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
  • Edge of Curious
    Edge of Curious

    A fox ventures out of the woods and pauses in this mixed media 24 inch x 18 inch painting of acrylic and collage on wood panel.

  • 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

About Sharon

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 two series. The first series includes views of National… more

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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. 

  • 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
  • Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon
    Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon

    The Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon provides a window into the distance and highlights the impressive rock formations (hoodoos) within the park. Watercolor on paper 14 x 10 inches in a 20 x 16 inch soft gray mat in a black frame. 

    Available for Purchase
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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.

  • 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
  • Pause
    Pause

    Relaxing at the river along Savage Mill Trail and letting the dog play in the water.  Watercolor on paper 14 x 11 mounted on wood panel. Unframed. 

    Available for Purchase
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Water

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

  • Gushing
    Gushing

    When the snow melts and the rains come, the rushing water expands waterfalls and creates new ones. Abstract acrylic and collage 14 x 11 inch painting on paper mounted on panel in black floater frame.

    Available for Purchase
  • Edge of the Ice
    Edge of the Ice

    Seagulls congregate on the edge of the ice in this winter view of Lake Ekhorn. Buildings and bare trees reflect in the mirror of the water. Watercolor on paper mounted on 14 x 11 panel. Black floater frame. 

    Available for Purchase
  • Over the Jetty
    Over the Jetty

    Abstract image of water going over a dark stone jetty or rock formation. Textured layers of acrylic and collage on paper mounted on11 x 14 inch wood panel. Black floater frame.

    Available for Purchase
  • Low Tide
    Low Tide

    So many sea creatures are revealed when exploring at low tide. Am abstract depiction of this experience. Acrylic and collage on paper mounted on 11 x 14 inch wood panel in black floater frame. 

    Available for Purchase
  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • Still Marching
    Still Marching

    On this hot day in August 2023, four women march and rest at the 60th March on Washington. Watercolor on paper 16 x 12 in a black 20 x 16 mat, with a gold frame. 

    Available for Purchase
  • 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
  • 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.

Trees

What could be more compelling than trees as a painting subject for a former landscape architect? I love their beauty and strength and uniqueness. 

  • Ancient One
    Ancient One

    This old growth spruce growing in the Tongass National Forest dwarfs the hikers. The Tongass in southeast Alaska is the largest national forest in the US and contains some of the only old growth temperate rainforest in the world. We were privileged to witness the variety and beauty of this natural wonder. Mixed media of ink, pastel, watercolor, acrylic and collage on paper mounted on 24 x 18 inch by 1.5 inch cradled panel. Unframed. 

    Available for Purchase
  • Edge of Curious
    Edge of Curious

    A fox ventures out of the woods and pauses in this mixed media painting of acrylic and collage on 24 x 18 inch cradled wood panel. 

    Available for Purchase
  • Steps on the Journey
    Steps on the Journey

    Tree roots create steps for hikers on the trail in this early spring view. Watercolor on paper 18 x 14 inches with white mat 24 x 18 inches in black frame. 

    Available for Purchase
  • Tenacious
    Tenacious

    This tree's fall color shines above the rock outcrop from which it grows. Watercolor on synthetic paper (Yupo) 10 x 13 inches in double white mat framed in black 16 x 20 inch frame.

    Available for Purchase
  • Longstanding Pain
    Longstanding Pain

    A mighty tulip poplar tree with a long scar still grows despite the injury. Seeing this tree along the trail near us, I thought of those who persevere despite pains and injuries they can never completely heal from. Watercolor on paper 28 x 14 inches with white mat and frame to 36 x 22 inches. 

    Available for Purchase
  • January Sunset
    January Sunset

    Brilliant sunset shines through the dark bare branches in winter. Mixed media of watercolor, pastel and acrylic on paper mounted on 14 x 18 inch cradled wood panel, white painted sides. Unframed. 

    Available for Purchase
  • February Sycamore
    February Sycamore

    The sunlight on a sycamore tree contrasts with the golden winter grasses and the distant evergreen trees. Watercolor on paper mounted on 12 x 12 inch panel in black floater frame. 

    Available for Purchase
  • Renewal
    Renewal

    Cherry blossoms are one of the beauties of early spring. Watercolor on paper mounted on 12 x 16 inch panel in a black floater frame. 

    Available for Purchase