Standing Strong

  “Standing Strong”           7” x 5”         Pastel        $105       © Sharon Lewis

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             As the last leaves drop from the trees here, the temperature falls, and the bright colors fade, I’m drawn to warm colors and beach scenes. This is a stunning tree I noticed on the coast of Washington last summer. It withstands the cold winds gusting off the Pacific Ocean and remains strong, helping to hold onto earth and sand while strong currents and large waves threaten to erode the shore. 

            Happy Weekend!

 

Sky Meadows

“Sky Meadows”    5” x 7”         Pastel        $105       © Sharon Lewis

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It’s fun to escape your everyday views from time to time. I love exploring new landscapes and this is a place that my son discovered for all of us to hike over Thanksgiving weekend. Fortunately, the trees hadn’t lost all their leaves and we were treated to some beautiful colors and scenery.

Happy Weekend!

 

Autumn at Alexander

“Autumn at Alexander”       8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis

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              Before I left for Thanksgiving, I went for a 5 mile walk at Panola Mountain State Park – one of my favorite places to walk. Even when I’m feeling a little stressed with the long hours of work this time of year, walking here always calms me. The sunsets in the fall and winter tend to be gorgeous, with the sun reflecting a warm, golden light on the water. By the time I finish my walk, I feel renewed, a little more optimistic about the work ahead, and very grateful that I can enjoy this beautiful place.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Over the Hills and Through the Woods”        9” x 12”        Pastel         $216      © Sharon Lewis

             It’s Thanksgiving this week and as my students and I scatter over hills and maybe through some woods, I am feeling grateful for all my kind, loving, and thoughtful friends and family. My life is so much richer and happier for your presence! 

I hope that wherever you are this Thanksgiving, that you are gathered with love to celebrate this holiday of gratitude. 

May you feel the warmth of all those who love you this Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Weekend!

 

Rough Waters

 

“Rough Waters”      8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis

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             My art often reflects what’s going on in my life but it often does this in funny ways. I had been thinking about the Emily Dickenson poem, ““Hope” is the thing with feathers” and was looking for reference photos for a bird. I saw these ducks that I had photographed last year in DC, and while my photos show relatively calm waters, what I’ve painted looks like ducks paddling hard against a current or in rough waters. I think this is what my friends, colleagues and students are feeling as well right now. Maybe you are too. It can sometimes feel like our hours are long, meetings are frequent, and the work is never finished. But there are also small moments of joy and laughter mixed in – a young colleague is excited about a new career opportunity, another is excited about finding a new pug Christmas decoration (and has us laughing at the possibilities), and a student shares her decision to be brave and choose a creative final project because she wants to be proud of herself. So, on this day filled with sunshine, I am grateful for these moments and for my wonderful colleagues, students, and friends. 

            Happy Weekend!

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.