Art lovers need no introduction to Sharon Wilson's work, but what will be different about her newest show, which opens at the Burnaby Gallery tomorrow evening, is that she has moved away from children as subjects.

This time, her focus includes dancers, flora, fauna and landscapes. The dancers, in particular, are a new departure, and Miss Wilson readily admits that the work of French pastel painter Edgar De mgas was in the back of her mind as she worked because he too spent so much time working in pastels.

In another departure, she has also returned to doing flora and landscapes.

"I have new interests other than just children now, and I think people see me as an artist who mostly does children, so I wanted to do something that dealt with adults,'' she says. "I don't want to be pigeonholed into anything. I've always been interested in doing flowers and landscapes, and I am finding that I am enjoying it, so for me that is something new to turn my attention to.'' Over the past year Miss Wilson has been able to produce a large and varied array of paintings in her Southampton studio, which has allowed her the freedom to choose what she wants to exhibit. The end result is a show of upwards of 25 paintings which she feels hang well together.

"It is a nice mix between flora, fauna and landscapes, and I am pleased with the balance.'' she says. "The mood of the whole show is pretty quiet.'' Regarding the dancers, the artist says: "I was fortunate this year in that I had a number of dancers who agreed to model for me. The theme of dancers is something that I have wanted to do for some time. I am finally doing it, and that makes me feel pretty good.'' Miss Wilson assures viewers, however, that her style has not changed over the past year.

"I am always concerned about more than the change of style -- I think that kind of happens.

This time it is not so much about trying to provide a new style, but in maintaining the standard of work that I am always conscious of. The show must be consistent throughout, and I believe I have achieved that consistency.'' Admitting that she is a critical person when it comes to her own work, Miss Wilson genuinely believes that viewers will find the new body of work "a very pleasant experience''.

"People are just going to have to come out and see for themselves,'' she says.

The Bermudian artist has been working in pastels for the past 16 years, and is well known as a figurative painter, particularly of children. As an artist she "speaks'' the language of the human spirit, and her paintings explore and celebrate the best in human nature.

Her new show at the Burnaby Gallery will continue throughout Heritage Month until May 29. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m.

to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free. For further information 292-8614.

Photos by Tamell Simons Pastel Perfection: Well-known Bermudian artist Sharon Wilson holds "Adolescent Ironing,'' one of many pastels to be included in her new exhibition which opens at the Burnaby Gallery tomorrow. The figurative painter's work is well known for capturing the human spirit.

Coffee Break: In this study by Sharon Wilson, entitled `Candice,' the artist perfectly captures the relaxed mood of her subject, who takes time out of her busy day to read and enjoy a cup of coffee. This one of approximately 25 covering widely varied subjects, including dancers and landscapes.