Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Pallas.
Hi Morgan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been drawing and painting as far back as I can remember. There’s always been a natural draw to want to keep improving my skills. When I was a kid I checked out a lot of “how to draw” books from the school library, and my parents had a set of Encyclopedias with fantastic illustrations in them that I’d copy. Aside from my personal studies growing up, I had wonderful art teachers from elementary through high school that saw how serious I was and really helped me grow my skill set. My parents have always been encouraging, they’d pay for my art supplies, trips and take me to art shows. A tradition long held by our family was attending the Mount Gretna Art Show each August. My mother would tell me, “one day, you’ll be here.” For the longest time, I felt that showing my work was out of reach.
Years ago my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Watching her lose her vitality as she went through treatment lead me to a wake up call. Life is unpredictable, long and short, why am I putting off my dreams? I had no good reason. With the help of my family and friends I began showing my work, starting with the Mount Gretna Art Show as an emerging artist.
Since then the business has continued to grow, and now my family and I take my mobile gallery to fine art shows around the country. I sell my original watercolor paintings and limited edition giclée reproductions of my work. The giclée reproductions are printed in-house [using our archival quality printer] and matted by my husband, signed and numbered by me. It’s become a family business. We are eternally grateful for the love and support from all the people we’ve met along the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge to start had been the trial and error of finding shows that are good for me and my style of work. Something I didn’t realize was gonna be a challenge until I was asked “tell me about your work” is talking about myself and my work, which I’ve gotten much better at as I’ve done more shows. Weather can also be a challenge with the outdoor shows, when extreme weather happens you need to keep yourself and your work safe.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint stories in watercolor that are a blend of nature and fantasy. I love depicting scenes that the viewer may feel are taking place just beyond their sight. My hope is that viewers are drawn into a visual story and are also reminded of their own connection to the natural and the numinous. Inviting the viewer into a world that is grounded in nature and touched by magic.
I’m most proud of the lifelong dedication to my craft that grew into my dream of becoming a full time artist, that I was able to turn into a business.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Pennsylvania is the woods, waterways and small towns.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.morganpallas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.pallas.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.pallas.studio
