Pamela Wilde on Portraits, Veterans & the Art of Oil

Local fine artist Pamela Wilde joins Rich—along with her husband, veteran and GI Joe restorer Scott Wilde—to talk about portraits that capture the “human moment,” her 120-portrait community project in Havre de Grace, and her “Boots on the Ground” series honoring veterans. They dive into technique (why oil is “forgiving”), teaching/learning, galleries and grants, plus a wild mid-recording tech glitch and Scott’s eerie encounter at Bachelor’s Grove. 

Guest Bio:  

Pamela Wilde is a Maryland-based representational oil painter known for community portrait projects (including Portraits of Havre de Grace) and veteran-honoring works like Boots on the Ground. Trained at the American Academy of Art, she exhibits across the region and participates in plein-air programs.

 Scott Wilde is a U.S. Army veteran and noted restorer of vintage talking GI Joe figures who travels nationally for shows; he also appears in Pamela’s veteran-focused art stories. 

Main Topics: 

·         Why oil is “forgiving” vs. watercolor; mediums (linseed, walnut, wax/gel, Gamsol)

·         The making of Portraits of Havre de Grace: 120 portraits in a year

·         Prints vs. originals, value, and longevity

·         Boots on the Ground: combat boots as storytelling objects for veterans

·         Galleries, grants, and exhibits (local to statewide; BWI, Gallery 220, etc.)

·         Teaching vs. lifelong learning; finding supportive instructors

·         Paranormal-tinged studio glitch + Scott’s Bachelor’s Grove story

·         Scott’s niche: repairing vintage talking GI Joes; art as business & discipline

·         Advice to emerging artists: multitasking, perseverance, community

·         Plein-air work with Maryland Center for the Arts; upcoming Armory show

·         Favorite artists: John Singer Sargent (historic) and Rose Frandsen (living) 

Resources mentioned: 

·         Pamela Wilde (artist) – “Portraits of Havre de Grace,” “Boots on the Ground” (contact via her website - https://pamelawilde.com/)

·         Scott Wilde – vintage talking GI Joe repairs (national show circuit)

·         Havre de Grace Arts Collective / Gallery (open studios, modeling)

·         Maryland State Arts Council (grant support)

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