Golden Meadows

“Golden Meadows”        Pastel         2.5” x 3.5”      $20        © Sharon Lewis
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            Sometimes life can be stressful and chaotic, and work hours long. I find myself at these times, focusing on small glimpses of nature when I get a chance to look up from working at my laptop…a glimpse of the moon, the sight of a comic looking bird at my feeder, a small patch of color in an otherwise drab stand of trees. Maybe that’s why I so appreciate nature; it grounds us, if you’ll pardon the pun. It reminds us that no matter what, there is beauty all around us if you only look hard enough. There is comfort in the familiar seasonal changes and knowing that the cold and the dark are always followed by the light and the warmth.
          Happy Weekend!

Arabia Mountain: A Strangely Beautiful Place

“Arabia Mountain”   Pastel    9” x 12”      $100        © Sharon Lewis
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             Right outside of Atlanta is a beautiful park called the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. Within minutes one can go from high-rises to this beautiful area of wetlands, pine and oak forests, and a large mountain of exposed granite known as Arabia Mountain. I was there recently with family and friends just after Christmas and was struck by how strange and beautiful the mountain is. Except for a few small pools of water it’s a pretty arid environment. In spite of this, you can find hardy but pretty trees and shrubs as well as a plant with bright red leaves known as red diamorpha. It’s also a wonderful place to watch the sun set over the hills and city in the distance.

Memories of Summer

“Memories of Summer”   Pastel    9” x 12”      $100        © Sharon Lewis
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            We have had days and days of rain here in Georgia. When it hasn’t been cold and rainy, it’s been gray and foggy. I decided I needed some memories of sunlight and color and so chose to paint this summer scene. And voila! We have sunshine returning!

            Sending sun and warmth wherever you are. Happy Weekend!

Merry Cherries

“Merry Cherries”       Pastel    5” x 7”      $50        © Sharon Lewis
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            I enjoy the taste and the colors of cherries, and for some reason, also enjoy painting them. I decided on a whim to look online to see what cherries symbolize in different cultures and was delighted to find that, depending on the culture (primarily either Japanese or Chinese culture), they are associated with beauty, fertility, festivities, rebirth, immortality, and have been used as symbols of friendship. When the cherry tree blossoms in Japan, it is a time for festivals, food, and music.  We used to celebrate a cherry blossom festival every spring thanks to a Japanese company nearby who would invite the general public to celebrate the blossoming of all of their cherry trees. It was fun for everyone as there were arts and crafts, food, music, and dance, and of course the absolutely gorgeous cherry trees.

            So here’s hoping that this weekend brings you a little beauty, food, and festivities!

            Happy Weekend!