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!

 

Bridging the Divide

 “Bridging the Divide”     12” x 18”           Pastel            $430      © Sharon Lewis

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             I love how beautifully clouds can sweep across the sky out west. I especially love how these dramatic dark and light clouds met in the middle….much the way I wish members of different ideological groups would. I wish we would listen to each other’s concerns and hopes and see the possibility of meeting in the middle.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Bright Beginning

  “Bright Beginning”       11” x 14”           Pastel            $300      © Sharon Lewis

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            This is my first painting of the new year and not surprisingly, I chose one of my favorite painting subjects: a sky full of beautiful color and light. I wanted to convey my overall optimistic feelings about the new year in spite of some of the sad and terrible things happening in the world. May this new year bring peace, sufficient food, and safe shelter to those who need it the most.  

            Happy Weekend and Happy New Year!

 

Southwest Sunshine

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

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The colors I see whenever I visit the southwest always remind me of my childhood in southern Florida. In both places, you will find warm colored buildings, vivid flowering plants, and beautiful blue skies. It’s a wonderful combination to consider on a gray, cloudy winter’s day.

Happy Weekend!

Pirouette

“Pirouette”          8” x 10”          Pastel         $75         © Sharon Lewis

            Long ago, when I used to take ballet, I dreamt of someday becoming a famous ballerina. I loved spinning around performing pirouettes over and over again, imagining that I did so “en pointe” (meaning balancing on my toes). When I saw this cloud formation recently, I couldn’t help but think of clouds performing a graceful pirouette reaching into the farthest reaches of the sky.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Celestial Celebration

“Celestial Celebration”        8” x 10”          Pastel         $75         © Sharon Lewis

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             Everywhere I travel my eyes are always on the clouds in the sky and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of studying their many colors and shapes. In reviewing my many photos of the sky from my recent trip to New Mexico, I kept thinking that this looked like a celebration; like there was some giant, gorgeous, celestial party going on and I, and anyone else looking up, was free to enjoy it.

            Hope your weekend is a happy one!

 

Sunset in the Southwest

 “Sunset in the Southwest”             6” x 9”          Pastel         $65         © Sharon Lewis

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            I’ll be heading to the beautiful southwestern part of the country next month for a great gathering of pastel artists. This is a wonderful opportunity for pastel artists scattered across the country and around the world to come together to take classes, workshops, and to paint and socialize with one another. It’s so wonderful to be able to talk to so many other people who share my passion to create art.

            This painting comes from photos I took in New Mexico several years ago at our last conference.

            Happy Weekend!

 

The Splendor of Ended Day

“The Splendor of Ended Day”      Pastel        7” x 9”     $ 70      © Sharon Lewis
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            Our long days of light are gradually getting shorter but it seems we’re getting compensated lately with some spectacular sunsets. No matter how many colorful sunsets I’ve observed, they never get old. They’re always different, always surprising me with yet another mix of beautiful colors. It’s nature, the ultimate artist creating yet another masterpiece. I owe credit to another artist, the poet, Walt Whitman, for the title of the painting, taken from his poem, “Song at Sunset.”

            Happy Weekend!

Adobe Oasis

“Adobe Oasis”      Pastel         9” x 12”        $100         © Sharon Lewis
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            I discovered this space by accident while wondering around a hotel last month. It struck me as a beautiful juxtaposition of hot, bright light, cool shadow, and vivid color. I love the contrast of clean architectural lines and the softness of the greenery. I also love the idea of a refreshing, green respite from what can sometimes be the overwhelming sun and heat of summer.

             Happy Weekend!

Sunset Over Sandia

“Sunset Over Sandia”       Pastel         9” x 12”        $100         © Sharon Lewis
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            I was out in Albuquerque recently for an arts conference and for several nights in a row, we were treated to spectacular sunsets. As the sun sank lower in the sky, it illuminated the clouds and made the Sandia Mountains glow with a warm, peach light. I felt so fortunate that I was able to capture some photos to paint this wonderful view.

            Happy Weekend!

At the Corner of Beauty

“At the Corner of Beauty ”   Pastel         7” x 5”        $50          © Sharon Lewis
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            I’m packing my art supplies in preparation for a wonderful conference in New Mexico, just on art. For a few short days, I will take classes, view wonderful paintings, and try not to buy all of the cool art supplies on display. Most importantly to me, I will be surrounded by people who get as excited as I do by the creative process, by color and light, and by changes in the natural world. These hollyhocks, found on a corner in Old Town, Albuquerque always remind me of this wonderful communion of artistic souls.

            Happy Weekend!