Sharon Moroney

Art has been an enduring presence throughout my life. From the age of four or five, when I first began drawing the animals I loved, creativity has remained a constant companion. This early fascination with drawing led me to a professional career in animation, where I worked as an assistant animator for Hanna Barbera, followed by several years with Burbank Studios and Disney Australia. These experiences provided a strong technical foundation and further refined my skills in observation, form, and expression.

Primarily self-taught, I later undertook a Certificate in Design, which enabled me to develop a portfolio and gain entry into a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree program. This formal study deepened my understanding of both the conceptual and practical aspects of art-making.

Portraiture — of both people and animals — remains a central focus of my practice. I am drawn to the challenge of capturing the essence of a subject: the subtle expressions and emotional nuances that reveal character and spirit. My work is motivated by emotion — whether personal or reflected in the subject — and by the connection we share with each other, and our environment.

I work across a range of media, selecting materials according to the qualities best suited to the subject. Recently, I have been exploring the expressive potential of soft pastels, which offer a remarkable capacity for blending texture and tone. I continue to experiment with different media, valuing the distinct voice each brings to a composition. My subjects can be as varied as the media I choose. From a still life, landscape or portrait of human or animal, I approach them all in a similar way, looking to express my feelings about each one.

A significant aspect of my artistic journey has been the creation of a series of paintings and drawings depicting endangered species, a body of work that allows me to unite my passion for art with my commitment to conservation. Through this work, I was honoured to be invited as a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation, Vancouver, Canada.

I also explore themes relating to human emotion and mental well-being, expressing inner experience through visual form. These works seek to evoke empathy and reflection, inviting the viewer into a shared emotional space.

Based in my studio in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, I continue to paint, exhibit, and teach. I have conducted numerous workshops for art societies across the Sydney region, including St George, Oatley, Hornsby, and Nepean, among others. Teaching has become a rewarding extension of my practice — an opportunity to inspire and share the enduring power of artistic expression.