Paula Hare ARTIST

PAULA HARE
ARTIST'S STATEMENT

"Out to Pasture"

11 x 14 Oil on Linen.

I am a life-long artist whose practice is rooted in fine art and shaped by 30+ years of work as a graphic designer, illustrator, and creative director at my own 12-person firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trained at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and completing a BFA, my foundation in drawing, composition, design, and visual storytelling continues to guide how I see and make paintings today.

Drawing was integral to my daily work and career. I translated ideas into visuals so employees, clients and marketing teams could clearly understand complex concepts. That work sharpened my ability to distill ideas, balance structure and communicate visually.

Working both en plein air and in the studio, I am drawn to unusual juxtapositions, overlooked details and moments that reveal subtle narratives. I’m interested in objects, places and scenes that are often passed by, yet carry meaning, history and stories. Through careful observation and composition, I aim to give these objects and moments clarity and presence.

My work is held in galleries, selected for juried competitions, and is part of private and corporate collections nationwide.

2026 NEWS

Paula's painting titled, "The Final Story of Glenn's Barn" continues to receive accolades and acceptance into national juried exhibitions. The first acceptance for 2026 is a show sponsored by the Honeywell Foundation in Wabash, Indiana and juried by award-winning artist, Penny French-Deal. Here's what she had to say about the submissions by artists from around the country:

"In reviewing the submissions, I considered a range of criteria, including an immediate "WOW” factor—works that captured my attention through a strong overall execution. I looked for thoughtful composition; a clear understanding of color, technique, and value; the ability to convey a narrative; and a sense of emotional intention. After four rounds of careful review, I selected 66 works from a total of 174 entries.

My goal was to curate an exhibition that is both engaging and cohesive—one that invites viewers to move through the space with curiosity and intention."

RECENT STUDIO WORKS

WAUKESHA PLEIN AIR - 2023 - 2024 - 2025

Paula's painting, "Swiped a Few Mugs" won best nocturne painting in the Waukesha Plein Air competition - 2023. "As a Waukesha native, John's Root Beer has been a favorite root beer and hotdog stand in my family for three generations."

In 2024 her paintings titled, "Down Gaspar," and "Tight Squeeze," won critical acclaim by the judges.

PLYMOUTH PLEIN AIR - October 2023 - 2024

40 Wisconsin plein air artists competed for recognition and awards at "Paint the Towns in Fall Color" in Plymouth, Wisconsin.

My paintings won awards in 2023 and 2024.

"From Humble Beginnings"

14 x 18 Oil on linen - "Best of historic towns" winner Plymouth, WI 2024

JUDGES COMMENTS: "Color and composition caught my attention from a distance.

I always enjoy a composition that pulls you in and allows the eye to explore. Upon closer inspection, I also enjoyed the brushwork."

"Set a spell" 16 x 20
Oil on Linen - SOLD

JUDGES COMMENTS:
"This painting invites you to enter and sit on the bench for a conversation. The warm color choices drew me in. I enjoy the bold strokes of color and the sunny quality it conveys. Lovely piece."

Hector Acuna, Artist and Educator - Wisconsin

"...great to see how you've organized color, design, and paint application. The motorcycle street scene holds a real punch and sense of character in the bold line and shape relationships. I enjoy the subtle and sensitive color/value properties..."