Sharon France

A Peaceful Summer's Day

2018

Artist Comments
I live on an old farmstead in the Midwest where I paint quiet, country scenes from my imagination. These contemporary folk art landscapes are created simply from the heart. I want to capture the feeling of peace and serenity that I love about the country. This painting was inspired from old country houses I have seen over the years on rural back roads. I set the house in a simple, slightly abstracted golden field with a blue sky filled with wispy clouds. This piece is on a gallery wrapped canvas and the painting continues around the sides. The work comes ready to hang.

About the Artist
Sharon France has many fond childhood memories of visits to her grandparents; remote Midwestern farm. She now lives on her own farmstead with her family where she paints the beauty around her. Sharon found inspiration in the work of Hudson River School Artists, Minimalists, Tonalists and Realists. When she;s not painting, she loves to hike. She currently lives in Illinois. Fun fact: her homestead includes a number of pet birds like heritage turkeys, chickens, ducks and tiny finches.

A Quiet Country Home...

Artist Comments
"Just off Brady Street, in Milwaukee’s East Side, there used to be a place with class and style," says artist Leroy Burt. The store was a treasure trove of vintage goodies that were as fun to dig through as to wear. The shop was full of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and bags, some dating back to the golden days of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. The ceiling was pink and covered with toys, trinkets, signs, and other captivating eye candy.

About the Artist
Artist Leroy Burt paints playful, offbeat landscapes and portraits based on his experiences living in Milwaukee, New York, Costa Rica, and currently Rochester, Minnesota. "I think of my paintings as short stories," he says. As a young child, Leroy faced a number of obstacles. His parents divorced when he was four years old and he was raised by his grandparents in a three-room shack without running water or electricity. Leroy worked hard to pull himself out of poverty. He studied graphic design and painting, which led to a 30-year career in graphic design - five years at WMVS, the PBS television station in Milwaukee, fifteen years at city hall in Milwaukee, and ten years at WNET, the PBS station in New York. In 2015, Leroy retired to focus his energy on painting. Today, he works from a tiny studio filled with half-finished paintings stacked against every wall. "There are photos and sketches for future paintings taped everywhere," says Leroy. "My windows are filled with orchids. There are books, films and music CDs in every corner. And the room is dominated by a black and silver Andy Warhol silkscreen...

Artist Comments
Artist Sharon France depicts a pastoral landscape with farmsteads lining the distance. Red poppies beautifully permeate the expansive field. "It's one of those ...

Artist Comments
Inspired by artist Carey Parks' summer trip, Carey paints a house on the Island of Oléron along the southwest coast of France. Nestled among trees, the white w...

Artist Comments
Artist Brian Callaghan captures the iconic New York City skyline with the Empire State Building at its heart. From the sea, the towers exude a mesmerizing aura ...

Artist Comments
Artist Brian Callaghan paints the Chrysler Building and its surrounding neighborhood at sunset. The sky transitions gracefully from vibrant orange to a soft pewter...