The commercial art field laid the foundation for Sharon’s study ofpainting. Beginning in oil, then followed by decades of workingexclusively in pastel, she now paints in both mediums, with an emphasison plein air painting. Landscapes, still lives and figures provide theneeded variety, yet she is consistently drawn back to the landscape forher major inspiration.Over forty-five years of painting have won Sharon numerous NationalAwards including the IAPS Prix de Pastel. For her pastel achievements,she has been inducted into the Master’s Circle of the InternationalAssociation of Pastel Societies and is a Signature Member of the PastelSociety of the West Coast. In addition to painting, Sharon runs a customframing business from her home/studio. She and her husband can befound exploring the countryside in their camper, painting andphotographing along the way, with their golden retriever. Visit Sharon’swebsite for more awards and information: www.sharonwill.com“Much of my work today is done plein air, as I find it the mostsatisfying. There is nothing more exhilarating than being outdoorsworking from life in all seasons. Direct observation from life, I believe, isthe only way to truly see those subtleties of color found in nature, whetherit’s painting plein air or in the studio. With nature as our best teacher, mywork focuses on capturing the fleeting light in everyday situations andlearning to see the world in its simplest elements of value, shape, colorand edges. Plein air painting also enhances and informs my studio work.My goal is never to copy nature, but be true to its character, whilefocusing the viewer on that special light, color relationship, or mood thatinitially inspired me. It’s my hope that as I humbly attempt to captureglimpses of the beauty around me, the creation as well as our Creator ishonored.”