Synnove (pronounced: Sin no va) Pettersen was born in Oslo, Norway and moved to Canada with her family. She studied at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles on scholarship. Her next stop was Mexico where she exhibited with a group of eight local artists called the "Clique Ajijic" and had many successful solo shows.

Back in the USA Synnove continued to hone her skills with workshops and classes as well as teaching art. She works in soft pastel, gouache and oil. Her distinctive style is simple, clear and pleasing—reflecting affection and sensitivity for her subjects.

Her paintings hang in private collections in the United States, Canada, Europe and Mexico. Synnove now draws her inspiration from the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and is available for commissioned portraits.

Artist's Statement

"As an artist I see things I want to share with others. Through my paintings I can express my joy for life and living things, whether in a still life, landscape or capturing the human spirit in a portrait. This is one way I like to celebrate the beauty around me. My wish is that you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy creating it."