Painting is Paula's passion.  Her head is always filled with images and ideas for the ever elusive masterpiece.  She took a detour from art for 20 years while working for the Central Intelligence Agency in Northern Virginia.  Since her early retirement in 1993, she has pursued a self-directed education in art by enrolling in classes and workshops, visiting museums, reading art books, and most importantly, painting a lot.  She has copied works by Vermeer, Renoir, Monet, Whistler, and Sargent in hopes that some of their brilliance might find its way into her work.

While on her artistic journey, Paula discovered that she likes to paint flowers, people, and dogs and cats.  She works in oil, acrylic, and pastel in a representational/impressionistic style.  She is also a colorist who likes to use bold color passages balanced by neutrals.

In 2006, Paula was commissioned to create a 5x7 foot mural for the historic Pine Knoll building in Southern Pines, NC.  In 2010, she painted two, 7x8 foot murals for the Fin Restaurant at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City, NJ.  And in 2012, she created 7 large murals for the El Vaquero Restaurant in Southern Pines.

Paula, a resident of Pinehurst, NC, has participated in the last two summer shows held at the Falling Rivers Gallery, where she won First Place honors in the 2012 painting category.

"It takes a lot of discipline and perseverance to stay on the artistic path," says Paula.  "I have worked hard to improve my drawing skills, harmonize colors, employ eye-catching designs, and search for my own style.  I don't always get it right, but I am still passionate about creating work that reflects the beauty that surrounds us all."

More of Paula's work can be seen at www.pmontyart.com.