Work samples

  • Zion Court of the Patriarchs
    Zion Court of the Patriarchs
    One of the iconic locations at Zion National Park painted in acrylic and collage on 18 x 24 wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Worn Smooth
    Worn Smooth
    The abstract patterning of the rock formations at the beach inspired this painting in acrylic on 14 x 11 inch panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Splash
    Splash
    The best part of a day at the beach for this boy is being splashed by a big wave. Acrylic on 12 inch x 12 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Balancing Act
    Balancing Act
    The challenges of resisting the forces that try to weigh us down. Acrylic on 12 x 12 wood panel.
    Available for Purchase

About Sharon

Howard County

I paint in watercolor and acrylic on paper and wood panels. I love watercolor because it combines luminosity with soft edges and unpredictable results. My acrylic paintings have many layers, textural effects and collage elements. I find the space between representational and purely abstract images most compelling. My subject matter varies based on what I find intriguing and challenging. 
My most recent explorations have been in three series. At first I did not see the connection… more

Jump to a project:

National Parks

Visits to some of the National Parks especially in Arizona, Utah and Alaska inspired my paintings in this series. The majesty of the settings was awe inspiring  yet the future of these places due to pressures of climate change and other challenges is a concern.  Watercolor and acrylic with collage are the different media used for the paintings. 

  • Approach to the Narrows- Zion National Park
    Approach to the Narrows- Zion National Park
    The Narrows is an iconic location in Zion National Park that is a tight space between high canyon walls and accessed by walking in the river. This view from the end of the trail was painted in acrylic and collage on 14 inch by 18 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Court of the Patriarchs - Zion National Park
    Court of the Patriarchs - Zion National Park
    The Court of the Patriarchs area of Zion National Park includes the view of three mountains, two of which are shown in this painting. Acrylic and collage on 18 inch by 24 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Lower Emerald Pool - Zion
    Lower Emerald Pool - Zion
    Water from above cascades down to the lower Emerald Pool at Zion National Park. A slippery trail takes you below the waterfall and angled rock wall and around the pool. This view from the edge of the pool shows the waterfall and the distant mountain. Acrylic and collage on 24 inch x 18 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Grand Canyon Morning
    Grand Canyon Morning
    A morning view seen on our hike from Hermit's Rest back to the Grand Canyon Village. I tried to capture the range of colors and a sense of the enormous distance of the Grand Canyon in this painting. Watercolor on panel 24 inches high by 36 inches wide.
    Available for Purchase
  • Grand Canyon Lookout Studio
    Grand Canyon Lookout Studio
    The Lookout Studio was built along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1914. Standing on the terrace allows for great views and helps you feel more a part of the Canyon. Watercolor on 24 inch x 36 inch panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Mighty Colorado - Grand Canyon
    Mighty Colorado - Grand Canyon
    The mighty Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon. From a distance as in this view, the river seems a slight blue ribbon that hides its power. The Grand Canyon ecosystem has been damaged by the pressures on the river by development and reduction in water. Acrylic on 18 inch high by 24 inch wide wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Navajo Loop Trail View - Bryce Canyon
    Navajo Loop Trail View - Bryce Canyon
    These trails take you into the magical rock formations (hoodoos) of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Acrylic on 24 inch by 18 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Bryce Canyon - Swamp Canyon
    Bryce Canyon - Swamp Canyon
    The foreground tree invites your view into this section of Bryce Canyon National Park called Swamp Canyon. The rock formations called hoodoos are a dramatic characteristic of Bryce Canyon in Utah. Acrylic and collage on 18 inch x 24 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Natural Bridge - Bryce Canyon
    Natural Bridge - Bryce Canyon
    Natural Bridge is one of the most unique rock formations at Bryce Canyon National Park. Acrylic and collage on 14 inch by 11 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Blue Haven
    Blue Haven
    Sawyer Glacier is at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord near Juneau, Alaska. We were fortunate to be there in June when harbor seals arrive to give birth and nurse the pups here since it is a safer place for them. Watercolor on paper 14.25 by 14.25 inches. Matted and framed to 18 inches by 18 inches.
    Available for Purchase

Challenges

This series represents my expression in paint of the current world situation including climate change and political uncertainty. The horses are a reference to the four horsemen of the apocalypse and also correspond to the elements of air, water and fire.  I always remain hopeful so there is an element of hope in the series; we are managing to hang on although by a fraying thread. 

