21 Apr 2017 Known by her laughter: Meet Sheila Parsons

by Brenda McClain

We all know one — we are drawn to them like moths to a flame.

People with infectious joy, who love their life and embrace each day. Oh, and they always tell the truth.

Meet Sheila Parsons.

Sheila embraces life. If she thinks it, she says it. Hard for some to swallow, yet many others — myself included — love the honesty that comes with being one’s authentic self.

Every Friday, Sheila teaches a class at Art on the Green. She and her students arrive at 10 a.m. and stay most of the day. They also have weekly potluck lunches. They have great fun while learning. The most amazing laughter echoes across the gallery when Sheila’s class is in session.

Sheila Parsons received her master’s degree in art from New York’s prestigious Pratt Institute. She’s been an artist and teacher since 1976.

Working initially as an assistant to artist Milford Zornes led Sheila to her own workshops across the United States, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Wales, Greece, Spain and France.

Sheila’s work is now in public and private collections in Europe, Mexico and the United States. Her paintings are vibrant and full of color, just like Sheila.

A signature member of the MidSouthern Watercolorists, Sheila is also a member of the Oklahoma Watercolor Association and Midwest Watercolor Association and has served on the faculty of the Arkansas Arts Center.

We are told if we do what we love, “the rest will come.” Sheila has found her loves by living in the 501. Visit sparsons.com to read of her latest escapades and artonthegreen.com for her latest works.