Your Painting Title Colors of the USA

Your NamePam Griner


MediumAcrylic Paint and Encaustic Wax

Your ProfileWhen I started working for the Artists League in 2011 I was fortunate to be in the position to take art classes from some of the best in the state of NC. I became intrigued by the alcohol ink painting process and developed a passion for alcohol ink painting. I love the versatility, brilliant colors, and flow of the ink. I have fun mixing other mediums with the inks – playing and experimenting with color and texture. I also really enjoy painting old furniture, frames, etc. with chalk paint. It seems I always have some type of paint product in my hair, on my clothes, or staining my hands! I am truly inspired and intimidated on a daily basis by all the amazing art and artists that surround me here at the Artists League.

The Story Behind Your PaintingWhen I began thinking about the type of painting I could enter in this fundraising contest I admit I was stumped. I mostly paint abstracts using alcohol ink. I took my canvas home and stared at it for many days. One sunny afternoon, on a whim, I picked up a brush and applied many different colors and shapes of acrylic paint to the canvas. I liked it – the different hues added a lot of contrast – yet they were pleasing to the eye. But, it was not patriotic…at all. So I heated up my encaustic wax iron, grabbed my red, white and blue wax blocks and went to town. Layering the hot wax over the vibrant acrylic colors. The result…an abstract that represents US. A mix of color and contrast, bound together by the patriotic values of our forefathers.