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.

 

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!

 

After the Storm

“After the Storm”   7” x 9”         Pastel        $126      © Sharon Lewis 

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             I’ve been in love with the skies and meadows I’ve found in rural landscapes even if I prefer to always live within pizza delivery limits. However, there’s something so relaxing about looking at green meadows, sometimes with cattle grazing and those beautiful skies!

            Happy Weekend!

 

Clouds in the Country

  “Clouds in the Country”       8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis

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             The first day of Autumn is hours away but with the temperatures anything but fall-like, I’m reminded of summer.  That’s when I often see clouds like these rising up from behind the trees. I can’t wait for cooler temperatures but I will miss these beautiful clouds.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Just in Time

“Just in Time”        5” x 7”         Pastel        $105       © Sharon Lewis 

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            It’s been gray and rainy here in the Atlanta area and it’s due to be that way for several days. As much as I welcome the much-needed rain, I hate the gray days. So, I’m focusing on a different place and time. Earlier this summer, we arrived on the coast of Washington State just in time to see this spectacular sunset. I plan on holding this memory close this weekend.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Summer Memories II

“Summer Memories II”       2.5” x 3.5”         Pastel        $26.25       © Sharon Lewis
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            I’m ready for the cooler temperatures of fall but still holding onto the memories of the long days of light I enjoy in summer. I’m remembering looking out over the many blues and greens of  the sea against the background of fluffy clouds and a beautiful, blue sky. Ah, the end of summer and the beginning of fall is always bittersweet.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Summer Memories

“Summer Memories”        2.5” x 3.5”         Pastel        $26.25       © Sharon Lewis

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             Like many of my friends I have mixed feelings about Labor Day. I appreciate that it’s a holiday for most people but it also marks the end of summer. Although I love that fall will bring cooler temperatures and less humidity (eventually), I will miss the long days of light we enjoy during summer. Summer also gives us spectacular displays of clouds which I love. Yes, clear blue skies can be nice but for someone who loves painting interesting skies, I’ll take some huge clouds any day.

            Happy Weekend and Happy Labor Day!

 

Icy Cold

“Icy Cold”        8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis
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            This is another view of the beautiful, cold waters of the Saanich Inlet later in the evening. The water isn’t really icy but it is a great deal colder than the south Atlantic coastal waters I grew up swimming in. Today’s temperature is about 55 degrees F which is a bit cold for swimming comfortably but is great for providing cool breezes on a summer day.

            Happy Weekend!

 

The View From Above

“The View From Above”       8” x 10”         Pastel        $160       © Sharon Lewis

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             When I travel, I’m always looking for places to stay that have beautiful views, preferably of water, mountains, or both. On Vancouver Island, we stayed only one night with this gorgeous view of the Saanich Inlet. This is a place where no air conditioning was necessary, even in July – my kind of place to stay in the summer!

            Happy Weekend!

 

Lucky

“Lucky”         5” x 7”         Pastel        $ 105      © Sharon Lewis

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            It’s rare that I’m lucky enough to combine my love of the outdoors and my love of painting but on my recent trip to the west coast I was so excited to be able to enjoy both. I had a sunny day, with cool breezes and a beautiful view of the ocean in front of me. I couldn’t have been happier!

            Happy Weekend!

 

Reaching toward the Heavens

“Reaching Toward the Heavens”          12” x 18”         Pastel        $ 324     © Sharon Lewis

            This painting shows a lovely peaceful cove along the eastern coast of Newfoundland, Canada. This summer, I plan to visit the west coast of Canada and spend some time on Vancouver Island. My primary goal in July and August is to get out of Hotlanta and seek cool breezes on the water someplace beautiful.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Weekend Sailors

“Weekend Sailors”      5” x 7”         Pastel        $ 105      © Sharon Lewis

             Many years ago, I was visiting Seattle, one of my favorite cities. Not only does the city have all the usual great restaurants and art museums, it’s also on the water and so close to beautiful hikes in the mountains. One of the things I love to do when out there, is to eat someplace on the water and enjoy great food, cool breezes, and watch the sailboats go by.

            Happy Weekend!

