“
I am fascinated by the shapes I see in water, trees and rocks. I look for negative and positive shapes, weaving them together, and giving equal attention to subject and background. I see nature as a woven fabric, all things being interconnected. Understanding so much complexity is always out of reach. Ultimately, my goal is to create a personal statement about places I have been. I use my past experience with calligraphy, graphic design and silk painting to create a distinct style.”
-- Sarah Bouwsma
Sarah Bouwsma is a Signature Member of the Northwest Watercolor Society and the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, and the Watercolor Society of Oregon. She is also a member of Lake Area Artists where her newest works can be seen in Lake Oswego, Oregon every year in April.
Sarah was raised in Berkeley, CA where she discovered a passion for painting when she was in high school. She studied painting and design at California College of Arts and Crafts, and later completed her degree in fine art at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She has worked as a graphic designer, calligrapher, and illustrator in Berkeley, Madison, and Austin TX. Sarah became a full time painter since moving to Portland, OR in 1993.
Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery in Portland Oregon
Earthworks Gallery, Yachats, Oregon
Regional Arts & Culture Council, visual Chronicle of Portland collection, 2023
Portable Works Collection, Multnomah County Health Dept. Headquarters in Portland OR, 2019
Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center, Hillsboro, OR, Canvas Prints installed 2013 and 2020
Watercolor Society of Oregon, Best of Show Fall 2021, other awards 2000-2022
Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, Honorable Mention 2018, Sandia Award 2022
Northwest Watercolor Society, 1st place in 2012
Lake Area Artists, 1st place 2016, other awards from 2010–2022
Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, 49th Annual Exhibition, Phoenix, AZ; 2024
Emerald Arts Spring National Exhibition, Emerald Arts Center, Springfield, OR; 2024
Northwest Watercolor Society Waterworks Exhibition, Online only. April 26 - June 30, 2024
Creative Spirits Gallery, West Linn Lutheran Church, 2 person show. May 1 - July 31, 2024
Lake Area Artists Exhibition, Lake Oswego, OR; 2024
Watercolor Society of Oregon Spring Exhibition, Yachats, OR; 2024
Representation by Studio Art Direct, Inc.; Art consultants creating art in architecture for healthcare, hospitality, corporate, and government environments.
Selected Giclee Prints and note cards available from the artist.