About the Artist

Sharon Rajnus

Rajnus was an artist before learning to fly in the 1970’s, and credits her training in science, biology, and art as the foundation for current work. With family history that includes engineering at Lockheed during WWII, aviation has been a foundation as well. Flying experiences with her husband in Canada and Alaska led to interest in using those places as locations for paintings. These are created in oil or watercolor for galleries, exhibitions, commissions, and illustrations. Her recent book “Stars of the Sky” with Ann Cooper as author, includes Rajnus’ illustrations of 50 Women in Aviation through the ages, and their craft. Work can be seen in many collections, including EAA, National Museum of Naval Aviation, NOAA, and the National Park Service.

Selected Awards

  • ASAA: Best of Show
  • Horizons of Flight: Best of Show
  • National Museum of Naval Aviation: First Place
  • Aviation Week: Best of the Best
  • EAA Aviation Foundation: Par Excellence Award
  • NOAA: First Place
  • Governor’s Invitational (OR): Best of Show

Selected Exhibitions & Collections

  • Paint America
  • Artflight – Ottawa, Canada
  • U.S. Air Force Museum
  • National Exhibition of American Watercolor – Taos
  • Audubon Artists; Salmagundi Club, NY
  • Leigh Yawkey Woodson Birds in Art
  • NWSS (Northwest Watercolor Society) Open
  • Crater Lake National Park Centennial
  • The Smithsonian

Selected Publications

  • Stars of the Sky, Legends All – Zenith Press
  • How to Draw Aircraft Like a Pro – Motorbooks
  • How to Draw and Paint Aircrafts Like a Pro – Motorbooks
  • Splash – Northlight Books
  • The Best of Wildlife Art I – Northlight
  • The Best of Wildlife Art II – Northlight
  • Creativity – The Prize of Humanity – Wildlife Art Magazine
  • Wildlife Art – Rockport Publishers
  • Stars of the Sky – Cooper & Rajnus