The Gift of Cherries

“The Gift of Cherries”    10 x 8     Oil    $160     © Sharon Lewis

            I enjoy painting cherries because of the many shades of red you find in them, they taste amazing, and as I discovered recently, they’re also really healthy. They are a great source of vitamin C and polyphenols (plant compounds that protect us from developing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases). In a 2018 review of the effects of cherries, researchers found that cherries reduced exercise-induced muscle soreness, blood pressure, arthritis, and improved sleep, among other things. Scientists concluded that eating sweet or tart cherries decrease or prevent oxidative stress and inflammation and thus improve our health. Who knew this really pretty fruit could do all this?

            Happy Weekend!

 

View From Sister Rock

"View From Sister Rock"      8 x 10     Pastel      $160     © Sharon Lewis
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             This is a return to painting two subjects I love: the ocean and rocks. Whether you’re on the west or the east coast, the ocean always has a myriad of colors if you look closely. Interestingly, so do the large rock formations you see standing the test of time in oceans. The larger rocks also serve as landing and nesting places for sea birds and if large enough, as a haven for seals as well. There are always cool breezes here which to my mind, makes it a perfect place to hang out in the months of July and August.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Do They Ever Stop Eating?

“Do They Ever Stop Eating?”    6 x 8.5     Pastel    $144     © Sharon Lewis

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             I received a new pastel surface to try out (Canson MiTeintes - Velvet) at an arts conference this summer and I’ve been eager to paint on it. This surface is velvety soft (thus its name), holds lots of layers of pastel, and comes in different colors which I love. This painting was done on a warm tan color which is a great color to start with when you’re painting lots of greens. My only issue with the paper is it’s a little hard to blend colors; the benefit is trying to blend on this surface doesn’t destroy your fingers like blending on a sanded surface does.

        This painting is based on the green hills of Scotland where the sheep are everywhere and always seem to be eating.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Summer Snacks

 “Summer Snacks”       11 x 14     Pastel    $300     © Sharon Lewis

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             I wish I knew why I love painting pears so much. Sometimes I think it’s because, like clouds, I can see a multitude of beautiful colors in them. Maybe it’s because pears come in such different shapes and sizes – much like people. It could be because I enjoy painting rounded but slightly irregular shapes – again like people. Whatever the reason, I really enjoyed painting these three pears.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Summer Sky

 

“Summer Sky”  2.5 x 3.5    Pastel    $26    © Sharon Lewis

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             I’ve been away visiting family for a while but I had a little break to work on this summer sky. Skies with beautiful clouds remain one of my favorite subjects to paint.

            Happy Weekend!

Happy 4th of July!

 “4^th of July Weekend”    12” x 18”    Pastel    $324    © Sharon Lewis

             I hope wherever you are this weekend, that you get a chance to enjoy sunshine, good food, and time with family and friends.

            Happy 4^th of July Weekend!

Sunflowers

 

“Sunflowers”    12 x 612    Pastel    $300    © Sharon Lewis
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I’ve been busy working on several paintings at the same time. This is one I started in a workshop at my arts conference last week and came home and worked on a bit.

Happy Weekend!