Montefalco Winery

Sharon Dwyer
Pastel/Oils/Collage

I am a California native artist, born in Berkeley and grew up in the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe regions. I live with my husband and our cat in Hayward with a second home in Truckee.

I have found experimentation, reading and listening to my instincts are my best teachers. Using photographs I have taken, along with on-site sketches I create works in pastel, oil, colored pencil or collage. My images are built upon an idea, feeling or a story. When starting a painting I look for the abstract value pattern. Then, using this solid underlying design I paint with vibrant color and strong tonal values. My images are described as a combined impressionistic and realistic style.

I am a member of the award winning group Artists 7. Artists 7 is a multimedia women's art group formed in 2000. Members work in oil, photography, watercolor, pastel, collage, colored pencil and jewelry. Our group was born out of friendships and the shared passion for creativity. Artists 7's members include: M. Barta Atkins, Jean Bidwell, Sharon Dwyer, Susan Helmer, Denise Oyama-Miller, Kathy Ries, Marcia Ritz, Donna Sanson and Cindy Sullivan

My studio/home is open throughout the year by appointment and open during my annual open studio event.

Even when I am not painting with my hand, I am painting in my mind. Whenever I look at anything I see shape or color compositions. Right now, sitting at my computer, there is a reflection from my window on a picture that would make a wonderful collage. By continually looking at my environment with a compositional eye, I continue to develop my sensitivities with observation leading to inspiration.

The kaleidoscope of colors in nature, combined with bold patterns of light and texture will always inspire me. Living in California I never have to go far to find something to paint. But, I have been fortunate to travel out of this state and country to find even more beauty in landscapes and people. To capture designs in nature and stories in people is exciting and rewarding to me. Through my art I can relive a moment in time and share this experience with you, the viewer of my work . . . as if you were by my side.