Pam Sharp

Artist Statement

Pam Sharp is a self-taught watercolor artist based in Kennewick, Washington, known for her vibrant depictions of wildlife that blend attitude, whimsy, and personality. Her work primarily features animals such as horses, birds, wildlife, domestic pets, and fish, often capturing human-like emotions through carefully chosen poses and actions to convey a sense of "soul" rather than strict anatomical accuracy. She combines Pacific Rim cultural influences with Western flair from her Wyoming roots, using vivid colors, intricate details, and a blend of realism and impressionism to create upbeat, contemporary pieces with a touch of the traditional.
Sharp's medium centers on watercolor, which she selected early on for its affordability but mastered through persistence despite its challenges, like controlling water flow and paint behavior. She often combines it with mixed media elements such as gouache, inks, wax pastels, water-soluble oils, or scratchboard techniques to add depth and texture
Her artistic journey began at age 5 with drawings of horses, which remain a core subject. She paused for other career pursuits before fully committing in 1998, after attending a local art society meeting. As the founder of Prairie Skullpture, Sharp travels extensively to art festivals and shows across the U.S. and internationally, selling her work to collectors in countries like Japan, Australia, England, and Germany.