From an early age, my natural artistic ability was noted. At school I clearly remember my teacher asking me, Sharon, what would you like to be when you grow up? My response, I want to be an artist and paint pictures.
Whilst growing up in Manchester, UK, I turned my attention to the more rural passtime of horse riding and being a horse owner myself. At twelve years of age, I received my first art commission from another horse owner. From that day I remember becoming quickly referrred to as, the girl who draws horses!
Although leaving collage led me into the field of administration, by the year 2000, I had the opportinity to step up to the drawing board and apply for the job of Artist and Illustrator for the Police Service. So eventually, my wish did come true, and I became a professional working artist! The job was infact the Force's in-house Artist, producing everything from training and promotional illustrations, to cartoons and caricatures, producing a vivid portrayal of an animal one minute, to creating a detailed techinical illustration or building plan the next. People often asked me, Do you draw wanted criminals? My answer to them is, well, not quite! I explain that I produce illustrations mostly for training purposes, utilising traditional art mediums along with digital computer graphics software, which is now becoming the preferred medium for modern day illustrations.
Since the release of my website www.sharon-sutton.com, I have received an increased interest in private artwork commissions, including worldwide requests. I have been approached with commissions for portraits of cats, dogs, horses, family portraits, child portraits, houses, scenes, and buildings, along with many other subjects - too many to mention here. My versatility is endless on subject matter and I welcome any new requests as an exciting challenge.
My preferred mediums range from traditional graphite pencil to colour pastel for smaller scale artwork up to acrylic paints for larger scale paintings.
I can be contacted via my website www.sharon-sutton.com where examples of my artwork can be found and information on my procedures, prices, portfolio and testimonials, also information on how I work from photographs to obtain a true likeness. My portraits have become a great idea for an unusual gift idea for that special occassion.
