Quiet Beauty

 “Quiet Beauty”      2.5” x 3.5”       Pastel        $26        © Sharon Lewis

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One of the things that I’m looking forward to as I transition into retirement from my day job, is more opportunities to paint outside. This small painting is of a view I had on Orcas Island, one of the beautiful San Juan Islands in the state of Washington. One of the benefits of painting plein air that I’ve learned, is that it encourages me to focus on the quiet beauty in a landscape – not the flashier or more striking, but the beauty others might dismiss as too ordinary or uninteresting. The challenge for me is to slow down, become more aware and truly see what beauty lies in front of me.

            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!

 

Tree at Orcas

“Tree at Orcas”   7” x 5”          Pastel         $50         © Sharon Lewis

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            On Orcas Island, which is part of the San Juan islands off the coast of Washington state, you can see beautiful views like this. You can also walk through old growth forest or hike up to Mount Constitution which gives you a spectacular view of the surrounding islands and waterways. There were cool breezes and sunny days…my ideal summer day.

Happy Weekend!

 

Longing

“Longing”       Pastel         5” x 7”        $50          © Sharon Lewis
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            When I saw these two trees, I couldn’t get over how they seemed to be reaching their branches toward one another, drawn to each other but not able to actually touch. They’re like good friends or lovers, separated by distance but still trying to communicate.

            Happy Weekend!

Illumination

“Illumination”          Pastel               5” x 7”            $50            © Sharon Lewis 
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            I had walked past this tree several times hiking around this island and seen it from the window of my room. Maybe it was smaller than the other trees or maybe it was because I was distracted by the beautiful sea behind it but I hadn’t really paid much attention to it.  And then the sun illuminated it and I saw its beauty. I think sometimes that the most important job of an artist is simply to pay attention.

            Happy Weekend!  

Sunbathing

“Sunbathing”        Pastel         7” x 5”        $50          © Sharon Lewis
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            Last summer I was lucky enough to spend some time on Orcas Island off the coast of Washington.  I was wandering around taking photos and trying to pick out a good place to paint when I spotted this beautiful tree that just seemed to be basking in the sunshine. With the blue sky behind it, this seemed the perfect portrait of a magnificent tree on a gorgeous summer day.

            Happy Weekend!

The View From Orcas

“The View From Orcas”      Pastel       5” x 7”       $50       © Sharon Lewis
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I remember this view so vividly. We were staying on Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington. I painted this from a hillside overlooking the water with a wonderful view of a harbor and distant islands. During the day, there were sailboats, motor boats, kayakers, and sea planes going back and forth in this busy harbor. However, I decided to paint it without all the busyness, and instead, as it might have appeared long, long ago; as calm and peaceful with only nature in sight.

Happy Weekend!