We are excited to have Sharon Zych as a part
of our next Artist Spotlight installation.
ARTIST STATEMENT & BIOGRAPHY
My “artistic training” began when I was a teen. My father taught me to draw and oil paint.
I have painted with watercolor for about 15 years now.
I won 1st place in mixed media at my first National Scholastic Art Awards in New York.
In the last 15 years, I have won three Best of Show ribbons, and many First Place, in watercolor.
WHEN DID YOU BEGIN MAKING ART?
Before high school.
WHAT DOES YOUR WORK AIM TO SAY?
Peace, tranquility. I want to viewer to be transported to a peaceful place when they see my paintings.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
The wonderful artists in our area.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Some times I see a boat, ship, or a landscape that I just have to paint. It calls to me.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ARTWORK THAT YOU’VE CREATED?
A pirate ship in the sunset.
HOW DO YOU WORK? WHEN DO YOU FEEL MOST CREATIVE?
Sometimes my drafting table calls me to paint. Then I turn on classical music, pull up a photo I took, and paint.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ARTIST TOOL? IS THERE SOMETHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN YOUR STUDIO?
My brushes and my drafting table. Many other tools – too many to name. You only asked for my favorite tool. I gave you two.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A WORK IS FINISHED?
When I think I’m finished, I put it aside to view and tweak later, if needed.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT?
As I walked into a judged show I had entered, I was met by a friend who, teasing, told me the press had arrived and cameras were set up. I said, “what are you talking about?” He took me to see a painting, I had won Best of Show.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN ARTIST JUST STARTING OUT?
Try different mediums. Take a few short classes to see what you may be most comfortable with. I started out doing charcoal drawings. For a long time I painted with oils. About 15 years ago, I took a one-day class in watercolor. I found the medium I love today.
Thanks, Sharon! Come check out her art on display through January. We are open Friday 5PM – 8PM, Saturday 4PM – 7PM, and Sunday 1PM – 4PM.
Interested in being in our Artist Spotlight? Send us your work!
We are looking for 2D and 3D artists to feature a selection of their work on a 3-month rotation.
Check out previous Artists here!