August 2012 Cover Cover Artist: Pomm    

Pomm was born in Los Angeles but was raised by her French mother and grandmother and had a truly bi-cultural upbringing. While at college, Pomm moved to France and studied art in Aix-en-Provence. In Europe, Pomm fell in love with the Old World architecture, particularly in the southern regions of France where the sun and flowers inspired her to return again and again. When she returned to America, Pomm made a firm decision to be an artist and attended watercolor classes with Scott Moore in Laguna Beach. Pomm created and perfected a unique style using only translucent watercolors.
In recent years, Pomm took the opportunity to travel the world with her husband. "In each country we visited, I wanted to experience as much of the native culture as I could. Seeking out the artists from these different cultures, it was wonderful to experience how they expressed their lives through art.” Pomm became part of Artists for Human Rights International, a group formed with the purpose of bringing artists together with the common cause of raised awareness and education of human rights. In October 2007, Pomm opened a gallery, Pomm's Art & Boutique, in Studio City, CA. Presently Pomm showcases her latest watercolor and oil paintings in her home studio in Glendale, CA. In the gallery you will find her recent watercolors, and original oils, as well as her famous collection.

thalo:  What can you tell us about your featured piece, Sleeping Beauty? 

Pomm: The beautiful room in this painting is created from my imagination. It has a tall ceiling and French doors that open onto a beautiful patio. Every morning I awaken to the sounds of the birds singing in my garden. It is a retreat from the outside world and my favorite place to dream. It is full of treasures that I have collected and each one has special meaning to me. This painting has a special surprise- a hidden image of my "Sleeping Beauty." You will find her hidden in the bedding. I added her to this painting because I wanted to give a gift to the viewer: a gorgeous painting of a beautiful retreat with a bonus of even more beauty for those that choose to look for it.

thalo:  You've worked in both watercolors and oils. Do you have a favorite? 

Pomm: I love both mediums for different reasons. I have been painting with watercolors for over 30 years so it is very relaxing for me to paint with them. I love painting with oils because I can use them in different ways and because oils are what the old "Master Painters" used. I feel more connected to the history of painting when I use oils.

thalo:  Your mother was French and you have spent considerable time abroad. How has Europe influenced you as an artist?

Pomm: The light of Europe, especially in the South of France, truly inspired me as an artist. It is so beautiful and unique and I have always wanted to recreate that special lighting, especially in my watercolor paintings. I have also admired the art of the European Masters such as Monet, Cezanne, & Degas. You can see their influence in my oil paintings.

thalo:  Unlike some watercolorists, your watercolors are often created with many layers. What is it about this method that you feel works best for your paintings?

Pomm: The technique of painting with layers in watercolors allows me to create a translucence that captures light and shadows very easily. My paintings often feel familiar, like you have been there before, and many people have told me that they feel like they can almost step into one of my paintings. I think this is due to the many layers of transparent color I use. They create a light and airy feeling as opposed to a more solid and bright effect that is created when using gouache.

thalo:  What inspires you as an artist?

Pomm: People inspire me. I paint the pleasure moments of life, the times we all want to remember, the memories that make us smile. To touch someone's heart is what moves me and inspires me. With my paintings I can create those moments when someone was happy; when someone could smell the flowers and could feel the gentle breezes. It is important to me that I communicate the peace and beauty of existence. That's the joy of creation for me- to know others will feel calm, uplifted and happy about life through my art.

thalo:  What would you tell young aspiring painters today?

Pomm: Paint as much and as often as you can! It takes not only talent and passion, but also discipline and persistence to become a master painter. Be careful who you allow to critique your work and keep your own counsel. Don't get discouraged by the economy or what "they say" is the problem. The world needs artists and more beautiful art so keep painting and don't give up!

To learn more about Pomm and her artwork visit www.pommfineart.com.