Sharon Irla is a contemporary Cherokee artist whose collective body of works span the fields of painting, murals, graphics, photography and now picture frame designs (Native American-style). She currently resides in Eastern Oklahoma where she works from her private home studio.

Irla’s current artistic field of focus is that of oil paintings, which are almost exclusively portraits of Native American women in which Irla seeks to capture contemporary, traditional and historical Cherokee feminine and matriarchal themes. Her works reach beyond the visual aesthetic, broaching the realm of historian, as Irla is very purposeful in researching and choosing subject matters that will illustrate the presence and importance of Native American women – both in historic and contemporary settings.

Irla is a founding board member the Cherokee Artists Association, Inc. and teaches “old master” painting techniques in her workshops. Since leaving the Dallas area in 2003, where she primarily painted murals, she now includes Native American subject matter which often incorporates Southeastern Native American motifs. In addition using old master techniques, Irla utilizes contemporary techniques and mediums to create textures for the custom frames on several of her paintings.

“I feel so fortunate to have had the great pleasure of working alongside my artist comrades and working with my students who never fail to amaze me with their talents”.

Tribal Affiliation: Cherokee Nation

Sharon Irla’s Art Gallery

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