In order to demonstrate the process of producing a work of art, Sharon has shared some photos of the development of the piece, “Legal Matters”:

I begin with the models. These days I use my students. They are less shy about modeling as we work in this manner more and more . Each person is given her “script” as it were, then asked if she can identify with the role she is given. I try to have more than one photographer. I like to be able to see the differing views and “takes” on the same situational set-up. Role play forces me to focus on each character, her movements and natural interaction with other characters and the environment.

Eventually I will ask the models to freeze. Then I consider what the camera “sees”. The camera sees differently. I take many photos sometimes as many as one hundred with little differences such as moving more to the left or right of the models and shooting them. The final choice regarding which photo I will paint from is made when I review all of the photos at the computer.

Image 1

Next the image is rendered in charcoal. I usually use a vine charcoal. It erases easily so corrections can be made . The values are worked through during this stage of the picture’s development. The charcoal is fixed and becomes permanent.

Image 2

Next the image is rendered with a single color. This provides the under painting. This color will influence all subsequent colors. This under painting is fixed also so that it doesn’t blend with the final colors to be added.

Image 3

The final color or colors are then applied.

Image 4

The final work.

In December of 2008 Sharon Wilson was honoured by HM Queen Elizabeth with the Certificate and Badge of Honour.

Article about Sharon in International Artist Magazine, published in 2004. Click on the photo to read the article in it’s entirety.

The work of the artist displayed on the 70 cent Bermudian stamp. Click the photo to enlarge

Ordinary People Extraordinary Art Retrospective Exhibition , Bermuda National Gallery 2005 RG Magazine review June-July 2005. Click the image to read the article in it’s entirety.

Freedom’s Gifts written by Valerie Wesley was published by Simon & Schuster in 1997 and illustrated by Sharon Wilson.

The Grandad Tree by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Sharon Wilson. Published in March 2000 by Candlewick U.S. / Walker Books U.K.

The Day Gogo Went to Vote by Elinor Sisulu, illustrated by Sharon Wilson and published by Little, Brown.

The Day Gogo Went to Vote has since which been printed in the six major South African Languages. It was the recipient of the Jane Addams Honour Picture Book Award 1997 given to books promoting world peace, social justice, world community & racial and gender equality.

Once Upon A World Picture Book Award, Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles

Notable book, Association of School Librarians

An article on Sharon’s “Just Pastels: Neighbourhoods” Exhibition published in Bermuda’s Royal Gazette on September 25th, 2009.

A review of Sharon’s “Just Pastels: Neighbourhoods” Exhibition was published in Bermuda’s Royal Gazette on October 30th, 2009.