ADVICE FOR BEGINNER ARTISTS
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- Опубликовано: 3 мар 2022
- In this video I share two different painting methods I use - one I recommend for beginners and the other one I don't recommend for beginners. I also demonstrate these methods and share some of my favorite cheap art supplies that are great for beginners or professionals. I also talk about what it means to be a professional artist and what it doesn't mean. The supplies I mention are listed below.
ONLINE CLASSES: www.sandihesterclasses.com
INSTAGRAM: / sandihesterart
WEBSITE: www.sandihester.com
PODCAST INTERVIEWS:
ArtWank: Episode 72 Artist and RUclipsr
podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...
Authentic Obsessions: Episode 31 Enjoying the Process www.authenticobsessions.com/e...
Authentic Obsessions: Episode 45 Sketchbooks
www.authenticobsessions.com/s...
SUPPLIES:
Paper:
*BLICK DRAWING PAPER (12X18):
www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10019...
*RICHESON WATERCOLOR PAPER (12X18):
www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10019...
*CANSON WATERCOLOR PAPER (18X24):
www.tkqlhce.com/click-1001993...
*PRINTMAKING PAPER:
www.kqzyfj.com/click-10019936...
*CANSON XL PAPER PAD:
www.tkqlhce.com/click-1001993...
Paint:
*LIQUITEX SOFT BODY ACRYLICS
www.dpbolvw.net/click-1001993...
*DALER ROWNEY SYSTEM 3 ORIGINAL ACRYLICS
www.dpbolvw.net/click-1001993...
*LIQUITEX BASICS ACRYLIC
www.jdoqocy.com/click-1001993...
Brushes:
*SUMI PAINT BRUSH: www.kqzyfj.com/click-10019936...
*BLICK ECONOMY WHITE BRISTLES (green handles):
www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10019...
*The links (*) above are affiliate links - it doesn't cost you anything more to purchase when you go to these links - they just help me make these videos!
MUSIC:
www.epidemicsound.com/track/C...
You ARE a professional artist. So why shouldn’t you ”be allowed” to say so? I can’t belive people think you are saying it to show off. You are honest, giving and an inspiration! I love to watch you every week.
Thank you Carina!
Yeah, women are usually shut down for calling themselves professionals - even by other women. :(
I can't begin to tell you how much your encouragement to not be precious, build layers, and paint over what isn't speaking to you has changed my approach to my painting. I feel like I'm really growing as an artist and getting so much better. Thank you!!!!
I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you!
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Yes Sandi your "don't be to precious" and "have fun" are a gift to me.
I think she needs to make t-shirts with that - don't be precious.
Sandi don’t change what you call yourself for anyone. You are so generous and kind with your art information. I don’t mean it in a harsh way but this person needs to be questioning why you calling yourself a professional artist makes them uneasy. It is their issue, not yours to carry. Don’t stop being yourself. ❤️
As one professional artist to another, please keep saying you are a professional artist! We all have different paths, different training, different mediums, different skills, different strengths, different weaknesses, and differing levels of experience. What makes a pro a pro? It is a discussion that has no known end. Life is too short to discuss when we could be using that time to make more art!
Amen!
I consider myself a skilled, serious, well-trained,artist but I do not sell my art. I am not a professional. Before I retired, I was a professional writer. There is a very different energy to being a professional. Different obligations, different tasks. At the same time, I consider myself something more than a hobbyist. I'm not just doing it for personal pleasure or to keep myself amused. When I think of all the tasks involved in the business of it, I'm not sure I'm up for that. When you think about, Van Gogh using the income earning definition, wasn't a professional artist but he wasn't a hobbyist either. There needs to be a new word for us. In the meantime I think we need to accept the limits of our language and listen to what's in the heart of the speaker. This was my favorite of your videos.
I can barely express how much I love your videos, art, spirit and honesty. Claim your profession you are a professional artist! Celebrate it, we need more professional artists you all are good for humanity! I have finally accepted that fearing I have ruined a piece is an essential part of finishing it. I have also given myself permission to cover it up, paint over it, keep going just to learn or quit. You are an inspiration and a treasure.
Meg: I AGREE
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100.
Thank you Meg!!!!
Totally agree!!
You are a professional artist! You make money from your creations and they are beautiful. Please don't change anything because of a few. You have been a great inspiration because you make me feel like I can join in. You're humble and so funny. I could walk into one of your videos and feel welcome. I love your longer videos and I look forward to them every week. You can ask all my pets. They sit with me when I watch them in my RV. lol Thank you so much for being you and sharing. You have helped me so much in trying to just chill and have fun. I have only sold one painting (I've given a lot away to friends and family and I have a few pieces in our shop - mower sales & repair lol) With your videos and with others on youtube, I feel encouraged to continue. You're a sweetheart.
Thank you Wilma and I love that your fur babies watch me too!
As someone who makes (part) of my income from my art I like to hear others refer to them selfs as pro-artists. Why not own it if we can. Well I keep telling myself that but I still have a hard time saying that I'm an artist. You truly are a pro-artist, full time artist, and really should not have to make your self smaller when you have worked so hard for it. 🍀
Thank you Julia!
Girl!…You are a professional and I am proud of you for sticking up for yourself ❤️ thank you for sharing another amazing, amazing video!
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Please don't feel like you have to apologize for a label. You ARE a professional artist! There's no two ways about it!
I felt funny calling myself an artist for years, always worrying that people would think I was full of myself. Until I realized that worry was a waste of my energy. I chose to believe in myself and not worry about what people think of me. Just live out my passion and be my authentic self. And that's exactly what I see in every one of your videos: passion and authenticity. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is a treasure trove of fabulous advice not just for beginners but even for those of us who have been glopping paint around for a while! Thank you for sharing so generously with us, Sandi. ❤️
Thank you Jodi!
