Fine Artist | Expressionist Painter | Plein Air Landscape Artist
Artistic Profile
Multidisciplinary fine artist with 10 years of studio and plein-air painting practice and 15 years of experience in both fiber arts and ceramics. Paula's work explores light, color, texture, form, and atmosphere through expressive paintings, original art quilts, and functional and sculptural pottery. Her artistic development includes advanced study with nationally recognized artists, ongoing coursework through the Rhode Island School of Design, and participation in juried regional and national exhibitions.
Technical Skills & Studio Practice
Studio Painter | 10 Years of Practice
Work in oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, gouache, and charcoal, with particular strengths in plein-air landscapes, maritime subjects, atmospheric color relationships, and expressive mark-making. Apply observational methods, archival materials, and professional presentation standards in both field and studio settings.
Studio Potter | 15 Years of Practice
Create functional and sculptural ceramic work using wheel throwing, hand-building, and slip-casting techniques. Experienced in surface design, glaze formulation and application, kiln preparation, and a range of decorative glazing and finishing methods.
Textile Artist and Art Quilter | 15 Years of Practice
Created original art quilts using fabric as a visual medium, combining composition, color, texture, piecing, appliqué, and layered construction. Developed functional and exhibition-oriented textile works with an emphasis on craftsmanship, material relationships, and original design.
Experience
Founder & Artist | Painted Parks Studio | 2025–Present
Develop national-park-inspired paintings into artist-designed paint-by-number and other creative kits; direct the artwork adaptation, product concept, and online presentation.
painted-parks-studio.myshopify.com
Independent Fine Artist | Paula Soper Fine Art | 2016–Present
Create and sell original artwork and develop commissioned paintings for private clients, guiding projects from initial concept and reference selection through final presentation and delivery.
paulasoperfineart.com
Painting Instructor | South Shore Pottery Shop | Abington, MA | 2018–2020
Led paint-and-sip sessions and provided individual instruction in pottery painting, color selection, and decorative techniques.
Assistant Manager | Made By You Pottery Studio | Arlington, VA | 1996–1997
Guided customers in pottery selection, project planning, glazing, and decorative techniques while supporting customer service, workspace organization, supplies, and daily studio operations.
Education & Formal Training
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) — Certificate in Painting Studies
Anne Arundel Community College — Drawing in Pencil and Charcoal
Master Mentorships & Intensives
- Marla Baggetta — Pastel (9 years)
- Alain Picard — Pastel (4 years)
- Jacob Aguiar — Pastel (3 years)
- Scott Christensen — Oil & Gouache (2 years)
- Laurinda O’Connor — Pastel (2 years)
Exhibitions & Competitions
- Richeson Plein Air Event & Competition — Participating Artist (2025)
- Cape Cod Museum of Art — Annual Small Works Show (2025)
- Red Rock Pastel Society of Nevada — Juried Member Online Exhibition (2024)
- Driggs Plein Air Festival — Juried Artist (2023, 2026)
- Regional gallery exhibitions and representation from Idaho to Cape Cod
Professional Affiliations
- Associate Member — Oil Painters of America (OPA)
- Associate Member — Pastel Society of America (PSA)
- Member — Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod
- Member — New Hampshire Pastel Society
- Member — Central Massachusetts Pastel Society
- Member — Red Rock Pastel Society
- Member — Pastel Society of New Mexico
- Member — Virginia Highland Plein Air Painters
- Member — Southeastern Pastel Society