Art has a way of calling to us, sometimes quietly and sometimes with a force that cannot be ignored. For Sharon West, that calling came later in life, but once she embraced it, there was no turning back. As an award-winning Loudoun County palette knife artist, Sharon has built a career on the power of texture and color, transforming blank canvases into dynamic, expressive works of art. Her journey from corporate marketing to full-time artist is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the courage to follow one's creative instincts.
Coming from a long family line of artists, creativity was woven into the fabric of Sharon’s upbringing. Her mother was a palette knife artist, and as a child, Sharon was surrounded by the sights, sounds, and even the distinct smells of oil paint and turpentine. Watching her mother create, she absorbed the process without realizing it, storing away the knowledge that would one day shape her own artistic journey.
Years later, with her own children grown, Sharon finally gave herself permission to explore her artistic side. She set up a makeshift studio in her bathroom, grabbed her mother’s easel, and picked up a palette knife. What started as an experiment quickly became an obsession. She fell in love with the expressive, loose nature of palette knife painting, where thick, vibrant strokes brought energy and movement to the canvas.
Her paintings began selling almost immediately. Encouraged by the response, she continued refining her technique, developing her own signature style. While still balancing her corporate job, she spent every spare moment painting, pouring her passion into each new piece.
The turning point came in 2020 when the world was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many, Sharon found herself reassessing her life and priorities. With a deep desire to fully dedicate herself to painting, she made the bold decision to leave her corporate career behind and become a full-time artist. It was a leap of faith, but one that felt completely right.
Since then, she has never looked back. Her work has flourished, gaining recognition through awards, exhibitions, and a growing base of collectors drawn to the rich texture and emotion in her pieces. In particular she loves capturing local Washington D.C. area scenes such as springtime cherry blossoms, the rolling hills of wineries, horses, foxes, and river and waterfall scenes. (See her Heavenly Fair piece on the cover of this issue.)
Sharon's palette knife technique allows her to create art that feels alive — thick, sculptural strokes bring depth and vibrancy to every piece. She blends impressionistic influences with bold color choices, ensuring that each painting carries undeniable energy.
Sharon West’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to pursue your passion. What began as a childhood fascination eventually became a full-fledged career — one that brings joy not only to her but to the collectors who resonate with her work.
As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, one thing remains constant: her love for color, texture, and the expressive power of art. With each painting, she invites viewers to experience the energy, beauty, and vibrancy of the world through her eyes.
"Sharon West’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to pursue your passion."