I feel that life is full of beautiful moments and I strive to capture the vibrancy of those experiences on canvas. In my plein air, life drawing and studio compositions, I work to convey the unique energy of a subject, whether it be human, landscape or building or action. Inspired by the great Impressionists and Expressionists, I am drawn most by the abstract shapes, flow of line and sweep of color in a broad and striking view. I want people to see life and movement in my work; to feel a sense that they could dive right in and be there in the moment.
Quin Sweetman has evolved in response to a wide array of influences including many talented Northwest painters. She grew up in Minneapolis, a middle child, always closely observing people and her surroundings, but didn’t pursue art seriously until 20 years ago when she took a job with a Portland art gallery. Sweetman is now content to spend her days painting and drawing the abundant beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Exhibition Highlights:
-Coos Art Museum, Maritime Art Exhibition, 2023
-Illustrated Great Gray Owl and Badger & Coyote books by Angela D. Goldsmith, 2021-22
-Purchase Award, Umpqua Valley Arts Association, Plein Air, 2021
-Elisabeth Jones Art Center, Collab, Tree & For the Seventh Generation Projects, 2018-21
-Portland Open Studios, 2020
-Winner, 2nd Place, Plein Air & Alla Prima Juried Show, Oregon Society of Artists, 2020
-Conceived/curated 'Beautiful Lives Lost Portrait Project' to honor the 58 people lost in the Las Vegas Mass Shooting through portraiture. Shown in Portland and Las Vegas. 2017/18
-Winner, 2nd Place, Umpqua Plein Air, 2018
-Painting to Save the Trees, group show, Elisabeth Jones Art Center, Portland, 2018
-Two-woman show, Broderick Gallery, Baker City, Oregon, 2017
-Commission, Large Armoire Panel Paintings for Expansion of Ace Hotel to New Orleans, 2016
-Winner, 3rd-prize, Plein Air Washington County, 2015'A Year in Paint,' Two-woman Show, Broderick Gallery, Longview, WA, 2014
-'Maker's Dozen,' Peoples Art of Portland Gallery, 2013 - Maison des Artists, Lake Oswego, OR, 2013
-'Portland Jane Eyre Painters,' West Linn Public Library and Doll Gardner galleries, OR, 2013
-'Hillboro Plein Air Exhibition,' Walters Cultural Art Center, Hillsboro, OR, 2012
-'The Landscape Show,' Peoples Art of Portland, 2012
-'Big 200,' People's Art of Portland, 2011, 2012
-'Under the Sky,' Broderick Gallery, two-person show, Rainier, OR, 2011
-Launch Pad Gallery, 'Life & Death,' Two-person show, Portland, OR, 2011
-Oregon Society of Artists, 'Small Treasures,' group show, 2010
-Broderick Gallery Rainier, OR, Solo Show, Oct/Nov., 2009
-Broderick Gallery Downtown, Portland, OR, Street Views Feb, 2009
Quin Sweetman joined Pixels.com Licensing on June 25th, 2009.
