Pat Meras, NPA, PSA

Gig Harbor, WA

“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 a little different way with each encounter.”

A native of Montana, Pat Meras received her BA in Applied Art from Montana State University, Bozeman, which included studies abroad at Le Instituto Francese in Florence, Italy, and The Academy of Art in Eindhoven, Holland. Her professional experience includes work as an illustrator, curator and gallery chairwoman, art teacher, juror, guest artist, demonstrator, mural painter, volunteer with community art programs and as an art docent for the public school system. She has continued her study with nationally known artists whose work she admires. A professional artist for over 35 years, she is presently working in her studio and “en plein air.” Her early focus was on drawing from the figure in black and white. Colored pencil, oil pastel and watercolor followed. Later, she experimented with various printmaking techniques, embossing, etching, monoprint, monotype, collage, which grew into a mixed media experience.

Pat has been influenced by the profound beauty of the islands and inlands of the Pacific Northwest. “The water, an ever changing landscape with its dreamy  nuances of light has become a frequent subject. This emerging interest in the landscape compelled me to return to a more painterly approach where 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 their colors, foster a passionate poetic language.”

Pat has been featured in a number of publications. With signature status in both the Pastel Society of America and the Northwest Pastel Society, she is also a member of Peninsula Art Leqgue, Plein Air Painters of WA, and an elected member of Women Painters of WA.

Her paintings are included in the public collections of Swedish Hospital in Issaquah, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle, Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center in Durango, CO, Tacoma Public Library, Peninsula Public Library in Gig Harbor, McFarland Cascade Pole Co. in Fife, WA, Ursaline Academy in Great Falls, MT, Havre Public Library, MT, and William Beaumont Hospital, Troy, MI.

Pat Meras is the judge for the 2023 Helen Norris Open Art Show at the Sidney Art Gallery.