Artist Spotlight
Shon Parker: Landscape Specialist and Ceramist
“Imagine Art is the best place and people are very nice, especially the teachers,” says Shon. “I do a lot of stuff at Imagine Art. I'm so glad I came to this place because I love it.”
Shon Parker has a grown as an artist. Under the guidance of AmeriCorps artists-in-residence at Imagine Art, he has expanded his abilities and become much better at composition, perspective, and use of color. One of his great influences is artist Chris Schroeder, an AmeriCorps member and artist-in-residence from last year.
Shon’s landscapes are very recognizable to his friends and fans. He creates them on paper and canvas with watercolors, pastels, acrylics, or colored pencil. He pulls from his imagination or photos to depict pastures, beaches, jungles or forests, and sometimes mythological locations.
Animals and clouds play a significant role in his compositions. A barn, ranch house, castle or some other structure often completes the picture. He is encouraged by AmeriCorps instructor and artist-in-residence, Vanessa Curiel.
The signature feature of his landscapes is the sun peeking through stormy skies or shining brightly on a scene below. In Shon’s landscapes, people sense the playfulness and adventurous spirit of his storytelling. Landscapes are what he likes to do most, and he hopes to complete a series of them by the end of 2022.
Shon also works in clay. When unboxing ceramic pieces last week, the Ceramics Team was surprised and impressed to discover several large bowls he had made during his Imagine Art career. One bowl was designed with layered leaves, and another was glazed in a stunning metallic blue. All were uniquely Shon.
Shon takes advantage of all the opportunities that Imagine Art has to offer. He is a true student of art. He works hard daily: studying and practicing to improve his already admirable skills. Shon has shown at Halcyon in Mueller, Cherrywood Coffee Bar, Firehouse Gallery in Del Rio, Texas, as well as Imagine Art’s online store and auctions around Austin.
