GREEKSCAPES Illustrated: Journeys with an Artist

by Pamela Jane Rogers, Bryony Sutherland (Editor)

Rose loves art, yet she seldom takes enough time to pursue her own development. She gets sidetracked too often when she's young, and she makes decisions that interfere with a creative life when she's older. After twelve years of marriage, she's still trying to have a baby by doing everything possible including the impossible thought, "try not to think about it". Throwing herself into interior design gives her a feeling of accomplishment, but it's yet another compromise. There are moments of clarity that verge on the enlightenment she seeks, but her doubts return. Only her painting implores her to look inside and free up her emotional stalemate, and that persistence soon leads her to a brilliant painting mentor. Rose has wanted to paint in Provence since her earliest memories and finally she has the chance! But the winds of change are blowing her to another destination. "Greece? what can I paint there?" She soon finds the answer, and an epiphany in an olive grove gives her the gift that could change her life. But can she really survive as an artist?
She tries to meet the challenges of a traditional lifestyle with marriage and children, but how can she continue when her creative nature continues to lead her in another direction? She must first give birth to her Self by taking a hard look at the subtle and not so subtle influences, both sad and happy, that have altered the course of her life. Only then is she able to overcome the major fear that she's denied since learning the truth of her own family history. She finally embarks on her journey, with the longing for creative fulfillment as her only companion. Greece's vibrant colors are the perfect match for the lightness of spirit she needs to nurture after years spent in the dark. As the country and the people emerge with warmth and humor, Rose is at last free to embrace her mature years as an artist and a single woman. Isn't she?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2013

About the author

Since 1990, I've lived as an expat on the island of POROS GREECE, where both of my childhood loves, mountains and sea, are in close proximity for painting en plein air what I call my "Greekscapes".
'Why Greece?' people have asked, and there are so many reasons that I had to write a book!
In 2015, with the fine editing skills of Bryony Sutherland, I republished my 2013 original novel as a memoir, GREEKSCAPES Journeys with an Artist, as well as a Special Edition 8x10" GREEKSCAPES ILLUSTRATED JOURNEYS WITH AN ARTIST, which was honored by being chosen Best of Expat Nonfiction 2015! Both books are available in kindle versions by the same names and a different cover.

Born in the North Carolina piedmont city of Winston-Salem, I spent my young childhood near the mountains before moving with my family to Morehead City on the Atlantic coast. I moved back to the piedmont area to UNC-Greensboro and received my BFA degree in painting, followed by study at NY Art Student's League and two Artist's Residencies at the Vermont Studio Center.

When not immersed painting or writing, I live a serene island life with my Scottish partner, (an art historian) and our rather spoiled cat. I enjoy visits with family and good friends, reading, listening to classical and local Greek music, harvesting olives, swimming in the Aegean Sea, inventing vegetarian recipes, and a wee bit of travel - with my partner and my paints - to other destinations in the world.

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Reviews

[Kathryn Gauci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Pamela's story of leaving an unhappy marriage to pursue her own happiness as an artist and to find the peace of mind an artist needs to bring out the best in oneself, is a heart-warming journey. She found this on the Greek island of Poros where she is now a celebrated artist. The combination of life on the island and the landscape itself had a profound affect on her spirit and her work to ultimately make her the respected artist that she has become. Greekscapes charts this journey. It is uplifting and an inspiration to all who know they deserve more in life but are afraid to seek it out. In addition to the uplifting story, the book is peppered with her wonderful paintings of Greece and especially Poros. Highly recommended.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a touching and endearing story to me. It brought so many wonderful memories of Greece; specifically the island of Poros. There were so many things about the story that touched my heart - things like quotes, personal stories of discovery, expressing the inner artist, and of course love.

I'm thankful for the book because it has inspired me to visit Poros once again. Only this time the visit will include my set of watercolors! Thank you Pamela for a lovely story.

[Doris]

I'm anxious to read this new book. Pamela was our tour guide on a trip to Crete and Santorini.

[Alison]

kindle 304 memoir with art

[Suzi Stembridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is a magnificent homage to Greece, to life, to the author and to romance. The paintings, some delicate, others alive with colour and feeling, seascapes, landscapes, people, even architectural gems, all are full of movement. Yet the memoir that is the remarkable life of Pamela Jane Rogers is also the core of this excellent book. Few people are able to confront the tribulations of life and rise above them to express and create a memoir so truthful and vivid. Once you have savoured and read this book you are unlikely to put it away, but like me you will keep it by you, to dip into from time to time and remind ourselves why Greece can capture our souls.

[Sandy Baham · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a journal

It was a pleasant book, nothing exciting or especially memorable. I read it because my hobby is art and I just returned from Greece, which I loved. Pamela's paintings in the book were the best part!