A native of Montana, Pat received a BA in Applied Art from Montana State University, Bozeman, which included studies abroad in Italy and Holland. Her professional experience includes working part time as an illustrator, curator and gallery chairwoman, art teacher, volunteer with community arts programs and as an art docent for the public school system. Pat has studied extensively on her own and with nationally known artists whose work she admires. She is presently working full time in her studio.
With signature status in both the Pastel Society of America and the Northwest Pastel Society, Pat is also a member of Peninsula Art League and an elected member of Women Painters of Washington. Exhibiting regionally, nationally and internationally has won her many honors, including four Best of Show Awards, the most recent being at the Northwest Pastel Society Open International Exhibit.
Print On Demand and Fine Art Reproductions of her pastel paintings are being produced and distributed worldwide by Grand Image of Seattle. They are available from their catalogs at frame shops, poster shops and galleries or directly from the artist. Her reproductions have been featured at Art Expo, ABC Atlanta and other worldwide trade shows, and in trade publications such as Decor Magazine.
Pat was included in the “Master Pastel Artists of the World/US Showcase “Pastel Artist International Magazine, May/June 2002, featured in a solo article, “Patricia Meras, Painting Dreamy Landscapesâ€, Pastel Journal Magazine July/Aug 2002, International Artists Magazine, “Master Painters of the World, US Showcase†2007, included in An Enduring Legacy, Women Painters of Washington, 1930-2005, in the Daniel Smith Reference Catalogue 2005-06, and a Dakota Art Pastels Catalog 2006-2007 second prize cover contest winner.
“For many years, my focus was on drawing from a live model. Later, I experimented with various printmaking techniques: embossing, etching, monoprinting, chine colle, etc., which grew into a mixed media experience. Desiring a more painterly approach once again, I found pastel to be a wonderful link between drawing and painting. The pastels’ ability to maintain the integrity of individual strokes, combined with the liveliness of its colors, foster a passionate poetic language.
It intrigues me how light elevates a commonplace landscape to an extraordinary one. I strive for my paintings to be a lyrical account of that unique fleeting moment in time. My intent is simply to convey an emotional and intuitive response to the mystery and serenity of the landscape in light and shadow. Hopefully, I compel the viewers to interpret my work from their own rich pool of memories, impressions and experiences, and in a little different way each time they encounter it.â€
