Learning And Artistic Growth

"Learn and grow all you can; 

serve and befriend all you can; 

enrich and inspire all you can." 

~ William Arthur Ward

10 x 8" Yupo -Watercolor (left) and Alcohol Ink (right)

8 x 10" Yupo - Watercolor (top), Alcohol Ink painting (bottom)

I have been painting in watercolor since childhood and added alcohol inks to my skill set only 15 months ago. Each painting, process and medium is a doubling back, a spiraling process of regrouping and building on what has been before. Continuing to repeat previous paintings and studies, I believe each piece is a building block to the next. Criticism for changing my "style, substrate and medium" and for leaving behind what some have loved, comes with the territory. To me, being a life long student of art means constantly learning, growing, changing and evolving. One of the reasons I don't do many commissions is that I learned a long time ago, that the surest way to my unhappiness is to try to please everyone else. 

I believe:

"One of the worst things an artist can do is

stagnate into a certain style or genre for life. 

It's all about growth, and the growth

of the artist should never stop"

~ Dorenda Crager Watson

How do you readers feel about this topic?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Have a great day,

X ♥  O

Inspiration and Interpretation

"Van Gogh failed as a minister, 

failed as an art dealer, 

failed as an art student, 

failed in love 

and failed to sell paintings, 

but he has never failed to inspire us!" 

~ Andrew Hamilton

"Two Windblown Cypresses" 

After Vincent van Gogh

11 x 14" matted alcohol Ink on Yupo

email: sandy@sandysandy.com for purchase info. 

"Two Cypresses" 

 Vincent van Gogh 1889

"Blazing Wheat Fields" 

After Vincent van Gogh

8 x 10" matted alcohol Ink on Yupo

email: sandy@sandysandy.com for purchase info. 

"Wheat Fields with Cypresses"

drawing by Vincent van Gogh

"Wheat Fields with Cypresses"

by Vincent van Gogh 1889

I believe in the value of doing master copies as an approach to learning, so I decided to do a van Gogh "interpretation" lesson in my alcohol ink workshop this Saturday, May 9th. The afternoon session will learn how to use many tools and techniques to achieve a uniquely colorful alcohol ink version of Vincent's work.

Due to a death in the family of one of the participants, we still have one spot available. No previous experience is necessary and I also have a starter kit, so no supplies would be required. Won't you let me introduce you to this exciting, liberating medium!? Find out more about this fun-filled workshop and sign up here.

    
"When you are young, you study the masters

for their techniques and style.

But when you are older, you study them

for their emotion and feeling."

~ Chiang Chao-Shen

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Creating!

X ♥  O

The Most Important Thing Is To Bloom

“The lilac branches are bowed 

under the weight of the flowers;

blooming is hard, but the 

most important thing is - 

to bloom.” 

~ Yevgeny Zamyatin

"Lilacs in Bloom"
16 x 20" Matted Alcohol Ink on Yupo paper
email: sandy@sandysandy.com for purchase info.

Time is going by so quickly. The hummingbirds have arrived and the lilacs are in full bloom. I've moved the pansies into the shade to try to protect them from the heat. It seems, once again, we are going straight into summer from winter.

There is still one opening for the May 9th Alcohol Ink Workshop. Why not treat yourself to a fun, stress free day of art and entertainment?

Preparations are still ongoing for my Drink and Ink Party at The Tabernacle Inn. Be sure to sign up before May 9th to reserve your spot and pick your design.

"Life beats down and crushes the soul

and art reminds you that you have one."

~ Stella Adler 

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Creating!

X ♥  O

When The Student is Ready, The Teacher Will Appear

"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

"Hibiscus"
8 x 10" Matted Watercolor on Yupo paper ~ $85.
email: sandy@sandysandy.com to purchase

My first watercolor on Yupo paper instructional video is now live and available for rent or purchase. It is loaded with tips and techniques and I am sure anyone wanting to know more about working in this medium will find it very beneficial. You can see more information and watch the trailer here. Through my teaching, I want to inspire people to live a more visually aware, appreciative life. It is a proven fact that making art is linked to fewer cognitive problems in old age. Art is good for your health and your soul! Won't you take a look and leave me some feedback?

On another note, my sister is doing well and continues to keep her spirits up. Thanks for asking.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

X ♥  O

Happiness Is An Ongoing Journey

"We act as though comfort and luxury 

were the chief requirements in life, 

when all we need to make us really happy 

is something to be enthusiastic about." 

~ Charles Kingsley

"Growing Under Your Feet"
16 x 20" Matted Alcohol Ink on Yupo paper
email: sandy@sandysandy.com for purchase info.

 “Foolish people seek happiness in the distance;
while the wise grow it under their feet.”
~ James Openheim

Simply stated, happiness is when you are not troubled with pain in your body or worry in your mind.  It exists through the harmony created by something to do, something to love and something to hope for.  Learning to accept what is and focusing on the positive, no matter how bad things may seem, is also important. Remember, happiness is not a destination, but an ongoing daily journey.

My younger sister, Gaile, was diagnosed with breast cancer and is scheduled for surgery (Bilateral mastectomy and chemo port) this Thursday. I spoke with her last night and she continues to be positive and happy. She is an inspiration and a testament to what the Dalai Lama said; "It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come." Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during her challenging ordeal, thank you friends.

There are only two spots left for my May 9th Alcohol Ink Workshop.

Don't miss out. Please sign up today!

"Joy is not in things, it is in us."

~Richard Wagner

X ♥  O

DRINK and INK - Something Different on the Paint Party Scene

Spring is nature's way of saying, 

"Let's party!" 

~ Robin Williams

More Information & Tickets Here:

And some exciting news ...

I spotted our first hummingbird yesterday!

I think he was just a traveler, but our resident cuties can't be far behind.

"Spotted In My Yard!"
~~~~~4 x 4"" Alcohol Ink on Ceramic Tile~~~~~
email: sandy@sandysandy.com for purchase info.

Happy Spring everyone!

X ♥  O

They've Been Sighted In Jersey!

“I pray to the birds 

because they remind me 

of what I love 

rather than

what I fear.”

~ Terry T. Williams 

"Spotted in NJ!" ~~~~~~~4 x 4"" Alcohol Ink on Ceramic Tile~~~~~~~ email: sandy@sandysandy.com for purchase info.

"Spotted in NJ!"
~~~~~~~4 x 4"" Alcohol Ink on Ceramic Tile~~~~~~~
email: sandy@sandysandy.com for purchase info.

Our sweet hummingbirds will be home soon!

There has been a sighting in Cape May NJ!! 

Check out the 2015 migration map here.

I put up two feeders on Sunday and am so ready!

Thanks for stopping by.

As always, your comments are greatly appreciated.

Happy Spring everyone!

X ♥  O