NEWPORT - A deep appreciation for art, music and writing since childhood is the motivation behind the new art display at the offices of SVWeekly, 66A Main Street, Newport.

Newport artist Shari Brann is among the newest members of the Valley Arts Alliance. Working in watercolors, Brann has captured a variety of floral scenes and individual flowers, showing noticeable preference for irises, as well as a nod to fantasy with her rendition of a variety of fairies. An aspiring writer-illustrator of children’s books, she captures a spirit of the wonder in nature and the imagination of its hidden fantasies.

“As a child, I loved exploring outside and discovering the many hidden treasures that surround us in nature. Those special places have never left my heart, and I still love escaping to them now. It is my desire to capture those special memories and use them in my work,” Brann said.

Pursuing her interests beyond fine art to the commercial side of art in children’s literature, she follows a “mission” to illustrate books of a particular theme. “I truly believe in the importance of allowing a child’s imagination to soar to places beyond the physical boundaries that surround us…these are the places where their hopes and dreams emerge.”

Her art has emerged as a compilation of self study and private lessons. She is currently studying with well-known watercolorist Connie Henderson of Dixmont, owner of Netcasters Studio and also a member of VAA.

Brann is also an associate member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, and an artist with, Dirigo Road Gallery, an online gallery of Maine artists.

While she professes to convey “the simple pleasures in life,” the detail of her paintings is anything but simple, but detailed and exact to capture her interpretation of the hidden pleasures of nature. Using the washed nature of watercolors, she tries to evoke a sense of tranquility through a light and airy feeling, but with vivid color choices. Her work highlights and details nature scenes and fairies as well as captures whimsical patterns in painted quilts. Her aim in paint and the written word is to “create the most lasting of impressions” of memories and sights, while playing on the imagination of all ages.

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