Sharon Sieben
June 2017
What is your first memory of creating art ? My favorite uncle was an excellent swimmer and he also hunted desert jack rabbits . So when my parents got me a painting set for my 10th birthday , I painted a jack rabbit in the desert . In the background , there was a tanned man in a bathing suit aiming a rifle at the rabbit . I like to think the rabbit got away !
Do you have a favorite piece that you have created ? What makes it special to you ? My favorite piece is an abstract in oil , entitled “ Come Dance With Me ”. It depicts a jester like image inviting a shy little old lady to dance with him . I like to believe there are jesters out there to remind us to always keep our playful side near the surface .
Do you have a favorite artist you that you admire or that inspires you ? I feel the impressionist movement has been a strong influence . I particularly like the work of Paul Cezanne . His work is uncomplicated with little regard for life like proportions but are both eloquent and powerful .
However , my favorite artist is Peter Max . I admire him both as an artist and for his humanity .
What do you listen to when you paint ? I listen to classical guitar or the “ Il Divo ” tenors .
What tool in your studio could you not live without ? It ’ s not a tool , but I don ’ t think I could paint without a tube of “ burnt sienna ”. I do lean on a big rubber spatula a lot .
Do you have a favorite subject matter ? My body of work contains a large portion of figurative work ... mostly impressionist nudes . Occasionally figures will show up in my landscapes and cityscapes .
What is your preferred medium ? Acrylic , charcoal and glazing mediums .
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