In what part of the First Coast do you reside now, and how long have you lived there?
I actually live inland from the First Coast in Lake City, Florida, and I’ve lived here for four years. Before that, I lived on the Gulf Coast in the Big Bend region, and I grew up near Tampa Bay.
How long have you been doing your craft or trade?
I started working with colored pencils in 2012. I was always a person who could draw, and I dabbled with it off and on. But in 2012, I decided to commit to a daily art practice and started looking for a medium I could embrace. I stumbled across some saturated colored pencil “paintings” online and was captivated. Before that, I didn’t know that colored pencils were so versatile and could be used to produce such professional-looking fine art, but I immediately knew that’s what I was going to do. So, I bought a book on colored pencil techniques, and I’ve been drawing every day since.
As it turns out, pencils are a great medium for me because I work full-time. I like to draw early in the morning, so when it’s time to get dressed for work, I can just set my pencils down, and I don’t have to worry about cleaning up brushes or paint.
What brings out your creativity?
I am inspired by the colors, forms, and quiet dramas that unfold in nature. For me, artistic discovery is about slowing down enough to truly see: a close encounter with a wild animal, the unexpected moment of connection, or the single ray of sunlight that turns an ordinary scene into something extraordinary.
What does your work aim to say? Are you trying to bring a smile to someone’s face or add to someone’s home decor?
My goal is to make nature come alive in my artwork and to foster a sense of connection between viewers and wildlife. I hope my work encourages someone to look more closely, care more deeply, or feel a spark of wonder.
Since animals mean so much to us, I’ve also recently begun offering custom animal portraits. I believe that a work of art that celebrates the spirit of a beloved pet or favorite wildlife really connects with people and can become something lasting and deeply personal.
Are there any spaces or designers that have influenced you?
I lived in Wyoming during the ’90s and early 2000s and I was a frequent visitor at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. That was my first exposure to world-class wildlife art, and although I didn’t have a regular art practice at that time, I was captivated by the artwork in that collection. That museum taught me that wildlife art could be serious fine art, and the style of the artworks that I absorbed there strongly influenced the work that I later produced myself.
What is your favorite artistic accomplishment?
I am a signature member of both the Colored Pencil Society of America and the Society of Animal Artists, and the accomplishment of reaching the signature level of membership in both of these respected art societies is something I’m proud of.
What is your process to turn inspiration into artwork?
My art process begins with taking the time to stop and watch wildlife…and taking lots of pictures. I don’t consider myself to be the greatest photographer, but I do the best I can. For me, one of the joys and challenges of making art is starting with one of my flawed but promising photos and turning it into an interesting work of art.
Do you have a specific piece you would love to talk about or promote?
“The More He Saw”, which portrays a barred owl on a dogwood limb, is one of my favorite pieces. The intricate detail of the owl’s feathers and its soulful expression against the soft bokeh of foliage and light in the background is a good example of my signature style.
What is the best way for artists to network?
For me, my membership and participation in the Florida Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America has been the best source of supportive and nourishing relationships with other artists. To expand my network beyond that, I take every opportunity that I can to exhibit my artwork in shows and online.
If you had a question you would like to ask another artist, what would it be?
It depends on their artwork! But I guess the questions that come up in my mind most often when I’m looking at art are, “How did they make this?” or “I wonder what materials they used to make this?”
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
I guess my favorite part of living in north Florida, and this includes the First Coast, are the pockets of “Old Florida” charm that still exist–the slower pace of life, abundant natural landscapes with a semi-tropical flavor, and unpretentious locally-owned establishments.
How can we see your work?
My website is at sharonhesterart.com, my Instagram handle is @sharon.hester.art, and my work can be seen in person at Anchored Studio Gallery in St. Augustine. I will be giving a live demonstration at Anchored Studio Gallery on July 11, 2026.
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
