Lost in Sedona by Sterling West 44J

Sterling West

My artistic journey has been one of constant evolution. I started with abstraction but have found myself increasingly drawn to realistic portraiture, where I can create immersive narratives that pull viewers into the canvas. I primarily work with oil over an acrylic wash, and I love the challenge of mixing all my colors from just five—red, yellow, blue, black, and white. This process allows me to develop a unique palette for each piece, bringing depth and emotion to my work. Painting has always been more than just a creative outlet for me—it’s a way to quiet my mind and find focus, especially in overwhelming moments. Some of my most meaningful work has been creating and gifting portraits to parents who have asked for paintings of their children. Those connections remind me why I continue to create.