In The Meadow - En Plein Air

  May all your weeds be wildflowers. 

In The Meadow

11.5" x 15" hand painted 'en plein air' watercolor on Yupo paper

16" x 20" double matted w/ foam core backing

See purchase information here.

This image is available for license here.

Yesterday I competed in the Medford NJ, "2013 Paint Our Town - Plein Air Challenge". Although temperatures soared into the mid 90's, I managed to find a shady spot and held up pretty well. This year the event took place on the Medford Leas Retirement Community's 160 acre impressively landscaped grounds. It was lots of fun and a very well run event. Upon arrival, our painting surface was marked and we were supplied with maps and information about possible painting locations.

Here is my set-up.

I learned so much, on many levels through participating.  I haven't really painted on location in years and setting up and working outside is not like being in the studio where everything's at your fingertips! The only thing I forgot was a spray bottle and my paints kept drying out.  I'm planning on putting together a "Checklist for Plein Air Watercolorists" in my next newsletter. Be sure to sign up to receive it in your inbox.

This picture of me  was taken by Beth, a sweet resident I met
who contributes to the community newsletter.

It was really good for me to get off the property. I tend to be a hermit. Most days, I'm here in my studio, painting, on the computer or hanging out with my critters. It was good to get out in public and it was definitely good to get out of my routine and comfort zone. Even though it was a lot of work, I'm charged up to do it again, hopefully when it isn't so darn hot.

Cutie Pye inspects the maps, brochures, and winnings.

Everyone I met or was reacquainted with was so nice! There was even a reception with food and wine after the judging. I am happy to report that I got a second place award and a cash prize for my painting of Katzell Meadow, titled "In The Meadow". That was just the icing on the cake though. The true prize was just being there in the moment, observing, feeling, painting, outside, in the zone, in the meadow.

Go to the meadow to stretch and grow

Get lost in her plume topped amber glow

Sparkling with gems in every color and size

Joyful appreciation the true grand prize

When is the last time you tried something
out of your comfort zone or routine?

What was it?

  What did you learn from it?  

 As Always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for stopping by!

Pretentious Poppies ~ SOLD

"If you've never been thrilled

to the very edges of your soul

by a flower in spring bloom,

maybe your soul has

never been in bloom."

~ Terri Guillemets

Pretentious Poppies

• SOLD

This image is available for license here.

It has been very quiet around here.
My parents took off for home yesterday.
We had a great visit and did a lot of fun things
while they were here.

Sister, Denise, Mom & Dad playing miniature golf  in Ocean City, NJ

Mom concentrating on her bird painting

Mom and I enjoyed doing art together.

She left with two matted 8" x 10" florals

and three framed 5" x 7" bird watercolors

that now hang in their motorhome.

She likes them so much, they will hang

in her house when not traveling.

My art lessons gave her a new found enthusiasm for learning.

I hope she finds some classes to get involved in at home.

"Get over the idea that only children

should spend their time in study. 

Be a student so long as you still have something to learn,

and this will mean all your life."

~ Henry L. Doherty

Thanks for stopping by!

As always, your comments are most appreciated.

Drawing and Painting Lessons

"Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end.

It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing.

It's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it."

~ Margaret Thatcher

Cute Calico

SOLD •

This image is available for license here.

COME DRAW AND PAINT WITH ME

Offering solid instruction in drawing and watercolor painting - beginners through advanced students. Classes are taught in the comfort of my Tabernacle, NJ Studio or a travel rate to your location can be quoted upon request. All materials are supplied for the first session. Flexible morning, afternoon and evening classes are available. 

Recommended time is 2-4 hours to complete a lesson.

See more drawings and paintings on SandySandyFineArt.com.

"I appreciate your training and talent for teaching. Not everyone
can teach beginners the process and have patience, too. I learned 
some basics and I learned I shouldn't be afraid to try again." ~ Joyce K.

Like Robert H. Schuller said; "Today's accomplishments were yesterday's impossibilities."
Email me for more information at: sandy@sandysandy.com
Happy creating!

Irresistible Irises ~ SOLD

Irresistible Irises

• SOLD

This image is available for license here.

We are staying busy and having a great time visiting with my parents
while they are here in NJ. Mom and I have been doing lots of artwork together.
I made a copy of my Irises for her on Yupo paper and she painted along as I did mine.
Here is her version.

Irises colored by Eve Sandy.

Mom and Dad last week at Grounds for Sculpture

I feel so fortunate to be able to enjoy this quality time together.
Cheers and Happy Spring Everyone!

Announcing a Print Giveaway

ATTENTION ALL SANDY SANDY ART FACEBOOK FANS ...

(To become a fan follow the link above and click on "like" at the top right of the page.)

