In a Dark World, Be the Light

“In a Dark World, Be the Light”   8” x 10”         Pastel        $160
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           There’s a lot going on in the world right now that might be challenging our sense of wellbeing. Some of us are worried about the state of our country or the world or both. Some of us are worried on behalf of our, or other’s children. 

            In my conversations with others, I keep coming back to the same thoughts: we are not alone in being concerned about those who are vulnerable, we need to derive strength from each other, and not give into despair. We need to be the ones who won’t stop caring about others, regardless of their race, religion, income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We need to be the ones who won’t stop voicing the concerns of others whose voices may not be as loud, or as influential. We need to connect to others who are also caring, kind, inclusive, and compassionate and keep each other strong. We need to be the light for others.

            Hoping you have a light-filled weekend.

There is Always Light

 “There is Always Light”       8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis

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            I won’t lie; this week has been hard – really hard. My students are sad, my colleagues are sad, and my adult children are worried about the future for their young children. As I’ve talked with each one, I’ve been reaching deep within for coping strategies. Like my friends, students, and children, I’m worried about the future but I also know that nothing ever gets better if we give into despair. Despair is a luxury that we can’t afford right now. I think I will be OK but I’m more worried about people in our society who are more vulnerable, and I’m worried about our democracy.

            I was brought up religious (in my case Catholic) although I am not religious now. My father in particular modeled for me what it means to put religious values into action. He taught me to stand up for what is right even if it’s unpopular and to always help others who have less or who are vulnerable. So, as I grapple this week about what this election means for our future, I’m remembering these lessons from my Dad. I’m also remembering a line from the young Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, who said, “For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it, If only we're brave enough to be it”. I’m committed to trying to be that kind of light – to be kind, compassionate, and brave, to stand up for what is right, and to help those who are vulnerable or in need.

            May this weekend bring you solace.

 

Pumpkin Party

   “Pumpkin Party”        8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis

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             I enjoy painting pumpkins. I like trying to model the roundness and irregularities in their shapes and they also remind me that I love the color orange in nature. The color orange is a warm beacon as the temperatures gradually cool, and the leaves turn brown; it seems it’s nature’s accent color this time of year.

            Happy Weekend!

 

The Rose Family

 “The Rose Family”       8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis

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I had no idea that apples were considered part of the rose family, Rosaceae. In addition to beautiful roses, this family also includes other delicious fruits  such as pears, cherries, peaches, strawberries, and several others. I love discovering new connections between things I love! 

By the way, the gold, sunshiny background I painted behind the apples was actually all the trees in their golden, fall foliage. This is one of the many reasons I wish fall colors lasted until spring.

Happy Weekend!

 

Bandon Sunset

  “Bandon Sunset”             8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis

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            I’ve been drawn to paint this coastal scene many times as I have numerous photos of it at various times of day. This is one of my favorite areas on the west coast to visit and paint. It has these interesting haystack rock formations in large and small sizes, the beautiful cold, blue water, and I love the way the beach changes colors as the light plays across it. I’ve painted it in early morning when the sun warms the colors of the beach and then later, in early evening, when the setting sun turns the sands into many shades of pink. If you haven’t visited the southern Oregon coast, it’s well worth it!

            Happy Weekend!

 

Clouds of Dance

  “Clouds of Dance”         8.5” x 10.5”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis

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            This is the last of my “clouds in the country” series of paintings though I wouldn’t be surprised if I come back to this subject from time to time. What I’m drawn to when I look at my reference photos for this painting, is that I can see across a greater expanse of sky and land. This is Georgia farmland and it’s been cleared of many of the taller, older trees. So, while I dearly love the tall trees forming a canopy in my backyard (except when we have tropical storms), I appreciate being able to see a greater swathe of sky with these lush, fertile, fields. 

            Happy Weekend!

 

Week's End

  “Week’s End”     8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis 

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           Given the past week we’ve had here in the metro-Atlanta area, with loss of power, fallen trees, and then a toxic plume of chlorine gas thanks to a fire at a chemical company, I’m all for dwelling on a peaceful scene, with calm but beautiful clouds.

            Hope you all are doing well and Happy Weekend!