Local fine artist Pamela Wilde joins Rich—along with her husband, veteran and GI Joe restorer Scott Wilde—to talk about portraits that capture the “human moment,” her 120-portrait community project in Havre de Grace, and her “Boots on the Ground” series honoring veterans. They dive into technique (why oil is “forgiving”), teaching/learning, galleries and grants, plus a wild mid-recording tech glitch and Scott’s eerie encounter at Bachelor’s Grove. 

Guest Bio:  

Pamela Wilde is a Maryland-based representational oil painter known for community portrait projects (including Portraits of Havre de Grace) and veteran-honoring works like Boots on the Ground. Trained at the American Academy of Art, she exhibits across the region and participates in plein-air programs.

 Scott Wilde is a U.S. Army veteran and noted restorer of vintage talking GI Joe figures who travels nationally for shows; he also appears in Pamela’s veteran-focused art stories. 

Main Topics: 

·         Why oil is “forgiving” vs. watercolor; mediums (linseed, walnut, wax/gel, Gamsol)

·         The making of Portraits of Havre de Grace: 120 portraits in a year

·         Prints vs. originals, value, and longevity

·         Boots on the Ground: combat boots as storytelling objects for veterans

·         Galleries, grants, and exhibits (local to statewide; BWI, Gallery 220, etc.)

·         Teaching vs. lifelong learning; finding supportive instructors

·         Paranormal-tinged studio glitch + Scott’s Bachelor’s Grove story

·         Scott’s niche: repairing vintage talking GI Joes; art as business & discipline

·         Advice to emerging artists: multitasking, perseverance, community

·         Plein-air work with Maryland Center for the Arts; upcoming Armory show

·         Favorite artists: John Singer Sargent (historic) and Rose Frandsen (living) 

Resources mentioned: 

·         Pamela Wilde (artist) – “Portraits of Havre de Grace,” “Boots on the Ground” (contact via her website - https://pamelawilde.com/)

·         Scott Wilde – vintage talking GI Joe repairs (national show circuit)

·         Havre de Grace Arts Collective / Gallery (open studios, modeling)

·         Maryland State Arts Council (grant support)

·         BWI Art Exhibits (veteran portraits shown)

·         Howard County Arts Center (Veterans Day group show reference)

·   

Send us a text

Support the show

Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:
Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook
Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett
TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok

Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:
Hosted on Buzzsprout
SquadCast

Subscribe by Email