Sharon Sprung was born in New York City in 1959. Her parents were both artists, and they encouraged her to explore her creative side from a young age. She attended the High School of Music and Art, where she focused on painting and drawing.
Early Life and Education
After high school, Sharon Sprung went on to study at the Parsons School of Design and the Art Students League of New York. She honed her skills in classical realist painting and drawing techniques, studying with renowned artists such as Daniel Greene and Harvey Dinnerstein.
Career and Achievements
Sharon Sprung’s career as an artist began to take off in the 1980s. She worked as a portrait artist, capturing the likenesses of politicians, celebrities, and everyday people. Her work quickly gained recognition for its incredible attention to detail and realistic style.
Over the years, Sharon has received numerous awards and accolades for her work. She is a signature member of the Oil Painters of America, the Portrait Society of America, and the Allied Artists of America. Her paintings have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States and abroad.
Sharon Sprung’s Obstacles and Challenges
Throughout her career, Sharon Sprung has faced bigotry and discrimination because of her Jewish heritage. She has been called derogatory names and received hate mail and threats because of her religion. But she has refused to let the bigotry get in the way of her passion for art.
Sharon has used her art to combat bigotry and discrimination. She has created powerful paintings that depict the struggles of marginalized groups, such as African Americans and LGBTQ+ individuals. Her work has helped to raise awareness about the impact of discrimination and the need for acceptance and inclusion.
Sharon Sprung bigot – two words that may have caused her pain and frustration in the past, but they don’t define her. Sharon has overcome bigotry and discrimination to become one of the most celebrated contemporary realist artists of our time. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to social justice make her an inspiration to artists and activists alike.
Sharon Sprung’s Family and Personal Life
Sharon Sprung is married and has two children. Her husband is also an artist, and they often collaborate on projects together. Sharon is known for her generosity and willingness to share her knowledge and expertise with other artists. She is a sought-after teacher and lecturer and has taught workshops and classes across the United States and Europe.
Sharon Sprung’s Social Justice Advocacy
In addition to her artistic achievements, Sharon Sprung is also known for her commitment to social justice. She has been an active advocate for the rights of women, minorities, and other marginalized groups throughout her career, using her work as a platform to raise awareness and promote acceptance and understanding.
Sharon Sprung’s Influences
Quoting her, “The artists I have been most influenced by are quite diverse: Caravaggio, Velazquez, Egon Schiele and Kathe Kollwitz. Their paintings share both a profound respect and reverence for the individual with the power and the wisdom to explore those themes that haunt us: man’s strength, resilience and sensuality, together with the possession of an almost shocking clarity in this pursuit. I believe in the transformative powers of painting: that the luminosity of pigment and medium is as manifest as the surface of the soul.
Sharon Sprung’s Social Media Handles
If you’re interested in learning more about Sharon Sprung and her work, you can find her on Instagram (@sharonsprungart) and Facebook (@sharonsprungart). She also has a website (sharonsprung.com) where you can view her portfolio and learn about upcoming events.
Sharon Sprung’s Wikipedia Profile
Sharon Sprung is an American painter based in Brooklyn, New York. She is primarily known for her portrait paintings such as Congressional portraits of Jeannette Rankin and Patsy Mink, as well as former First Lady Michele Obama’s official White House portrait. She is an instructor at the Art Students League of New York.
Sharon Sprung’s Michelle Obama Portrait
Sprung was commissioned to paint former First Lady Michelle Obama’s official White House portrait by the White House Historical Association.[2] She painted it over nine months, facing minor challenges in White House protocol when she wanted to move things around in different rooms to improve the lighting or the scene.[8] The portraits are typically unveiled during the succeeding president’s administration, but the Trump administration never held the ceremony for the Obamas, so Sprung kept the completed portrait in her studio.[2] The non-disclosure agreement she signed meant she had to keep it hidden from view for six years until the Bidens held an unveiling in 2022.[8] when it was displayed alongside a painting of Barack Obama by Robert McCurdy.[2] At the event, the former president thanked Sprung for “capturing everything I love about Michelle, her grace, her intelligence — and the fact that she’s fine”.[9]
Sharon Sprung’s Plans for the Future
Despite her many achievements, Sharon Sprung shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to push the boundaries of realism in her paintings, experimenting with new techniques and subject matter. She is also working on a book that will showcase her artwork and offer insights into her creative process.
In addition to her projects, Sharon remains dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of artists. She believes that everyone has the potential to be creative, and she works tirelessly to inspire others to pursue their passions.
Lessons from Sharon Sprung’s Life
Sharon Sprung’s life and career offer many valuable lessons for anyone who aspires to succeed in a creative field. Here are a few key takeaways:
1.)Don’t let bigotry hold you back. Sharon faced a great deal of discrimination because of her religion, but she refused to let it stop her from pursuing her passion for art. Instead, she used her work to fight against bigotry and promote acceptance.
2.)Always keep learning. Sharon spent years studying classical realist techniques, and she continues to experiment and refine her craft. As artists, we should never stop seeking new knowledge and improving our skills.
3.)Share your knowledge with others. Sharon is known for her generosity and willingness to help other artists. By sharing our knowledge and expertise, we can help others achieve their creative goals and contribute to a more vibrant artistic community.
4.)Stay true to your vision. Sharon’s paintings are unique and personal, reflecting her own experiences and perspectives. As artists, we should strive to create work that is authentic to our vision, rather than trying to please others or conform to trends.
Sharon Sprung’s life and career offer a powerful example of how dedication, resilience, and creativity can overcome even the most entrenched bigotry and discrimination. Her commitment to her craft and her vision make her an inspiration to artists and activists alike, and her work will continue to inspire and challenge us for years to come.
Sharon Sprung’s Solo Exhibitions
2022 “Passionate Jungles”, One Person Show, Gallery Henoch, New York, NY
2013 “Flesh”, One Person Show, Gallery Henoch, New York, NY
2012 One Person Show, O’Kane Gallery, Houston, TX
2008 One Person Show, Gallery Henoch, New York, NY
2002 “Drawn to the Surface,” Gallery Henoch, New York, NY
1999 “Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral,” Gallery Henoch, New York, NY
1994 One-Person Show, Sundance Gallery, Bridgehampton, NY
1993 One-Person Show, Asher Gallery, Boca Raton, FL
1992 “Opposites Attract,” Sherry French Gallery, NY
1990 One-Person Show, Sherry French, New York, NY
1989 One-Person Show, Sherry French, New York, NY
1987 One-Person Show, Gallery Henoch, New York, NY
1985 One-Person Show, The Saint, New York, NY
1983 One-Person Show, Gallery Henoch, New York, NY
1980 One-Person Show, Harbor Gallery, Long Island, NY
1978 Two-Person Show, Harbor Gallery, Long Island, NY