 

What's Left Behind

“What’s Left Behind ”          8” x 10”         Pastel        $240        © Sharon Lewis

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            This beautiful beach with its clear, blue water is wonderful for walking and exploring what the sea has left behind in the tide pools. However, this is not the place for sunbathing as the temperature is likely in the 50’s or low 60’s in July. I can’t wait to be here!

            Happy Weekend!

 

Windswept Beach

“Windswept Beach”          8” x 10”         Pastel        $240        © Sharon Lewis

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             In just a few weeks, I'll be walking here – a beautiful  beach with starfish of all different colors. It will also be cool to cold with wonderful sea breezes. I can’t wait!

            Happy Weekend!

 

4th of July Weekend

 “4^th of July Weekend”    12” x 18”    Pastel    $430    © Sharon Lewis

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             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!

Emerald Waves

“Emerald Waves”         5” x 7”        Acrylic       $140       © Sharon Lewis
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                 Recently, I’ve been  painting with acrylics – a medium I haven’t used in a very long time. I find it interesting how each medium has its own quirks that the artist has to keep in mind. When I paint with pastels, the color and value don’t change once placed on a surface. With acrylics, I have to keep remembering that the colors dry slightly darker than when I first put them on canvas. Also, with pastels, since they are a dry medium (They are pigment held together with a binder and formed into sticks that look a little like chalk.), I can easily brush off or change an area in minutes. With acrylics, I have to get out my paints, medium, my brushes, palette knife, my palette, and then I can adjust an area….maybe. In spite of the challenges, it’s been a lot of fun painting with acrylics.

            This is a scene I found fascinating. Just a few miles away from this beach it was a pretty warm summer day. When we wound down from the hills to this beach however, there was a really cold wind coming from this beautiful, emerald and indigo sea.

            Happy Weekend!

Greening Up

  “Greening Up”    7” x 5”        Pastel       $140       © Sharon Lewis

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          It’s officially summer now although we’ve had plenty of heat and humidity for a while in the Atlanta region. I’m already longing for the cool breezes coming off northern waters but also rejoicing in the long days of light that summer brings. Summer usually gives me the luxury of time – time to get the many household chores done that I’ve been ignoring, time to meet and catch up with friends and family, and time to be creative. I can finally take creative risks and if I fail, I have time to try again. 

            Hope you’re enjoying the start of your summer. Happy Weekend!

 

Southwest Sunshine

“Southwest Sunshine      8” x 10”    Pastel    $75    © Sharon Lewis

              I’m packing my art supplies in preparation for attending the International Association of Pastel Societies, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For a few days, I will take classes and a workshop so that I can continue to grow as an artist. I always find learning new methods and painting new subjects both exciting and humbling since this process always involves for me, having to accept that at least initially, my skill will not match my aspirations. I will be able to see where I want to be in terms of skill but need to accept that it will take time and practice to get there. Becoming a better painter is an endless series of lessons in patience and optimism. Now if I can just manage not to buy all the cool art supplies they’ll have on display!

            Happy Weekend!

 

Firebird

“Firebird”          9” x 9”        Pastel       $240       © Sharon Lewis

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            I rarely work from other people’s photos but this shot that my daughter took is exactly the kind of scene I love. When I finished painting this, I stepped back and thought immediately of a firebird. The firebird is often described as a  bird glowing with red, orange, and yellow light and has several different myths associated with it. I like the Suzanne Massie retelling of the legend, that has a young, talented artisan turned into a firebird by a sorcerer because she chose to remain true to her values. She sheds her beautiful feathers over her village where the magical feathers show their colors to those who love beauty and who seek to make beauty for others. 

            Happy Weekend!

 

A New Light

“A New Light”  12” x 12”        Pastel       $430       © Sharon Lewis

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            We got a new light added to our family this week in the form of baby Sutton Caroline. She is absolutely adorable and thus very hard to put down for a grandparent. I thought I would have plenty of time to paint when I visited in DC but found that I would much rather hold this little girl than a paint brush. Can’t wait to see her and her proud and very loving parents, Erinn and Tyler, again!

            Happy Weekend!

 

Celebration!

“Celebration”     9” x 12”        Pastel       $324       © Sharon Lewis

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             It’s the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend, a traditional time to celebrate the beginning of summer but we are getting ready to celebrate another important event: the birth of my daughter’s and son-in-law’s first child! We can’t wait to greet my “baby” girl’s baby girl!