Win any two of my matted 8" x 10" signed and numbered lithograph prints of your choice from my Etsy shop! (This is a 47 dollar value including the shipping.) Comment below and tell me which titles you would like to win. Then go to facebook and 'Share' this post with your friends and your name will be added to my drawing. I will be giving away two 8" x 10" prints (can be a set or not) from my Etsy shop at 200 Facebook Business Page 'Likes'.

Horse Sundance
Matted 8" x 10" Signed and numbered lithograph print
ready to fit into an 8" x 10" frame
 

(Contest open to residents of the US and Canada)

Good luck and thanks for your interest in my work!

X ♥ O

Happy Mother's Day and a Visit With Mom

Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms!

(animal families included!)

"A mom's hug lasts long after she lets go."

Happy Hydrangea
8" x 10" original watercolor on Yupo paper

• SOLD

This image is available for license here.

My folks are visiting from Florida

and I am really enjoying

their company.

I gave mom a manicure and did her hair this afternoon.

Now we're getting ready to head over to my sister's house for a

Mother's Day Bash.

Wishing everyone a joyful day

whatever you have planned!

Thanks for stopping by!

X ♥ O

Jersey Girl Witches

“Never put your faith in a Prince.

When you require a miracle, trust in a Witch.”

~ Catherynne M. Valente

Halloween 2012

Here it is, the first week of May and I'm already 

thinking about Halloween!

Last year, I was decorating in August and even now,

there are witches hanging on my walls.

Witch with a Crow in Hand
Whimsical Witch #1
8" x 10" original watercolor

Painting Options

matted w/ backing $85.00 USD matted / framed / med- wood $105.00 USD

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Full Moon Witch and Cats
Whimsical Witch #2

• SOLD

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A Witchy Welcome
Whimsical Witches #3

• SOLD

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These witches are also available for licensing here.

See My

Halloween Board

on Pinterest.

(Only 177 Days to go you know!)

And Remember Dearie -

“Keep the Magic Alive!”

~Debie Torkellson

Experiment II ~ A Loose Direct Approach to Watercolor

"Experiment, experiment, experiment -

until it finally flows from within you.

It is a hard road. But the result is also

a deep inner satisfaction."

~ Jack Dickerson

Today's transparent watercolor was painted while standing, like my first experiment, directly on Yupo paper without any preliminary pencil lines or even a rough sketch. It was started with a pretty good idea of the desired subject and composition, but I remained flexible while working, listening to what the painting asked for and allowing the piece to evolve without too many preconceived boundaries or restrictions. I am finding this direct approach rather exciting and satisfying.

Hummingbird Happiness 11.5" x 14" original watercolor on Yupo paper 16" x 20" matted w/ foam core backing Signed and certified Purchase painting here.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend! 

Hummingbird Happiness

11.5" x 14" original watercolor on Yupo paper

16" x 20" matted w/ foam core backing

Signed and certified
Purchase painting here.

The weather here is gorgeous!

Snacking On: Sour Crawlers /  Listening To: Blondie

Now Headed Out To Play With Horses!

What are you up to today? ...

X ♥ O

A Gift From Spirit ~ Whitetail Fawns

"In stillness I hear Spirit's voice, not universal clutter." Rev Kathy Graves

A Gift From Spirit

Whitetail Fawn Painting

16" x 20" ~ Double Matted and Framed

silver level ~ original watercolor ~ $399.00

I am posting this older painting here today as part of Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Marketing Challenge.

This was painted while recovering from my injury and is very symbolic in content, design and colors. The green symbolizes growth, abundance and a fresh approach to life. The purple antlers symbolize spiritual development, power and wisdom.

To buy this painting or view more of my older Spirit Art Work, go to my Spirit Art Gallery. See a sample of my burl- wood frames here.

On March 23rd, 2007, I got bucked off my horse in the woods and took my first ever ambulance ride. I landed on my left shoulder and was hoping it was just badly dislocated, but after over three hours in the Emergency Room, I found out I had a broken humerus.There was nothing humorous about it! Fortunately it was the left arm and I was still able to draw and paint during my recovery. My accident provided a great revelation and showed me how important it was to slow down in order to grow spiritually. I have concrete evidence that Universal Guidance was largely at play that day.

That morning while out taking care of the horses, I was presented with two large matching antler sheds at the edge of the woods. They were gifted to me side by side in a most unusual and deliberate placement.They were found on the East side of my property, symbolizing new beginnings. They were facing North which represents wisdom. The number two represents patience and as in all antlered species,the deer's rack is symbolic of antennae which provide heightened perception and a connection to the divine. It was not until my healing got under way that I could see that my accident was truly a powerful gift from spirit.

"Perhaps this is your time to think, to rest, meditation time to learn more oneness with the Universe." ~Jean Kitchens

"Busy keeps us from spirit's whisper." ~ Rev Kathy Graves

Thanks for stopping by.
As always, your comments are most appreciated!

Have a GREAT DAY!!

X ♥ O