A local artist is excited to have her art seen by the public for the first time.
Barrhead resident Sharlene Wade, whose paintings, drawings and collages are on display at the Barrhead Art Gallery until Sept. 10, said she was nervous at first.
“I’m just a beginner,” she said, adding the members of the Barrhead Art Club have been instrumental in her development as an artist, in terms of their encouragement.
“Some of my work is a little bit risqué because of the subject material, but it really isn’t about the nudity,” she said, adding one of the models used at a particular life-drawing class turned out to be a relation of hers. Once I got over the awkwardness of the situation, it was even fun.
Her artwork ranges from piece to piece, from encaustics or acrylics to sketches or cross-stitch, and while Wade says she has enjoyed working with all of the different mediums, painting is her passion.
“I got serious about art in ’93,” she said, adding she has been taking classes and trying to push her creative limits ever since.
Wade said she has other passions besides art, but added it is certainly one of the bigger ones in her life.
“I like decorating too,” she added.
In terms of her development as an artist, Wade said her ability to listen and pay attention to detail are two of the biggest factors.
“I might have to practice things a million times over, but I really take in what the instructors say and I give it my best shot,” she said.
And as far as learning experiences go, Wade said there is no such thing as a bad one.
“Even if I’m not good at something, or I’ve never done it before, the experience is still a good one because of what I learn or take away from it,” she said, adding she enjoys the challenge.
“Barrhead has a lot to offer in terms of art classes and the like, and the club is just incredible,” Wade said. “I would recommend anyone interested in art to seriously consider joining. The ladies have really encouraged me — Phyllis Nanninga, Liz Kletzel, and everyone else there too, they’re some of my biggest influences.”
For aspiring artists, Wade said the trick is to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
“You might not think you’re creative but everyone is, and you won’t know whether you are or not until you try,” she said, adding people might be surprised by what happens when they have a paint-brush in their hand.
“If I can do it, and I’m a beginner, so can you.”
