Pamela Twena's Bio

I was born in Santa Monica in 1955 and grew up in Newport Beach on Lido Isle surrounded by water and Southern California light. Raised in a family of artists, I began my art education early. I studied landscape painting after high school in the south of France then attended Mills College and Art Center College of Design. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East. Since 1996, in addition to my studio work, I have made annual trips to Europe to paint. I especially love the light, the colors and flavors of Italy.

In May 2002 I was fortunate to paint in Venice. The light was incredible. Venice has mystery, ambiguity and contrast – all the elements of a good painting. There is something magical about Venice that seduces artists, writers and dreamers. I think it is the light and the colored reflections on the water; the patterns of golden light that play against soft violet shadows; the dramatic archways that lead to tiny doors; the gondolas that disappear beyond corners and the canals that envelop you like a maze. The paintings that I created there are recordings, observations of beautiful moments that I wanted to share.