Sharon Leonard

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Sharon has been drawing and painting since childhood. Being mainly self taught Sharon has taken numerous courses from successful artists which has helped her to establish her own style. Sharon was raised in Shoal Lake, Manitoba. The big skies of Manitoba have stayed with her and can be seen in many of her pictures. She married in 1963 and after many moves (one to Lahr, Germany) and 3 children, has made her home in Osoyoos, BC for the last 12 years.

Sharon is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Director for the Osoyoos Arts Council, Curator of the Osoyoos Art Gallery and a member of the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists. Sharon has her own Studio Gallery on the East Bench of Osoyoos and when she is not painting or attending meetings she loves to kayak, swim and garden.

Sharon received a People’s Choice Award in 2011 at the Tinhorn Creek Winery FCA Juried show. Her work has been accepted by the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists for the Annual Open Exhibition Master’s Gallery in Calgary, Alberta. Sharon participated in “Five Women and a Mentor” show in Osoyoos and Petals & Pears, a show with 2 other artists, in 2010 at the Osoyoos Art Gallery. Her work has been displayed in the Summerland Gallery, South Okanagan Gallery in Penticton, Handiwork’s Gallery in the Oliver and Oliver Art Gallery. Sharon’s work has been shown in a number of wineries: Nk’Mip Cellars, Red Rooster Winery, Tinhorn Creek, Hester Creek Winery and Hillside Winery

Sharon’s  work can be currently be seen in the Okanagan Art Gallery, Osoyoos Art Gallery, and has been on display at Dolci Deli, Waterfront Eye Care, Lakeside Travel, Jo Jo’s, Burrowing Owl Winery and the Osoyoos Credit Union.

Mediums used are: pastels, oils, watercolour and occasionally acrylics. She tries to capture the essence of her subjects, believing the soul is mirrored in the eyes. Portraits of people and animals being her preferred subjects.

Sharon has her own gallery/studio in her home, and teaches art to children and adults. The gallery is open most days and by appointment.