The Art of Living: Sharon Hinckley's Vibrant Journey

In the whimsical world of Sharon Hinckley, creativity knows no bounds. From the tender age of four, when she boldly adorned the living room wall with a crayon mural (much to her parents’ chagrin), Sharon’s artistic spirit has been an unstoppable force. Little did she know that this precocious act would ignite a lifelong passion that would take her on a remarkable journey, spanning continents and mediums.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from the prestigious Stanford University, Sharon embarked on a career that defied conventions. Her watercolor paintings, a tapestry of vibrant hues and masterful strokes, have graced the walls of prestigious institutions and private collections across the globe. From the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose to the National Museum of History in Taipei, her work has captivated audiences with its ability to capture the essence of nature’s beauty.

Yet, Sharon’s artistic endeavors are not confined to the canvas alone. Her insatiable curiosity and love for exploration have led her to embrace photography, forever immortalizing the fleeting moments of life through her lens. During the turbulent times of the “Great Recession” in 2008, Sharon pivoted her creative energy, turning her eye towards the art of photography and publishing the La Jolla Calendar for eight years, showcasing the breathtaking vistas of her beloved city.

But Sharon’s journey is not merely a tale of artistic prowess; it is a testament to the power of adaptation and reinvention. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, disrupting traditional modes of teaching, Sharon seamlessly transitioned her watercolor painting classes online, embracing the virtual realm with open arms. Her digital classroom became a sanctuary for students seeking solace in the therapeutic act of painting, a reminder that art knows no boundaries.

Amidst her artistic pursuits, Sharon has also cultivated a deep connection with the ancient practice of yoga. As a registered and certified yoga teacher (RYT 500), she has found a harmonious balance between her creative expression and her commitment to wellness. In a serendipitous twist, Sharon discovered that the Japanese word for “Western Painting” is “Yoga,” a revelation that resonated profoundly with her lifelong dedication to both artistic and spiritual pursuits.

Sharon’s journey is a tapestry woven with threads of passion, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of beauty. From her early crayon masterpieces to her current explorations in watercolor and photography, she has carved a path that defies convention, embracing the unexpected and finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places. Her art is not merely a collection of brushstrokes and captured moments; it is a celebration of life’s vibrant hues, a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit.