Featured Artist Sherie Harkins

Oil painter Sherie Harkins presents a collection of fascinating and magical images that celebrate life. See more from this artist by visiting her website.

 

oil painting of a girl on a swing by Sherie Harkins

“Learning the Cadence of Strive and Rest” oil on canvas, 24″ x 24”

 

Seeing the beauty in the world has calmed and restored me many times. Especially in nature, but also in people and creatures, and in the bonds that exist between.

 

Oil painting of a small girl by Sherie Harkins

“Forsaken Grace” oil on canvas, 36″ x 24”

 

Sometimes I represent them directly. I also appreciate finding the elemental art relationships in color harmonies, or texture, or balance, for instance, that compose a painting and symbolize our connections. We live daily in the midst of such beauty. I hope to invite others to join me in the experience of everyday awesome. I want them to look more closely at the unexpected that surrounds us in people, places and things.

 

oil painting of a water splash by Sherie Harkins

“Descent Before Rising” oil on canvas, 20″ x 16”

 

I’ve been drawing and painting as far back as I can remember. And I have always been especially captivated by color. I vividly remember walking home from a neighbor’s house on a stormy evening when I was eight and seeing the yellow green underside of poplar leaves against a darkening gray sky. I was thinking of how incredibly beautiful the colors looked together.

 

Oil painting of a child rising in the air by Sherie Harkins

“Rising on the Breath of Heaven” oil on canvas, 30″ x 30”

 

Nestled behind the shrub wall in my grandparent’s garden, I was struck by the dark green texture of the needled foliage against the shimmering white quartz rocks. And I was convinced that the rainbow-colored dust sparkling in my bedroom as the sun set was the sandman come to ease me into dreamy sleep.

 

oil painting of a young girl in the forest

“Dancing with Fireflies” oil on canvas, 36″ x 24”

 

Life got a bit chaotic as I grew up, but there was always beauty. I spent many years sculpting my family while continuing to exercise the creative in our life together, working as a landscape designer and commission portrait artist.

 

oil painting of a young girl in a fountain by Sherie Harkins

“Sweet Relief” oil on canvas, 36 x 24”

 

When my four grownup children were launched, I turned to more serious painting and teaching. I continue to do both today.

 

oil painting of a young boy praying by Sherie Harkins

“Prayer and Supplication” oil on canvas, 24″ x 18”

 

I am no longer teaching full-time, but I am thrilled to be part of Rhode Island School of Design’s summer faculty. I work with amazingly talented students from all over the world, as well as teaching adults through multiple venues.

 

oil painting of three birds at night by Sherie Harkins

“Ruffle Guard” oil on canvas, 36″ x 36”

 

I am excited and humbled to be embarking on the next part of my journey, an exploration of new methods and techniques in painting, as well as better listening on my part. We have all been through a traumatic time these past few years and our connections are fractured. I want to be tuned in and paying attention to how my work and I can be part of the healing.

 

Sherie Harkins invites you to follow her on Instagram.

 

 

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Comments

  1. Beautiful work!

  2. nice philosophy too.

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