Magic Dusk :: Post-Impressionist Painting :: Connecticut Artist

“Magic Dusk” is a 9x12” acrylic painting on mixed media paper, and was painted on January 27, 2022.

“Magic Dusk” painting by Shannon Sorensen

My friend recently shared a photograph she took at the shoreline in her hometown, and the dusk hour made the sand, shells and rocks glow this warm, magical pink color. I knew I wanted to paint it!

I have challenged myself not to get boxed in to any one style - expressionism, abstract, or post-Impressionist - and to continue being playful and curious with color and mark-making.

A theme of my art is including metallic gold in all my pieces. I love the flicker of shine you get at various angles, and on a more personal level, it’s my nod to the art of kintsugi.

Kitsugi (translates to “golden joinery”) is “the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum…As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.” (Wikipedia)

When I learned about this art form, it was shortly after experiencing my pregnancy loss, and I felt connected to the idea immediately. Though I’m not mending pottery myself, the use of gold paint in my art signifies healing, repair, embracing imperfections, and shedding light on my “broken pieces” that are part of what makes me a whole person.

I love how this piece turned out, and it makes me want to find time this summer to go paint at the beach. The shoreline and ocean are endlessly inspiring.

Are there any beaches or coastal areas that you’d love to see painted?

Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoy seeing my art, learning about my process, and feel inspired to explore your own creativity!

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Touching Heaven :: Coastal Sunrise Painting :: Connecticut Artist

“Touching Heaven” is a 9x12” acrylic painting on repurposed canvas, and was painted on December 29, 2021.

“Touching Heaven” painting by Connecticut artist Shannon Sorensen

This painting is one of the last pieces of repurposed canvas I received from another local artist to use for my work. I was inspired by the smooth, warm color of the sun on low tide, when the sand is wet and has a thin layer of water that seems to stretch on and on to the horizon.

The textures you see emerging from top to bottom near the middle of the piece is from the layers of paint this canvas was previous used for.

Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoy seeing my art, learning about my process, and feel inspired to explore your own creativity!

Subscribe to my weekly emails for regular updates, fun freebies, and creative inspiration!

Want to show your support for what I do? You can gift me a coffee on Venmo - @shannonsart - I appreciate it!