About Sharon Wells
Photographer, Painter, Writer, and Historian
Sharon Wells, a Key West artist and historian, began photographing Key West’s landmark architecture in1976. She opened Key West Light Gallery in 2002. Located on Upper Duval Street, Key West Light Gallery showcases Wells’ brilliant color photographs, Fauvist-inspired paintings and unique ceramic tiles with images of Key West houses, palms, botanicals, and dozens of her unique visions now captured for display.
Wells’ paintings are inspired by the architecture and environment of the Florida Keys and Key West. Her evocative photographs capture images from Key West and extensive travels to Latin & South America, Europe, and American cities that call to her.
Wells, a self -taught painter & photographer has extensively documented Key West since 1976 in both mediums of color and black/white. She counts her primary artistic influences as painters Milton Avery, Helen Frankenthaler, the Fauvists, and photographers Manuel Bravo, Helen Levitt and Walker Evans.
Wells‘ canvases are focused on color, texture and her vision inspired by the island. She works primarily with acrylics, but often uses oils or watercolors. Her acrylic paintings of Key West Houses have provided the cover artwork on Sharon Wells’ Walking & Biking Guide to Historic Key West for 15 years. Sharon’s photographs, paintings, prints and posters are in numerous collections in the U.S. and Europe.
Her new Key West Gallery inaugurated in 2002 also features fine arts, giclee prints, original paintings, historic archival images, and Key West posters and books.
Born in Arizona and educated in California, Illinois, Tokyo, Japan, and Honolulu, Hawaii, Wells graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in history and political science.
About Giclee Prints
Giclées are archival digital reproductions. An exacting process produces very high-quality reproductions that render subtle colors and detail accurately. The giclée process, despite the use of a computer, is not automatic; the human eye and hand are involved in each step. First, the original work of art is scanned at high resolution. The printer and artist consulting together, using a state-of-the-art graphics program, then color-correct the image to ensure that the colors and detail are exactly as the artist intend. Proofs are printed and approved by the artist. Then the actual giclées are produced. A continuous-flow ink-delivery system applies archival pigments to high-quality archival paper. As with any fine art painting, a giclée should be protected from direct sunlight.
About the Tiles
The high-gloss finish enhances the vibrant colors and Wells' unique art. Dyes are bonded to the surface by a heat press, so you can expect the image to last indefinitely under normal circumstances. Each tile has a hook for easy display, or you can frame the tile or inset into an ornamental back splash. Any tile can also be ordered as a signed and numbered print.
How to Contact Us
Phone: 305-923-5133
Address: 124 A Peary Ct., Key West, FL, 33040
Email: sharonwells1@yahoo.com