Artist Statement

Art is an undeniable necessity, an intrinsic element that defines my life. From my first Crayola - I was hooked.

My early work was illustrative in nature which enabled me to develop a solid understanding of drawing and composition. Today my focus is on the design and rhythms of rural and urban landscapes.

Born in Christchurch, England and raised in King City, Ontario, I was always interested in the arts. Mrs. Hunter, my grade 1 teacher commented on my first report card, “artwork, exceptional I think”.

Preferring to use acrylic paint and professional soft pastel, I enjoy the saturation of colour and immediacy both mediums provide. Painting with acrylic, I block in the overall image, often using glazes of transparent colour and dry brushing to enhance the depth and overall mood of the painting. My pastel work is painted on both canvas panels and sanded paper, with or without a watercolour or acrylic underpainting.

I constantly aspire to capture a moment that engages the viewer so they may explore their own personal interpretations.

I have been influenced and have had the opportunity to study under such great artists as Albert Handell, Richard McKinley, Teresa Saia, Colleen Howe and Andrew McDermott.

My work is a reflection of my life and travels as I particularly enjoy taking my art outdoors and have painted many of my works “en plein air” in Canada, Italy, France, England, Wales, and the USA.

The joy of creating a story within a colourful image, and to share that image with others continues to inspire me.

Art Related Education - Recently studied with:

• Richard McKinley, Lost River, Quebec – 2008
  
• Teresa Saia, Tuscany - 2008
  
• Albert Handell, Bend, OR - 2006
  
• Colleen Howe, Coupeville, WA - 2005
  
• Andrew McDermott, White Rock, BC - 2003

Recent Exhibitions:

• 2009 - Gallery Perth - The Appreciation of Art
  
• 2009 - Maple Run Studio Tour, RiverRidge Studio, Pakenham ON
  
• 2008 - Gallery Perth - The World at Our Doorstep
  
• 2008 - Crown & Pumpkin Studio Tour, RiverRidge Studio, Pakenham ON
  
• 2008 - Artemisia Gallery, Westport - Featured Artist for August
  
• 2008 - Gallery Perth - Spring Fever
  
• 2008 - Maple Run Studio Tour - RiverRidge Studio, Pakenham ON
  
• 2008/2009 - Three Yellow Tulips - Pakenham, ON
  
• 2007 - Purly Pastel - ArtSpring Gallery, Ganges, Salt Spring Island, BC
  
• 2007 - Works on Paper - Federation of Canadian Artists Gallery - Vancouver, BC
  
• 2007 - The Power of Two - Cranston Studio, White Rock, BC
  
• 2005/2006/2007 Painters Square - White Rock, BC
  
• 2000/2002 Arnold Mikelson Festival of Arts - White Rock, BC
  

Press:

• The Canadian Gazette - Mississippi Weekender - Using nature to influence art - Sept. 19, 2008
  
• The EMC Newspaper - Sharon Fox-Cranston with paintings, photo, front cover - April 3, 2008
  
• The Humm - Plein Air Painters of Lanark County - June, 2008
  
• The Humm - Guy Cranston and Sharon Fox-Cranston - A Pastel Duet, April, 2008
  
• Art Avenue Magazine - Front cover - July/August 2007
  
• Peace Arch News - Mikelson Moments, photo - July 4, 2000
  
• Peace Arch News - A charming, fanciful quality - Oct. 6, 1999
  
• Barrie Examiner- Making sure all’s fair at the fair -August 2, 1994
  
• Barrie Examiner - The art of Kempenfest - July 31, 1993
  
• Huronia Sunday - Fantasy, kings conspire to draw artist’s brush - March 14, 1993
  

Awards:

• Award of Excellence - Federation of Canadian Artists Gallery, Works on Paper, Vancouver, BC
• Honourable Mention - ArtSpring Gallery, Purely Pastel, Pastel Artists Canada, Ganges, BC
  
• Committee Experience:
  
• 2009 - Eastern Ontario Rep. for Pastel Artists Canada
  
• 2008 - Founding member and organizer of the Plein Air Painters of Lanark County Group
  
• 1991 - 1994 - Chair, Huronia Festival of the Arts and Crafts, Barrie, ON

Present Memberships:

• Elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists
  
• Federation of Canadian Artists
  
• International Landscape Artists
  
• Pastel Artists Canada
  

Plein Air Painters of Lanark County