The Artists

Tamera Menard oils, plein air painting

"If you can dream it, you can achieve it! My passion is art! I was born with a pencil in my hand! I was drawing faces of people even before I could read and write! All of my life I have used drawing as an outlet for energy, creativity and emotions. I have worked with, pencil, oil, pastel, wire sculptures, clay, wood burning and wood carving, charcoal, clay, silk flowers, colored pencil, watercolor, turkey feather painting and I have even written a few children's books!"

--Tamera Menard

Tamera Menard Gallery
Click icons for rich, full-screen views and buying options.

"When I am painting I feel a part of something much greater than myself. I see the beauty in everything I look at, every shadow, every movement. My Bachelor's and Master's degrees in college were for teaching health and physical education at Eastern Michigan University. The anatomical classes gave me a better understanding of the human form which I found fascinating. Some of the best things I have learned however were simply through observing life. One day something struck me and I decided to journey out and learn more, I wanted to try linseed oil painting like the Great Old Masters. I always adored Rembrandt and Titian!

I had the honor of being an apprentice under Marion Zoner, a well known local oil painter. Marion took the time to teach me color mixing and the basics about oil painting. I stayed with her about a year and then I started to get the itch to expand further. I started to do paintings for friends and family. One day my dad was getting a painting framed and it was recommended that it be submitted for the Views and Visions art gala! So I contacted the fabulous Susie Haskew and became part of the VFAA. I joined the Village Fine Arts Association about 11 years ago and have met many fabulous artists and friends.

I have been in numerous art shows, including The Views and Visions, Milford Memories, The Pink Horseshoe, and Pan. I have artwork displayed at various museums such as the Historical Michigan Museum in Saginaw. I have donated many of my pieces for benefits and auctions for various charities. I have read every book I could possibly find on art! I truly enjoy doing portraits the most! Last year I became fascinated with pastels and had the honor of apprenticing under Patricia Bombach. Pat is a wonderful person and a fantastic teacher! Soft pastels have the most concentrated amount of color and if framed properly will outlast most paints.

I have many of my pieces made into prints at the White Dove Printing Company in Fenton. I had my paintings displayed at The Aubergine Gallery in the heart of downtown Milford for one year! I have taken workshops from Leonid Gervits in New Mexico and Kay Polk in Dallas Texas. I also take workshops as often as possible from Heiner Hertling, my good friend. I am also a member of the Michigan Plein Air Painters. I am continually trying to develop my own style so that one day I will set the art world on fire!" --Tamera Menard

The Artists

Tamera Menard oils, plein air painting

Tamera Menard Gallery Click icons for rich, full-screen views and buying options.

Tamera Menard Gallery
Click icons for rich, full-screen views and buying options.