Experimenting with a variety of mediums and technique helps Sandra to continue to grow.. For several years, she has felt a renewed attraction to oil painting as a mode of expression. In her sunlit studio, Sandra continues to create the captivating still lifes and interiors for which she’s best known . As part of her never-ending search for new inspiration, she’s also painting more outdoors, in the “plein air” tradition. This year is the year of the garden, her plans are to paint more in the wonderful place she has created,and any others that become available through traveling or by invitaion.
The summer workshop in Idaho with Ovanes Beberian was an excellent way to inspire Sandra to move further into the world of color and painting her beloved flowers. "It is always energizing to watch someone that you consider a "Master" paint. The most important lesson is being outside to paint more."
Since conditions are constantly changing when she paints plein-air, Sandra paints a number of “color studies” of her subject. Color studies are small and capture the essence of the shapes, light, and colors that she sees, and emotions and sensations that she feels, in as few strokes as possible. There is little time for detail work and none for indecision. When conditions change Sandra will usually start a new study. However, once she has captured her first creative reactions or color notes, she can use these reminders to enhance the larger paintings she does on location or in her studio.
Trying to keep a fresh eye when exploring the light and color of a scene“I also use photos to refresh my memory of subjects and experiences, but color studies are just more powerful for me,” says the artist. “They invoke brighter, more intense memories, not just what I saw, but how I felt at that moment. I think that’s because the physical acts of painting, drawing, and writing have always created the strongest connections in my mind.”
Sandra combines both of these methods in creating larger paintings. "It is never just about what I see in front of me, but also very much my personal reaction to the experience."
As you can see when you visit, flowers, with infinite shapes, textures, and colors, are her favorite subjects to paint.. “Flowers represent the pinnacle of nature for me, and I marvel at their regenerative powers. They symbolize extraordinary moments of time that I wish would last forever and they are ideal to explore a variety of colors."
Working in oils, watercolors, and monotypes (a technique used to create printed originals), Sandra will continue to share her artistic vision of the garden bouquets and personal treasures that brighten her world. One of her favorite series, "Lowcountry Baskets & Bouquets," combines flowers from her garden and sweetgrass baskets from her personal collection. Sandra also renews her long-running series, "Orchids," with new paintings of these alluring flowers from her from collection she constantly has blooming in her home and studio.. Originally inspired by an art exploration of Hawaii more than a decade ago, this series reflects her art trips to orchid-rich locations, such as Key West. She also looks forward to sharing more work from her “plein air” excursions of the ace basin this fall, including figures, eye-catching scenes from beaches or city streets, and interesting gatherings of people. Soon to be finished and on the web will be paintings from her time in Idaho .
Sandra’s paintings offer a window into her world. It’s a world of rich color, light, energy, and happiness. If your soul is troubled, she hopes that her paintings will soothe you. And if your spirit is joyful, she hopes you will be lifted even higher.
Please visit often to enjoy Sandra’s artistic “adventures.” If you have questions, or want to share your thoughts about her work or art in general, please contact her. She’d love to hear from you.
info@sandrabaggette.com