Pamela Duarte

Pamela Duarte, illustrator of Flower Patterns & Flower Mandalas

What does your typical day in the life of Pamela Duarte involve? 
My dog usually wakes me up, I start coffee, and then I look out of the back door at the trees & mountains and breathe in the day. Then I answer e-mails and work, work, work! Atypical days are more interesting!

When did you first become interested in illustrating?
I became interested in art at a young age. There are other artists in my family but I also think you gravitate toward those things that you receive positive reinforcement from. And, since I was practical and wanted to make my own way in the world, I thought I had a better chance of making a living as an illustrator than a painter. Fortunately, so far it's worked out.

What are your favourite things to draw? Where do you find inspiration?
I love to draw people, patterns, and nature. I find inspiration in nature, fashion, and color.

If you weren't an illustrator what would you be?
I would probably want to do something that involves travel. When I made my first sum of money after college I decided to travel around the world by myself. Since I had never been out of the country it was a sizable leap of faith but, of course, I didn't know what I didn't know & I jumped in. I learned so much and it turned out to be tremendously empowering. After that I felt I could handle anything.

Why do you think adult colouring books have become so huge?
Perhaps because the world can be a stressful place and so it's relaxing to put yourself in another frame of mind and reset your attention to something enjoyable. Because we use a different part of our brain to create, it's almost like being in a trance. And also there's an element of returning to simpler pleasures. 

What does your working environment look like?
Often a mess!!! I clean up in between projects but sometimes there's no time in between! But I have a large window that looks out into my front courtyard and I can see a big oak tree and a birdbath which many birds visit...and I focus on that!

Do you listen to music when you work? If so, who/what?
In the morning I like silence but in the afternoon I might listen to Hozier, Ray LaMontagne, or others...it varies.

What are your favourite things in life?
My favorite things in life are travel, dancing, & learning. 

Finally, please give 3 words that describe your work.
That's a bit of a tough question as I think the answer is probably more in the eye of the beholder, but I'd say I'm going for flow, balance, & beauty.

You can find Pamela's books on Amazon.