“Magic Dusk” is a 9x12” acrylic painting on mixed media paper, and was painted on January 27, 2022.

*“Magic Dusk” painting by Shannon Sorensen*

My friend recently shared a photograph she took at the shoreline in her hometown, and the dusk hour made the sand, shells and rocks glow this warm, magical pink color. I knew I wanted to paint it!

I have challenged myself not to get boxed in to any one style - expressionism, abstract, or post-Impressionist - and to continue being playful and curious with color and mark-making.

A theme of my art is including metallic gold in all my pieces. I love the flicker of shine you get at various angles, and on a more personal level, it’s my nod to the art of kintsugi.

Kitsugi (translates to “golden joinery”) is “the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum…As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.” (Wikipedia)

When I learned about this art form, it was shortly after experiencing my pregnancy loss, and I felt connected to the idea immediately. Though I’m not mending pottery myself, the use of gold paint in my art signifies healing, repair, embracing imperfections, and shedding light on my “broken pieces” that are part of what makes me a whole person.

I love how this piece turned out, and it makes me want to find time this summer to go paint at the beach. The shoreline and ocean are endlessly inspiring.

Are there any beaches or coastal areas that you’d love to see painted?

Can you picture this in your home?

Prints and other home decor, lifestyle, stationary and accessories of Magic Dusk are available here.

Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoy seeing my art, learning about my process, and feel inspired to explore your own creativity!

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This week we are in Massachusetts, having a quiet staycation with Sean's parents before we gear up for the new school year and back to who knows what...

We aren't doing a whole lot, and if I'm being honest, that’s my idea of a real vacation. It’s a break from planning and obligation and the usual day to day worries. We are very lucky to have access to beaches, so we go early in the morning, later in the afternoon, or on days it's cloudy and no one else wants to go to the beach.

It's easy to practice social distancing when you enjoy the beach at odd times!

One of my favorite things we’re doing tonight is getting subs and chips from the local sub shop, and bringing dinner to the beach to hang out and let the kids play while the sun gets low. Then we’ll swing by our favorite ice cream shop in the harbor on the way home!

My art is largely inspired by where I live and grew up. My hometown, as well as Sean’s, are nice beachy communities south of Boston. Any time we get to spend around here is time well spent. My favorite time of day is early mornings and the end of the day, when things are a bit quieter, calmer, and feel peaceful. Beach sunsets always take my breath away. Sunsets in general, but especially at the end of the day with the sound of waves and the sand turns golden pink.

I spent an afternoon making two new pieces, inspired by that sunset feeling. They’re inspired by the same photo, and I challenged myself to create two completely different styles of art using the same palette.

“Meet Me at Twilight”

“Meet Me At Sunset”Buy Print — “Meet Me At Sunset”
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“It Was All A Dream”

I appreciate you checking out my work! I have art prints available here, and I also sell my art on Society6, where it gets printed on fun products like home decor, furniture and iPhone cases!

Magic Dusk :: Post-Impressionist Painting :: Connecticut Artist

Can you picture this in your home?

Peaceful Sunset on the Beach :: New Art

Hi, I’m Shannon!

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