A local artist has released a series of Warwickshire-inspired Christmas cards as part of her wider work, capturing the area. 

Working in oils and acrylics Sharon Creswell captures everything from misty mornings to snow-covered streets, often painting the scenes many of us pass every day, but rarely stop to admire.

And now, her Christmas cards are out.

The cards, available to purchased from Market Hall Museum Shop, Smith Street Collective, Present Days and Warwick Tourist Information. Also online Sharon's website and Etsy shop.

They depict areas of Leamington and Warwick in the snow, which Sharon describes as being inspired by the 'Beast from the East' stormy snowfall several years ago.

Sharon expressed: "I've always wanted to bring out a series of Christmas cards. 

"Snow just makes everything here look magical."

Northgate Street in Warwick (image via Sharon Creswell)

A lifelong love for art

Sharon began producing art in her early childhood.

Growing up with a father who worked as an illustrator, she explained she learned to paint through watching him complete his work.

"My dad was an illustrator. I think through watching him draw, that's probably where I learned how to do it. By the time I was at school, I was already quite advanced" she said.

After going away to study at university, Sharon explained life took her in another direction for many years and it wasn't until she moved to Leamington Spa around 15 years ago that Sharon found the space and inspiration to paint again.

"I had the time, and Leamington has such a good art scene. 

"It just feels like something I'm meant to be doing."

Clarendon Avenue (image via Sharon Creswell)

Originally from Leicestershire, Sharon was struck by the beauty of Leamington and Warwick as soon as she arrived.

"It's just so beautiful and pretty, isn't it? You want to paint it," she expressed.

Sharon added she is especially drawn to the area's mix of architecture and history, and to the way light transforms familiar landmarks.

Her work often focuses on street scenes and well-known local views at atmospheric moments, early morning, late evening, fog, snow or unusual light.

"I'm particularly interested in light, those moments where the scene suddenly changes," she added.

Sharon painting by the river (image via Sharon Creswell)

Favourite Local Spots

Of all the views in the region, one keeps calling her back, Warwick Castle.

"I've painted it four times now, and I'm working on another," she says. 

"That view from the bridge is just beautiful. I've done a more traditional version, but the new one plays with colour and light a bit more."

While Sharon sometimes paints on location, she often takes her own photographs to capture the exact moment of inspiration.

She's also part of a painting group that meets outdoors each month to paint the local area.

Warwick Castle (image via Sharon Creswell)

Balancing Art and Work

Although painting isn't Sharon's full-time job, she works four days a week in software, she now dedicates Fridays entirely to her art.

"It's very different from software, but there's a shared attention to detail," she said.

"Having that one day a week has made a huge difference."

Sharon has also recently completed several local commissions, including scenes of Old Square and an upcoming piece of The Lord Leycester.

Looking Ahead

Sharon hopes to continue expanding her Warwickshire series, explore new locations and work on more commissions. And if the next snowfall ever settles, she'll be out immediately with her camera.

"A proper snowfall would be perfect, I'd be straight out there!" said Sharon.

Old Square (image via Sharon Creswell)