Oxford in the Fall

“Oxford in the Fall”       12” x 9”      Pastel      $100      © Sharon Lewis

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            I’ve spent many, long hours in my office lately but I feel very fortunate that I have this view of the beautiful Oxford College campus. When I first came to Emory University’s Oxford campus long ago, I was struck by the natural beauty of the quad which had quite a few huge trees with massive canopies. Unfortunately, we’ve lost some of those older trees due to storms over the years but we still have quite a few striking trees throughout the campus. There’s something wonderful, after hours of meetings and grading, to look up and see the sun set this tree ablaze with glorious colors. I’m so grateful for this view.

            Happy Weekend!

 

In the Deep Fall

“In the Deep Fall”        9” x 12”          Pastel         $100      © Sharon Lewis

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               I love the poem by Mary Oliver, “In the Deep Fall” from which I borrowed the title of this painting. She writes:

 Don’t you imagine the leaves think how
comfortable it will be to touch
the earth instead of the
nothingness of air and the endless
freshets of wind? And don’t you think
the trees themselves, especially those with mossy,
warm caves, begin to think

of the birds that will come — six, a dozen — to sleep
inside their bodies? And don’t you hear
the goldenrod whispering goodbye,
the everlasting being crowned with the first
tuffets of snow? The pond
vanishes, and the white field over which
the fox runs so quickly brings out
its blue shadows. And the wind pumps its
bellows. And at evening especially,
the piled firewood shifts a little,
longing to be on its way.

            Happy Fall and Happy Weekend!

 

Autumn Bounty

“Autumn Bounty”       9” x 12”          Pastel         $100      © Sharon Lewis

            I spent a wonderful October weekend in the North Georgia mountains several years ago. The trees were wearing their fall outfits, decked in an array of vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. After hiking we found a great open-air market selling a variety of local produce including pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. The owners were happy to sell us their produce but were a little puzzled by me photographing it. This painting is based on that beautiful fall day and the bounty of autumn.

            Happy Halloween and Happy Weekend!

October Sky

“October Sky”           8” x 8”          Pastel         $70       © Sharon Lewis

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            October in the southeast is a wonderful month! The mornings are cool and the days are sunny and dry. At the moment, I can hear the stream running gently over the rocks, the breeze rustling the leaves, and the birds chirping happily in the trees. It’s a time to think about heading to the mountains for a day, or a weekend, to forget about that constant stream of emails and tasks, and instead to enjoy this beautiful season of glorious colors….and candy. We can’t forget the Halloween candy.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Happy Memories

“Happy Memories”        8” x 10”          Pastel         $75      © Sharon Lewis

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            I know it’s Fall but I like remembering walking on a beach with kids playing in the surf, couples standing with their arms around each other just gazing at the view, friends gathered for a weekend of fun together under a yellow umbrella, and those walking the beach in search of that perfect shell to add to their already too large collection back home.

            Happy Memories and Happy Weekend!

 

Still Reflections

“Still Reflections”       9” x 12”          Pastel         $100      © Sharon Lewis

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            We’re finally seeing some sun after days and days of rain. It’s amazing how beautiful even small glimpses of blue sky can be after a week of only leaden grey vistas.

            The area I’ve painted is a beautiful area discovered after hiking one day near Glencoe, Scotland. I love the storm clouds finally moving off, the sun coming out, and the reflections in this very, still body of water.

            Reflections are interesting in that the images reflected in the water are similar but are not a perfect copy of what stands above. Depending on where you stand, that image can appear very different, much like the image we see of others depends on our stance. Open and accepting? We may be like that clear body of water and see an authentic reflection. Critical and judgmental? We may see a distorted image. Our own desires, expectations, and fears can influence our images of others so that we see only what we long for, expect, or wish to avoid. Hopefully, we all can stand so that others can reflect their authentic selves.

            Happy Weekend!

 

Soft Music at Sunset

“Soft Music at Sunset”     9” x 9”          Pastel         $100      © Sharon Lewis

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            Walking along a beach at sunset is wonderful for it’s that time when all the kids and sunbathers have left to enjoy their dinners or their cocktails (only the adults we hope). It’s when you become more aware of the soft sounds of the waves breaking on the shore and the tiny chirps of the sandpipers. The gulls are finally in silent repose on the beach, waiting for the return of free meals unwittingly provided by inexperienced visitors. And while you’re enjoying the soft music of the beach at sunset, you’re treated to the gorgeous display of the skies.

            Happy Weekend!