Panamint Beardtongue

Shae Reardon is a full time oil painter born and based in Southern California. As long as she remembers she has been fascinated with the outdoors. Her family spent the majority of their time camping all around the United States, creating a strong sense of adventure. Her artist mother shared her love for creating and this influenced Shae’s career path immensely. Shae began refining a distinctive style while attending Cal State San Marcos as an art student, and has since built an impressive body of work. She attained a Bachelor’s of Fine Art in 2022.

Shae draws inspiration from the captivating natural world that surrounds her. Exploring the diverse landscapes of California, she gathers ideas and references to incorporate into her artistic endeavors. Shae’s fascination extends beyond the scenery itself; she is particularly intrigued by the intricate details of plant life observed up close. Her artistic process involves intimately examining her subjects under the presence of sunlight, capturing the essence of their organic forms, textures and colors. With deliberate brushstrokes and a keen eye for composition, Shae layers the colors, blending shades to capture the life of the California flora. As she works, she infuses her own artistic interpretation, adding depth, contrast, and emphasized color. By presenting these small flowers and plants on a larger scale, she offers viewers a visually striking display of vibrant hues. She holds a special interest in California’s desert scenery and wildlife.

Her creations have been showcased in numerous art exhibitions and have found their way into private collections. She received the Best in Painting award in the juried show New Western Talent 2023 by Western Gallery. Shae also received 1st place in Gallery 4Percent’s Floral & Botanical juried show. She’s a member of American Women Artists and the Borrego Art Institute.

Statement

“My artistic practice is deeply rooted in personal experiences and the natural world. Each painting I create reflects a specific moment, infused with the emotions and sensations I felt during my explorations. I vividly remember the temperature and atmosphere of the places where I discovered these plants, and I often combine various compositions to tell a more complex story. The flower is consistently the centerpiece of my work, embodying my fascination with nature and its intricacies. There is always something new to marvel at, whether it’s a flower I’ve never seen before or a different variant of a familiar one. My passion for flowers, nature, and adventuring is boundless.

“To aid in my explorations, I rely on my worn Western Region field guide to identify exactly what I see. This invaluable resource has become well-loved from constant use. It helps me determine whether they are native to the region and understand their blooming cycles. I have a particular affinity for native flowers, which thrive in challenging environments and can be elusive. The thrill of discovering them adds excitement to my artistic journey.

“My collection with Western Gallery is titled High Desert Hues. These works are inspired by my time in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, specifically Inyo County and Mono County. This region is spectacular, it has some of the highest peaks and some of the lowest elevations. The vastness and diversity are what intrigues me about these areas. All of these plants I painted are from my observations and are things that caught my eye. I wanted to capture the interplay of light and shadow as well as the subtle colors you may only see in close examination. Through my work, I aim to celebrate the beauty of nature and encourage viewers to appreciate the often-overlooked wonders that surround us.” – Shae Reardon