Light and the resulting shadows can transform almost anything into a pleasing subject. This pattern of light and shadow is what excites and inspires me to paint, so the subject matter can be nearly anything.
Walking down a sun-dappled dirt road where the surrounding trees interlock lacy branches overhead; sitting in the early morning coolness on a mossy creek bank as the mists rise and brilliant lights shimmer on the water; or walking across a wide field of wildflowers with distant trees in a hazy light of afternoon are all occasions that intoxicate and invigorate me.
      In those instances when I am unable  to paint on the spot, en plein air, I mentally paint the inspiring scene before me, deciding how I might try to achieve the myriad of contrasts and subleties of light and color that I see. Attempting to translate this beautiful light and color into paint on a canvas is an exhilarating experience.

Roots

Sharon was born in Woodville, Mississippi, and grew up in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.

Education

University of Georgia, Athens graduate with a major in entomology, a minor in botany
Studied painting with various  artists in workshop settings
Study of original Impressionist's paintings in Europe and American museums
Influenced by Monet, Sorolla, Hassam and Chase

Travels

United States, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Greece, Italy and the Yucatan, keeping sketch journals and photographing for future work

Exhibits and Awards

2003 & 2004 nominated to MS. Institute of Arts and Letters
Pastel Society of America Award from the Degas Pastel Society, New Orleans
Kansas Pastel Society Show
California Pastel Society Show
International Pastel Society Show in Lille, France
Salmagundi Club of New York, three years
Dick Blick Award from the Batavia, New York Art Competition
The Miniature Society Competition

Collections

Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, MS
The Municipal Art Gallery of the city of Jackson, MS
Corporate and private collections in the United States, Canada and Germany

Articles

Joseph dumas, "Seeing the Light" (Mississippi Magazine, July/Aug. 2004)
Keeli bozeman, "2003 sensational Spaces" (Mississippi Magazine,
                                                              March/April  2003)  photo p. 54
Jennifer Ellis west(Ed), "Mississippi welcomes Royalty"
                                      (Mississippi Magazine, July/Aug. 2001) p.43

Film
The Natchez Story, a film at the Natchez Visitor's center (MS) includes
                                several Richardson paintings
Please click image for information