Shauna Shane

Fenton River Studio

(860) 429-3646
fentonriver@yahoo.com

287 Gurleyville Rd
Mansfield/Storrs, CT 06268
Studio Map & Directions

Artist Statement

My work is saturated with light, color, and energy informed by many years of painting from life.  My paintings reflect a solid academic training as well as the ability to communicate the unique atmosphere and emotional connection within each scene.

 I am just now beginning to understand how far this journey is, and that talent is really the passion that gives me the necessary energy and discipline. I paint each day feeling the tradition of America's plein air masters close behind me, immersed in the light and atmosphere of the day. There is simply no substitute for the intense experience and first-hand observation of nature that occurs when painting from life. I am dedicated to achieving the skill and knowledge that makes communication through a well-placed brush stroke possible. Every moment I am immersed in an artistic experience brings a joy that goes deep into my soul.

 I believe one’s artistic journey is like a learning to play a musical instrument; taking time and practice to master. What people call talent is better described as the passion that results in profound joy every moment one is completely committed to the observation and interpretation of a beautiful landscape. My own artistic life is dedicated to achieving the skill, knowledge, and nuance that makes communication through a simple, well-placed brush stroke as beautiful and descriptive as the perfect phrase in a poem.

Selected as Resident Artist at the New Britain Museum of American Art during the California Impressionist Exhibit, Shauna  began her career as Resident Artist at Yellowstone National Park. She has won awards in International competitions around the country, most recently Best in Show at Munson MA, and including Hudson Valley Art League, Academic Artists of America, Renaissance in Pastel, and New England Watercolor Society. A board member of Hudson Valley Art League, a Signature Member of CT Pastel Society, and an Elected Artist Member of both Lyme Art Association and CT Plein Air Society, in 1988 Shauna founded Artists Open Studio, which now after 30 years features more than 70 artists in this Quiet Corner of Connecticut.  

 Working in a variety of mediums Shauna's paintings are saturated with light and color, informed by many years of painting from life. Whether still life, landscape, animals or the figure Shauna's paintings reflect a solid academic training as well as the ability to communicate the emotion and unique atmosphere of a scene.   "I believe one's artistic journey is like a learning to play a musical instrument; taking time and practice to master. What people call talent is better described as the passion that results in profound joy every moment one is observing and interpreting a beautiful landscape. My own artistic life is dedicated to achieving the skill, knowledge, and nuance that makes communication through a simple, well-placed brushstroke as beautiful and descriptive as the perfect word in a poem.  

"Because of how I see the beauty of nature my paintings are exuberant with color and energy. I paint each day feeling the tradition of America's plein-air masters close behind me, immersed in the light and atmosphere of the day. There is simply no way to describe the intense experience and connection that occurs when painting from nature."