By Aaron Beane
Portraits Inc. Exclusive Artist Carol Baxter Kirby and Master Artist Sharon Sprung reside on opposite ends of the East Coast. Kirby keeps her studio in Atlanta, Georgia, while Sprung is a longtime resident of Brooklyn, NY. However, they both share a deep desire to capture the spirit of people through painted portraits.
Sharon Sprung in her Brooklyn studio (Left) and Carol Baxter Kirby in her Atlanta studio (Right) / Photo by Aaron Beane
I was able to visit both of their studios recently and learn more about how their methods inform the beautiful work they create. These highly acclaimed artists boast innumerable corporate and family portrait commissions, artwork in the collections of the highest educational institutions and government buildings, and many exhibition awards and articles from various publications. Both artists received their education within the state they currently reside in, but their work has taken them all over the world.
Carol Kirby often centers herself in faith before beginning her work. “I begin each day at my easel with a prayer for divine wisdom and understanding to create a beautiful painting that I love and feel good about.” This practice is but one way that Kirby has developed a rhythm in her studio. In the development of her work, she often considers how the subject conveys emotion. However, a key practice that has continued to pay off is Kirby’s notes on color. Whenever she encounters a difficult problem in a painting, Kirby visits her old notes to help inform the best solution. Kirby says she often creates “literal color notes on canvas panels to save for future inspiration.”
Notes on color in Carol Baxter Kirby’s Atlanta Studio / Photo by Aaron Beane
Kirby finds inspiration in her fellow artists. You can often find her taking online classes on business, photography, and more from artists she admires. This admiration for her craft translates into her artwork as well. Kirby describes the work she creates as “an overwhelming privilege.” Whether it be for an esteemed institution or to celebrate a family legacy, Kirby treats each job with seriousness and respect.
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You can often find Portraits, Inc. Master Artist Sharon Sprung surrounded by a different urban hustle and bustle than the hum of Carol Kirby’s Atlanta traffic. Her Brooklyn studio occupies a busy stretch of growing commercial spaces. In her studio, however, you find a peaceful haven for art-making. Collected fabrics and patterns cover walls and fill corners of the room, while treasured northern light spills over stretched canvas and oil paints.
Sharon Sprung in her Brooklyn, NY Studio / Photo by Aaron Beane
Sprung likes to develop her paintings as one would a movie. She views it as “building a set” - taking into consideration things like wardrobe, lighting, hair, and more. However, the sitter’s input is just as vital to Sprung. She makes sure to have a conversation with the subject about what they would like to express through the painting.
Her diligent routine of being in the studio all day, six days a week may intimidate some, but, for Sprung, this is where she has found herself happiest. Inspired by live model sittings in her studio and her large library featuring many books on art, Sprung can freely create. The most notable attraction in her studio is the colorful, patterned bunches of various fabrics that have been collected from all over the world. These pieces serve as a great inspiration for Sprung and are often used as backgrounds or accessories for the subject.
Although there is a great physical distance between these two artists, they both find joy in capturing individual legacies through creating beautifully painted portraits. Through years of experience, these artists have found themselves at home in their studios. Ever ready to take on a new project, Sharon Sprung and Carol Baxter Kirby are great artists to paint your next portrait!
To learn more about any of the artists represented by Portraits, Inc., call 1.800.476.1223 or e-mail us.
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.