This being my one and only, life long career, I am no newbie to the art scene! With an art degree, decades of painting know how, and over 40 years of full-time, professional art making under my belt, I can offer an inspiring view of the creative process and many valuable insights. As a seasoned demonstrator and art instructor with years of live, art teaching experience, I create a unique, well rounded experience that I believe is second to none.
Named by my parents, Sandra Sandy, I have always been known as Sandy Sandy in everyday life. My online identity, SpiritArtist came about after connecting with my Native American heritage, followed by years of creating art through an earth based, spiritual perspective. I was born in the mid fifties and grew up in the 60’s. Self expression through art, has taken many forms through the years, but has always been a lifelong pursuit. I'm living my childhood dream of living in the country, surrounded by animals, nature and creating everyday. A lover of color, (especially turquoise), I feel something's personally lacking when I'm not wearing it.
Encouraged by my mother, I grew up with a burning desire to create. Compiling completed coloring books, drawing along with Jon Gnagy on TV and sketching animals from the encyclopedia led to childhood contests, clubs and classes. In preschool days, I went door to door with my wagon, selling my art (and homemade glue) to the neighbors. Then teaching started very early on, almost fifty years ago. Yes, at the age of thirteen, I put an ad in the Penny Saver and started holding summer art camp in my parents' garage. Later, classically trained in art, I graduated from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, with a BFA in painting and Illustration. A sign, advertising and illustration business followed for almost two decades; finally giving way, after a divorce and a new marriage, to writing, teaching and painting full time; for over twenty years now.
My husband, Jerry, and I live on a small spread we call The Sandarosa, in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. It's a place called Tabernacle, on the edge of the Wharton State Forest. We are kept in line by my horse, Rita, six house cats, six barn cats and a bunch of well fed, neutered ferals. Our property is home to wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, skunk, fox, and birds of every description. Although we share our home with prestigious birds such as hawks, owls and an occasional eagle, my favorite among them are the hummingbirds that we get in droves every spring and summer. See information about my book, An Awakening to the Presence of Animal Spirits.
I do my painting in a bright, spacious studio built onto the house in 2001. Giving demos and classes at Sandarosa Studio and other locations from New York City to Florida, connects me to dozens of artists every year, but it just isn't enough. With my online offerings, I can touch the hearts and link up with minds of others traveling the art dream-way. My aim is to fan the creative flames that lie within you. Since I went to school BC (before computers), I never imagined being able to share my passion and delight with so many other like minded, creative spirits. I am so happy to be living in an age when I can reach out, spread love and positivity and potentially touch millions of people with the simple click of a button. See Sandy's Interview on Artsy Shark here.
After painting mainly in watercolor for over 40 years, experimenting and playing with alcohol inks since 2013 has brought more fun into my life, turbocharged the imagination and sparked my creative soul. My wish is that through learning, loving and creating, it will do the same for you! The launch of online classroom platform in 2016 ushered in new beginnings and adventures. My advice to the artists I teach is to lighten up, be your own best friend, enjoy your art and focus less on the end product and more on the process of creating. As Emerson said; "Scatter joy!"
My husband, Jerry, and I live on a small spread we call The Sandarosa, in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. It's a place called Tabernacle, on the edge of the Wharton State Forest. We are kept in line by my horse, Rita, six house cats, six barn cats and a bunch of well fed, neutered ferals. Our property is home to wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, skunk, fox, and birds of every description. Although we share our home with prestigious birds such as hawks, owls and an occasional eagle, my favorite among them are the hummingbirds that we get in droves every spring and summer. See information about my book, An Awakening to the Presence of Animal Spirits.
I do my painting in a bright, spacious studio built onto the house in 2001. Giving demos and classes at Sandarosa Studio and other locations from New York City to Florida, connects me to dozens of artists every year, but it just isn't enough. With my online offerings, I can touch the hearts and link up with minds of others traveling the art dream-way. My aim is to fan the creative flames that lie within you. Since I went to school BC (before computers), I never imagined being able to share my passion and delight with so many other like minded, creative spirits. I am so happy to be living in an age when I can reach out, spread love and positivity and potentially touch millions of people with the simple click of a button. See Sandy's Interview on Artsy Shark here.
After painting mainly in watercolor for over 40 years, experimenting and playing with alcohol inks since 2013 has brought more fun into my life, turbocharged the imagination and sparked my creative soul. My wish is that through learning, loving and creating, it will do the same for you! The launch of online classroom platform in 2016 ushered in new beginnings and adventures. My advice to the artists I teach is to lighten up, be your own best friend, enjoy your art and focus less on the end product and more on the process of creating. As Emerson said; "Scatter joy!"