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Paula Hare ARTIST

Email: paula831@gmail.com​ ​ ​

PAULA HARE
ARTIST'S
STATEMENT

I am a lifelong artist whose practice is rooted in fine art and shaped by decades 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, my foundation in drawing, composition, design, and visual storytelling continues to guide how I see and make paintings.

As a creative director, drawing was part of my daily practice. I translated ideas into visuals—whether for consumer packaging, photo shoots, or brand systems—so clients, board members, and marketing teams could clearly understand complex concepts. That discipline sharpened my ability to distill ideas, balance structure, and communicate visually with intention.

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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 the unconventional—objects, places, and scenes that are often passed by, yet carry meaning and history. Through careful observation and deliberate composition, I aim to give these moments clarity and presence.

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My design background informs my attention to structure and balance, while painting allows room for intuition, discovery, and story. 

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My work is held in gallery, 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: 

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"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. 

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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."

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RECENT WORKS
 

"Take me home country road" - 10 x 20 Oil on linen - Blue ribbon award winner. Ozaukee County Art Show.



"A one horse town" - 36 x 48 Oil on canvas - Multiple award winner in exhibitions around Wisconsin (NFS)
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"The Foggy Farm" 
11 x 14 Oil on linen 

RECENT PLEIN AIR WORKS
 2024 Plymouth plein air painting competition. 

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Above: "Sweet Banana Peppers"     

9 x 12 Oil on linen. Accepted into the "Art of Culinary" exhibition. Nicolet College 2024.

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.

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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.  â€‹

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"From Humble Beginnings"

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

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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."​

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"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..."

"Underground tours" - 12 x 16 oil on linen - SOLD

"Number one" 16 x 20 Oil on linen - SOLD 

"Take the long way home"  10 x 20 oil on linen - SOLD

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"Mama Tried" 16 x 20 Oil on linen.

 Accepted into multiple regional, national and international juried exhibitions.

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"Ducks in a Row" 11 x 14 Oil on linen - Spirit award winner at the Menomonee Falls Plein Air painting event. 2024.

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"SVEN" 11 x 14

Oil on linen - SOLD 

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"My Teddy" 11 x 14

Oil on linen - SOLD 

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"Jo Jo" 11 x 14

Oil on linen - SOLD

"Maggie's Homestead"

16 x 20 Oil on linen - SOLD

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