Colleen Sparlin

I have been involved in the arts most of my life. I grew up in a family of artists. My father was a watercolorist and my mother worked in oils and sculpture. I work in a variety of 2D and 3D media, including acrylic, oil, printmaking, pastel, watercolor, pencil, and glass. I love trying new techniques and ideas.

Art means more to me than just creating it is an exploration; it is an expression of my deeper thoughts and feelings as I observe and capture the variety of textures. Textures, whether real or implied, will reflect solemn moods and joyous inspirations. Some of my works have extreme texture, verging on impressionism, others detail every part of the real, but both draw us into a desire to touch, to feel, to explore.

As a working artist, I have given classes and/or demonstrations at the Art Association of the Inland Empire, High Desert Cultural Arts Foundation, Corona Art Association, and many others ; I have been a member of the Scholastic Key Alliance, the Riverside Art Alliance, California Artists, NAEA, and supported the arts as a local high school arts teacher. My work has won numerous awards at various venues including the American Association of University Women and published in North Lights' book: Incite2: Color Passions.

I have a BA in Studio Art from Cal State San Bernardino and a Masters in Studio Art from Boston University of Fine Art. I retired from teaching art at a local High School, and I continue to pursue my passion and explorations.