My objective is to pull together what I've seen and experienced into a statement of how I feel about nature and of my obligation as an artist to share my knowledge with others. I feel my paintings are a celebration of nature and its inhabitants and of life itself.

Inspiration for me comes from all the life that surrounds me whether in the mountains, on a sidewalk by a busy street, or white sandy beaches and emerald green water, it is my sense of sharing this in the painting process. It's like magic to create an elusive moment, an emotional response or memory, on paper. It let's me share with those who have seen the subject or provide a moving experience of reality to those who may have never witnessed it at all. I hope it will inspire the viewers to go to nature, observe and seek greater knowledge and appreciation of all the beauties surrounding us.

When someone takes one of my paintings to their environment, the painting becomes a reflection of what makes them feel good. If I accomplish this, then what better gift can an artist give! ~ Sharon Long

 

March 8, 1929   -  April 1, 2008

The pursuit of knowledge is one of life's essential ingredients.

For this artist, painting was a part of his thirst for learning. His paintings have meaning beyond the visual image. He felt that a good painting and the thought behind it should be, for the viewer, what a grain of sand is to the oyster. Robert Longs' decision to paint had its roots in a quotation from philosopher Will James which paraphrased says "The best use of life is to spend it for something which will outlast it."

The search for subject matter lured him to every region of the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Mediterranean. Watercolor is his chosen medium. Eight limited edition prints have been published from his watercolor paintings. All are sold out and several have appreciated to considerable value on the secondary market.

Robert lived in Destin Florida. In 1994 he married his wife Sharon, also an accomplished watercolor painter. She currently lives and works in Destin Florida and teach watercolor workshops around the United States and Canada.

 

There are many facets to the relationship shared by these two artists. Important as these are, painting watercolor is the cement which holds it all together. Robert and Sharon were together since November of 1994. Combined, this pair has more than 45 years of painting experience. Robert was born in eastern Tennessee and later lived near Philadelphia, Pa. before settling in Destin, FL. where they teach and have an art supply business.

Their painting style is realistic. Both enjoy texture and detail. They paint watercolor with passion and pleasure. Both have a photographic background and paint from a wealth of photos which have resulted from their extensive travels. Highly successful watercolor workshops taught by Robert and Sharon have taken them to many states across the U.S. Hundreds of artists have painted with them and many have gone on to successful careers of their own. Limited Edition prints have been produced from original paintings by both artists. Of eleven Limited Edition prints, nine are sold out. These are available on the secondary market.

Robert and Sharon held watercolor workshops in Florida, California, Oregon, Indiana, Michigan, Washington State, Missouri, Mississippi, Illinois, Nevada, British Columbia, Canada and others. Their original watercolor paintings are in demand across the country.

 

Sharon Long Watercolors
11275 US Hwy 98, W, Suite 204-354
Destin FL, 32550 - Phone (850) 424-6424
E-mail me: sharin2art@aol.com
http://www.slongwatercolors.com