicle.  Around every bend is another barn or old home place, stream or waterfall to record and to learn it's story.

Watercolor is my medium and I think its unique qualities serve me well.  I love playing with the light

watercolor has the ability to capture  like no other medium.  I  tell my stories in as direct and concise 

way as possible - working fast on wet paper allowing the paint to do its work.   It is in the planning of the painting where I spend most of my time.  I like to make sure to express as clearly as possible my personal reaction to my subject.  Simplifying shapes and using strong pigments I "suggest" to the viewer and let them fill in the blanks. 

I think my work shows my love and respect for the subjects I choose.  "I've been there!" one patron

exclaimed while viewing one of my pieces that was for the most part imaginary.   What a great

compliment!

28-226-4268