            Happy Weekend!

 

On a Summer Day

“On a Summer Day”        4” x 6”        Pastel       $96       © Sharon Lewis

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            It’s that time of year when I can finally slow down a bit and catch my breath.  I can take the time to listen to the sweet sound of birds calling to one another through the trees, the funny sounds of squirrels scolding  one another, or the stream traveling over the worn rocks below. I can see all the different lush greens of summer in the trees contrasting with the red cardinals or the blue of the titmouse, or the orangish-red of the finches. All of this makes for a wonderful summer day.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Mother's Day

“Mother’s Day”      5” x 7”        Pastel       $105        © Sharon Lewis
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             This Mother’s Day I’m thinking of the two wonderful people who made me a Mom – my son, Sean and my daughter, Erinn. I couldn’t ask for more kind and loving kids!

I’m also remembering a person who taught me everything about being a good, kind, and loving mother, Clare Albritton. She entered my life when I was 4 and continued to be a wise and loving presence until her death in January of this year. 

This weekend, I want to remember all my family and friends who are mothers as well as all those kind souls who mother others with kindness and support. You make the world brighter for your presence.

            Happy Mother’s Day Weekend!

 

One Fine Day

“One Fine Day”          5” x 7”        Pastel       $105        © Sharon Lewis

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 I’ve seen this view multiple times hiking along the west coast and I never get tired of the gold and warm green grasses against a sunny beach with azure water and beautiful mountains in the distance. It’s also nice and cool even in July. Given that it was in the high eighties on the second day of May, I’m thinking I need to plan to visit again very soon.

Happy Weekend!

 

Where the Wood Drake Rests

“Where the Wood Drake Rests”       6” x 4”        Pastel       $96       © Sharon Lewis

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            One of my favorite poems that I love to read when I’m feeling tired and a bit overwhelmed is “The  Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Perry. No matter how many times I read this poem, the imagery within always soothes me. I love the lines:

“I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, ……I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light.”

As Perry used his words, I have used paint, to hopefully create a refuge that within you can find peace.

            Happy Weekend! 

Peaceful in Blue

  “Peaceful in Blue”               2.5” x 3.5”        Pastel       $35        © Sharon Lewis

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Right now, I would love to be relaxing at the beach. When I’m at the beach, I seem to slow down and focus on the natural environment. Unfortunately, it’s that busy time of the academic year for faculty and students and we’re all focused on getting through mountains of work. Spring is when I want time to slow down a bit so that I can slow down as well and enjoy this beautiful season.  I’m grateful for trips to the beach and in spite of all the work, for this lovely time of year. 

Happy Weekend!

 

Over the Hill

  “Over the Hill”           4” x 6”        Pastel       $96       © Sharon Lewis

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This is another painting I did while at the beach last month. I’ve been painting a little with acrylics, a medium I haven’t used in a while and have been having so much fun as well as being a little frustrated. Each medium I’ve used has some wonderful aspects to it and some challenging aspects. I love how with so few tubes of acrylic paint, I can make a large variety of colors but it’s challenging to figure out which brush and what kind of brush stroke would best convey the image I want to create. However, I feel so fortunate to be able to do this kind of fun, challenging work!

Happy Weekend!

 

Sky Racers

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

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             I have friends who are fond of clear, blue skies but not me. Give me a sunny, blue sky with some clouds and I’m much happier. Clouds are so interesting and although I know that people who study them closely have discerned patterns and even cloud categories, I find then endlessly variable in their shapes, sizes, and even the colors reflected within them. The clouds I saw this day at the beach, seemed to be in a race across the sky.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Happy Easter!

“Somebunny Loves You”   8” x 8”        Pastel       $70        © Sharon Lewis

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             Spring has definitely arrived in the Atlanta area and everywhere I look, there are flowering shrubs and trees and lots of little bunnies. I know that many people suffer from allergies this time of year and I have to say I’m not immune. However, in spite of some allergy symptoms, I can’t help but be grateful for the longer days of light filled with the colors and fragrance of spring. This time of year, I’m surrounded by reminders to celebrate the new life all around us and that new beginnings are always possible.

            Happy Weekend and to all my friends and family who celebrate Easter, Happy Easter!