  • Balancing Act
    Balancing Act
    Forces are trying to upset the balance of the figure but she stays standing. Acrylic on wood panel 12 inch by 12 inch.
    Available for Purchase
  • Airborne
    Airborne
    Sometimes the dangers are airborne. One of the series referencing the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Watercolor on paper mounted to 14 inch by 11 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Cosmic Outlook
    Cosmic Outlook
    Looking up at the sky can give perspective in the midst of our problems. Acrylic and collage on 12 inch by 12 inch wood panel.
  • Conflagration
    Conflagration
    Escape from the fire may not be possible. A reference to one of the four horses of the apocalypse. Watercolor on paper affixed to 11 inch by 14 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Hanging by a Thread
    Hanging by a Thread
    Tenuous threads create the only connections here. Perhaps they will hold despite the frays. Acrylic and collage on 12 inch by 12 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Maelstrom
    Maelstrom
    Floods and whirlpools creating a force that is impossible to resist. What will our future hold? Part of the series referencing the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Acrylic and collage on 12 by 12 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • January 6 2021
    January 6 2021
    United States Capitol image on that fateful heartbreaking day. Watercolor and gouache on paper mounted on 18 inch by 14 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Rifts
    Rifts
    Rifts and cracks have splintered us apart from one another. Can we repair them? Acrylic and collage on 12 inch by 12 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Unraveling
    Unraveling
    Abstract expression of unraveling the ties that bind and also the attempt to work out or unravel the meaning. Acrylic on 12 inch by 12 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Fire in the Valley
    Fire in the Valley
    Abstract depiction of the power of fire to change a landscape. Acrylic and collage on 12 inch by 12 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase

Natural Impulse

What is more compelling than exploring the outdoors! People, especially little ones, love to climb, sled, splash and hike in natural areas. These paintings celebrate those moments and places.

  • Snow Day
    Snow Day
    The first day with enough snow brings out the kids with sleds even on this small hill. Watercolor 14 x 18 inch image on paper mounted on 16 x 20 inch green painted deep cradled wood panel, wax finish.
    Available for Purchase
  • Splash
    Splash
    The best part of a trip to the beach is being splashed by a big wave. Acrylic on 12 x 12 panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Sticks on the Beach
    Sticks on the Beach
    The driftwood piled on this beach has many options for this child to find the perfect sticks. Watercolor on Paper 11 x 14 inch.
    Available for Purchase
  • Creek Crossing
    Creek Crossing
    A downed tree still leaves a rocky path across a creek at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Watercolor on paper mounted on 14 x 11 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Snow in Summer
    Snow in Summer
    Hiking above Mount Roberts in Juneau Alaska, you can reach snow even in the summer - at least most years. These cousins started a snowball fight after they got to the snow. Acrylic and collage on 12 x 12 inch panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Rock Climber
    Rock Climber
    The rocks are there so they should be climbed. Acrylic and collage on 12 x 12 wood panel.
    Available for Purchase
  • Surfer in Oceanside
    Surfer in Oceanside
    It is so hard to leave when the waves still call. But the darkness is coming so this surfer reluctantly heads away after one last look. Watercolor on paper mounted on 18 x 14 inch wood panel
    Available for Purchase
  • Let's Go Girl
    Let's Go Girl
    Learning to ride a favorite horse- what could be better. Watercolor on 10 x 13 inch paper.
    Available for Purchase
  • Nugget Falls
    Nugget Falls
    The rushing waters of Nugget Falls empty into Mendenhall Lake and dwarf the figures walking on the trail in Juneau Alaska. Acrylic and collage on 12 x 12 inch wood panel.
    Available for Purchase

Water

Calm, stormy, rushing or frozen: water animates our world and my paintings in so many ways. 

  • Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
    Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
    The massive glacier makes the boat appear very small in this view of the Holgate glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. Acrylic and collage on 12 inch by 12 inch wood panel.
  • Spring Thaw
    Spring Thaw
    Cracking ice reveals the depths below in this abstract image. Acrylic and collage on 12 inch by 12 inch wood panel.
  • Sea Wind
    Sea Wind
    Storm tossed seas in an abstract mix of blues. Acrylic on 12 inch by 12 inch wood panel.
  • Refresh
    Refresh
    A waterfall in the woods after a rain. Acrylic on wood panel 12 inches by 12 inches. In maple floater fame.
  • Rapids at Savage Trail
    Rapids at Savage Trail
    After this bend, the river disappears into the the shadows of the trees. Watercolor on paper mounted on wood panel 14 inches by 11 inches in black floater frame.
  • Inlet at Peggy's Cove
    Inlet at Peggy's Cove
    Boat pulled up for repair in an inlet in Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia. I loved the pattern of the buildings stepping down to the water almost as much as the beautiful water and boat.
  • Snowy Pair
    Snowy Pair
    The benches are close together but there are no occupants on this snowy day. The beech trees still have their tan leaves but not for much longer. Watercolor on paper 12 inches by 9 inches with black mat and frame 18 inches by 14 inches.

Figures

People are endlessly fascinating yet difficult to capture.  I cannot resist the attempt to paint those special people and moments in my life. 

  • Forest Spirit
    Forest Spirit
    The abstract green background reflects her love of the forest and the creatures. Watercolor on paper 14 inch by 11 inch matted and framed to 20 inch by 16 inch.
  • Tenderness
    Tenderness
    She holds her pet guinea pig tenderly as we should also approach her. Watercolor on paper 18 inch by 14 inch matted and framed.
  • Cloud Forest Jewels
    Cloud Forest Jewels
    A visit to the cloud forest in the mountains of a Costa Rica included a stop at a hummingbird garden where the hummers came out and would sit on your hand. An amazing experience! Watercolor on paper 14 inch by 18 inch matted and framed to 18 by 24.
  • Don't Fence Me In
    Don't Fence Me In
    The sun on your back and feeling of freedom can't be stopped by fences. Watercolor on paper 18 inch by 14 inch matted and framed to 24 by 18.
    Available for Purchase
  • Fall Color
    Fall Color
    The simple pleasure of talking to your friend outside school in the fall was missing for a long time during the pandemic. Here the tree's brilliance matches the yellow of the school buses arriving to pick up students.
    Available for Purchase
  • Hey There
    Hey There
    It helps to make a friend on a long bus ride through Virginia. Watercolor on paper 13 by 17 inch matted and framed to 18 by 24 inches.
    Available for Purchase
  • Linda L Singh: Major General, Mother, Mentor
    Linda L Singh: Major General, Mother, Mentor
    Linda L. Singh was the first woman and person of color to command the Maryland National Guard. She served for 30 years in the military while raising her two daughters and working several other jobs. While Adjutant General, her entire command team was women. Painting exhibited as part of the Visionary Women exhibit at Columbia Art Center. Her military ribbons are shown on a blue stripe on the right side of the metallic gold background. Watercolor on paper 14 by 18 inches matted and framed to 18 by 24 inches.
    Available for Purchase
  • Making Keys Since 1925
    Making Keys Since 1925
    A visit to Zeskinds Hardware in Baltimore prompted this painting of the historic interior and keys still being cut for a customer. Keys for your home and some suggestions for keys to life are included. Watercolor on paper 18 by 14 inches matted and framed to 24 by 18 inches.
    Available for Purchase
  • Stop on the Trail
    Stop on the Trail
    A man rests on a rock along the Patuxent River on a sunny day. Watercolor on paper 18 by 14 inches matted and framed to 24 by 18 inches.
  • Keeping Up
    Keeping Up
    Despite her shorter legs, the daughter is determined to keep up with her mom. Acrylic on 12 inch by 12 inch wood panel.