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1. Cortona Street, 2007, watercolor, 8" x 16”
2. Reflections of Reflections, 2007, watercolor, 15" x 23”
3. Mediterranean Cockle Shells, 2006, watercolor,
      15" x 17-1/2”
4. Seashells by the Jersey Shore, 2006, watercolor,
      15" x 11-1/2”
5. Tuscan View from Casa Frati, 2006, watercolor and
      pastel, 17" x 17”

6. Amaryllis in Bloom, 2007, watercolor, 13" x 10”
7. Gourds With Blue Vase, 2007, watercolor and pastel,
     19" x 14”
8. Trumpet Flowers Unfurled, 2006, watercolor and
        pastel, 13-1/2" x 19”
9. Pears on White, 2005, watercolor and pastel, 14" x 16”
10. Tomato Trio, 2007, watercolor, 12" x 9”
11. Pear Quartet, 2006, watercolor and pastel, 7" x 9”
12. Hens and Chicks, 2007, watercolor and pastel,
       16" x 12”
13. Potted Geranium, 1999, watercolor, 9" x 13”
14. Radish Plate, 2005, watercolor, 15" x 10”
15. Garlic Emerging 2003, watercolor, 30" x 22”

16. Arms Extended, 2007, watercolor,
       9" x 7”
17. Green Streaked Snail Shells, 2007,
       watercolor, 9" x 9”
18. Companion Shells, 2007, watercolor,
       7" x 9”
19. On The Rocks, 2007, watercolor, 9" x 7”
20. Boxed Conch Shells, 2006, watercolor
       and pastel, 9-1/2" x 15”
21. Shells-Variations on a Theme, 2006,
       watercolor and pastel, 15" x 10”

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Contact Information
2102 Naudain Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
tel: 215-985-0695
e-mail: ljsweeney1@verizon.net
Please contact artist for purchases, commissions, etc.

Artist Statement
My paintings have several broad themes. The central focus of my work is nature illustrations in still life form. The idiosyncratic forms of heirloom tomatoes, striped gourds or opening flowers are often juxtaposed with the rich textures and patterns of man-made textiles and their reflections in glass and pottery. I have a particular interest in seashells as a major still life subject, in part for their endless variations in exuberant shape, pattern, color and texture. I also create paintings that provide glimpses of the sea, hillsides, or city streetscapes framed by open windows, doorways, or narrow alleys. These themes are tied together by the interest in organic form that originally drew me to a career in scientific illustration. My compositions are usually sparsely populated and focus closely on the subject to allow the abstract visual qualities to become a center of the viewer’s experience. I work in watercolor, to which I often add pastel highlights.

Artist Bio
My dual interests in art and biology led me initially to a career in scientific illustration. With a BA in biology from the University of Pennsylvania and study at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, I trained in medical illustration and then became interested in doing the research behind the illustration. This led to a Ph.D. in biology and a career in research and teaching in Chicago. Throughout this career I created scientific illustrations, including illustrating and writing a textbook and many research publications. In 1996, I returned to Philadelphia to turn my academic focus to teaching, and to increased focus on painting. I have a special interest in undertaking commissioned still life paintings, into which I incorporate objects or scenes of special personal interest.

Professional Affiliations
2008
Artist member, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

Bibliography
2006
MuseNews, "Artistic Endeavors", Delaware Museum of Natural History, Fall/Winter 2006

"Arts Agenda" City Paper, April 13, 2006, p. 34

Philadelphia Inquirer, March 10, 2006, p. W32

Selected Exhibitions

Solo

2007
From Cockle Shells to Hens and Chicks, Milkboy Gallery, Bryn Mawr PA

Natural Selections, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

Group

2008
Neighborhood Artists, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia PA

Group Show: Fall Collection, FUEL Gallery, Philadelphia PA

Small Worlds, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia PA

2007
Seashells by the Shore, North End Trilogy Gallery,
Barnegat Light NJ

Neighborhood Artists, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

Small Worlds, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA
Juried Exhibition

Works on Paper, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA
Juried Exhibition

2006
Works on Paper, MUSE Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

Flowers, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

Works on Paper, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA
Juried Exhibition

Other

2008
POST, Philadelphia Open Studios Tour, Philadelphia, PA

2007
POST, Philadelphia Open Studios Tour, Philadelphia, PA