CAROLYN SHARP
UNVEILING NATURE'S RHYTHM:
LAYERED PAINTINGS EVOKING THE ENERGY OF THE CANADIAN LANDSCAPE
My process:
Inspiration
​Nature serves as an inexhaustible wellspring of inspiration for my paintings, each landscape and moment capturing the essence of Canada's diverse beauty. Throughout my travels across this vast land, I immerse myself in its grandeur, diligently gathering photographs and occasionally sketching en plein air. These experiences embed themselves in my artistic process, manifesting as bold marks and abstract images on canvas. Each stroke recalls the raw power and sublime tranquility of nature, evoking memories of rushing rivers, towering forests, and expansive skies. In the studio, these remembrances take shape, guiding my hand as I translate the essence of natural elements into vibrant, emotive artworks that invite viewers to connect with the profound beauty of our world.
Mediums & Substrates
Acrylic paintings - My acrylic paintings include collage, ink and charcoal along with acrylic paints on canvas or wood panel. I use the same techniques as with my oil paintings by building up texture, removing, scraping and discovering unique marks along the way.
Oil & cold wax paintings - These works are created using oil paint mixed with cold wax medium on birch panels or Arches oil paper. I often incorporate dry pigments like ash or powdered graphite, plus I use oil paint sticks during the process. Each painting is created by slowly building texture as the paint is applied, scraped away in areas, and scratched into.
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I'm constantly experimenting with tools and techniques to achieve interesting surfaces. I use silicone bowl scrapers, palette knives, brushes and other tools such as bamboo skewers and brayers to apply, scrape, wipe and remove layers of paint, creating texture as I build each painting. I collect a variety of everyday objects to use as stamps and stencils to press into the oil & cold wax which creates shapes on the surface. These can be as simple as bubble wrap, cardboard, embossed wallpaper, tissue paper, and string.
Brushes & Tools
Texture and abstraction are the main focus of my work, so I'm constantly experimenting with tools and techniques to achieve interesting surfaces. I use silicone bowl scrapers, palette knives, brushes and other tools such as bamboo skewers and brayers to apply, scrape, wipe and remove layers of paint, creating texture as I build each painting. I collect a variety of everyday objects to use as stamps and stencils to press into the oil & cold wax which creates shapes on the surface. These can be as simple as bubble wrap, cardboard, embossed wallpaper, tissue paper, and string.
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