Into the Presence of Still Water

“Into the Presence of Still Water”    Pastel      12” x 9”    $100    © Sharon Lewis

                  I thought we could all use a peaceful, tranquil image at this time. I know I certainly could.

We came across this place as we ended a nice, relaxing hike. The water was perfectly still and it was cool and foggy. It could have been a very gloomy place but instead I was struck by its quiet beauty.

I wonder if I’m drawn to painting this scene when I most need peace and tranquility. It’s the kind of image that encourages me to stop and think about all of the kind, compassionate, tolerant, and wise people I know rather than focus on the people driven to harm others.

Hoping you have a happy, peaceful weekend!

Sunny Refuge

"Sunny Refuge”         Pastel      9” x 12”       $100      © Sharon Lewis
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                   Ahhh, it was a beautiful, sunny afternoon when we visited the Parker River Refuge on the northeast coast of Massachusetts. The refuge has sandy beaches and dunes, cranberry bogs, woods, and acres and acres of salt marsh. That day there were ducks sunning themselves near the edge of the marsh banks. With their brown and beige feathers they blended in so well with their surroundings that I almost didn’t notice them at first. You may be able to see some of them since I’ve tucked a few in amongst the reeds in the painting.

           

            I hope your weekend sees you getting outside and enjoying a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Happy Weekend!

Racing Clouds

“Racing Clouds”         Pastel      12” x 9”       $100      © Sharon Lewis
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            April in the Atlanta area is usually beautiful with blooming trees, bushes, and flowers. It apparently also is typically one of our drier months though you’d never know it this year. It has been raining with very few exceptions virtually every day for weeks! When we get a clear, sunny day, we wander out a bit dazed, looking like pale human mushrooms seeing light for the first time.

            Fortunately, as I drive back and forth to work, I’m treated to the cheerful sight of colorful tulips, red and pink azaleas, purple irises, the wine-red and purples of the Japanese maples, the pink and white blooming dogwood trees, and the lime-green of new leaves sprouting everywhere.

            Hope you enjoy sunshine and April colors this weekend!

Loser Buys the Beers!

“Racing Home”    Pastel    9” x 12”    $100    © Sharon Lewis
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        Several years ago I was on a ferry with family and friends between Boston and Provincetown. It was an absolutely gorgeous summer day in New England…cool and sunny on the water. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day until I got an additional gift: on our way back we ran into a sailboat race. All of a sudden there were tons of brightly colored sails all around us. I enjoy painting sailboats so I started taking so many photos that a fellow passenger asked me if there was someone famous on one of the sailboats. I laughed and explained I just wanted the photos to paint from. She looked a little puzzled as if that sounded crazy and for anyone who lives in or around Boston, it probably did sound crazy. After all, they can see sailboats all the time unlike where I live in landlocked Atlanta.       
       Just looking at this painting, I can remember enjoying being with my family, the warmth of the day, the cool breeze and the sun on my face, the sounds of the gulls hoping for a snack from an unwary tourist, and all of the colorful sails that I couldn’t wait to paint.

Is Mother Nature a Little Confused?

“Near Halibut Point”   6” x 6”   Pastel   $40   © Sharon Lewis
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           It’s been warm and humid here and it’s December! I know I shouldn’t complain given the ice, snow, and frigid temperatures in the mid section of the country, but it feels like summer here! And not in a good way either. It reminds me of one summer we were up in Massachusetts, trying to see places we hadn’t seen before. One of the places we visited was a quarry near Halibut Point (isn’t that a great name for a place?). It was warm, humid and foggy (like here today) and then the sun came out and made these rocks just glow. Most of the tourists went right past this view on their way to apparently more interesting sights. I just stood here studying this beautiful scene thinking it would make a great painting. Happy Weekend!