How Arizona’s Light and Color Influence Sharon Allen’s Art
There’s something unmistakable about the light in Arizona—the way it warms red rocks, dances across cactus spines, and fades into soft desert evenings. For watercolor artist Sharon Allen, this light isn’t just an inspiration—it’s a defining element of her creative process.
Arizona’s unique blend of sunlight and shadow plays a central role in Sharon’s greeting cards and postcards. From the golden glow of a Lake Havasu sunset to the pale blue of morning skies over the Sonoran Desert, each painting begins with a careful study of natural light. Her watercolor technique allows those gentle transitions and bold contrasts to shine through, giving each piece a sense of atmosphere and emotion.
Color, too, is key. Arizona’s palette is far more than desert browns—it includes vibrant cactus blooms, turquoise skies, burnt orange cliffs, and soft purple mountain ranges in the distance. Sharon uses this rich array to bring her subjects to life, blending color with purpose and care. The result is artwork that feels not only accurate, but deeply alive.
Each card in Sharon’s collection is printed from an original painting and reproduced with attention to color integrity. Whether you’re holding a postcard of a saguaro under a violet sky or sending a note framed by soft spring wildflowers, you’re experiencing the essence of Arizona as Sharon sees it—through light, shadow, and hue.
Explore her full collection here, and see how Arizona’s natural brilliance is preserved in watercolor. With each card, Sharon Allen captures not just what the Southwest looks like—but how it feels.
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