Dear Sandi - thank you so much for being you ❤️
I am about to become a professional artist, not because I’m selling my work (not even ready to try yet, I need the freedom of not thinking about my art as a kind of goods in a market for a while longer), but because I spend all day every day in my studio making art. I get up every morning at six o’clock and go to work/art (except for Saturdays when I stay in bed for an hour or two extra, my husband making me coffee while I watch Sandi ❤️❤️❤️)
But I would also like to mention that there is a historic gender challenge at play, women always having had to fight harder to get their rightful place among the “great masters” of art - so actually I think we all should feel liberated by you claiming your rightful position as a professional artist!
Time to get out of bed!
THANK YOU 🙏 ❤️
Honey, remember the saying…'other people's opinions of us, are none of our business'.
If they feel inadequate, that's their issue. Don't let them make it yours. Don't change yourself for other people. That way lies dishonesty about yourself. You're genuine. You live art.
oh I agree so much with this! :D
Hi Sandi, I know you're a professional artist no matter what some people say. Their being too sensitive with words and they need to relax. I would not change what you say for a very small hand full of people who are overly sensitive. But that's me. You shouldn't change your words for anyone, especially since that's part of your natural verbiage.
I also want to let you know that I never liked abstract paintings, ever, until I started watching you. Now I understand and I get it. Especially how you explain the process, and share your feelings of movement and color. Your artwork has been an inspiration to me. I actually love your paintings. I thought I would never like abstract, but you did what others couldn't do in convincing me that it was actually art. Thank you for sharing your artwork and your heart. You make it fun. I've also learned that I have to relax with my own artwork. Thank you!!! God bless you and your husband.
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Thanks Sandi. I am 74 and I have been painting all my life but I feel I am just starting to discover a looser style that I like. Your work has inspired me. I am letting go of trying to acheive a likeness and copying photos. I felt stuck between making a mess and copying exactly what I see is a rigid way. I like the paintings I was doing but what I am doing now is very exciting.
Please don’t stop using the term professional artist! That’s exactly what you are! You’ve put the time in, you’ve honed your skills, and you make your living doing so! You can’t please everyone, nor should you! I appreciate you and all you put into this channel and your IG account! Thank you!
This was great advice for beginners and people (like me) who are getting back into painting. Just get in there and create and have fun and not worry about the materials you are using or stressing about whether you are going to like it, or mess it up or (I could go on for days lol). I try to just enjoy the way the paint feels going onto the canvas and the love of seeing all the wonderful colors of paint.
You are amazing to watch and listen to. It always turns a bad day to a good one when I watch your videos. You may call yourself whatever you want but for me you are the sunshine I need more of certain days. Period
Awe - thank you so much Ingrid!!!!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰
You don't have to apologize for being a professional artist. Before you even said it, I was thinking... well she makes money from her art making.... that makes her a professional! You go girl!! You spoke your truth in a very respectful way.
So glad it came across respectful!!!
Pro artist here, for me the "struggle" of certain artworks is a positive, fun and motivating force. I always feel I push the artwork until it almost break (and sometimes it does) and then I just fix it until it works.
Some artworks are easy and some take months to find their footing, I like both. It's nice sometimes to be able to wrap something up in a few days and I also like having artworks around the studio on which I struggle and that take time.
But yes, best job in the world. :)
I always feel very empty after finishing a series though and I need a few days to just do nothing before jumping into the next one. But I embrace the rest.
EDIT : I get the same wonderment about "professional artist"! People are like "oh you think you're better than others?!" and I'm like no, I just earn a living through my art. I think we need to use it more so it becomes "normal".
I'm your follower since not so long, but I simply love what you do and how you share it with us. Your work, your words, your videos, are truly inspirating for me, even if I know that my "language" is totally different from yours and I'll not be able (neither would I) reach your same results or follow your path. You are an amazing artist, so talented, and so generous with all of us to share your processes and your thoughts, to help us (at least me for sure) to learn new things and to try again one more time. Calling yourself as "full time" or "professional" artist, does not change the fact that art is your work and your life, it's just a matter of the meaning in the dictionary. I'm a "wannabe" artist, and looking at you, I'm sure I'll be able to improve myself, as an artist, and more important, as a person. So... thank you so, so, so much. (PS: forgive me for my English...) :)
this is your profession so you are a professional! please don’t let anyone censor your identity. people who get weird about terms like “professional” or “hobbyist” need to deal with their own ignorance and insecurity. that is their responsibility, not yours. you are putting in the effort to own your voice and work. they need to focus on owning their voices and work, and they need to stop trying censor others.
Do not change! Don’t dilute your message or muddy it up! We love authentic (professional) Sandi!! And it gives me confidence to call myself a professional artist!
I have never thought that when you say you’re a professional artist that you were saying that means your opinion is more valid than mine, or you’re a better artist than me.
I really like that you encourage playing with art supplies without having a masterpiece as a goal.
I really enjoy your videos and find them inspirational. I actually started a journal to put random things in, maybe a pattern or an object or a color, whatever strikes my fancy.
Thank you.
I just found you! You’re adorable, and I love your approach-the idea of going over, trying again, etc. makes me happy! I’m new at landscapes and have been stuck on a clump of trees that look like a boulder-haha. I’m going to redo that painting! So excited. Re: “professional artist” I liked hearing that because it signaled immediately that you sell your art. Anyone who’s offended might consider -no offense meant-working on their self-esteem, because that’s a hairspring trigger. You’re describing yourself. Anyway it’s fine with me and I’m thrilled you earn money with your art! Thanks and looking forward to more of your videos.
Sandi. I need to let you know how I love watching your videos, I really find it so wonderful to see your honest struggles with getting your paintings done. We all go through the self doubt, and I find it useful to see other artists making mistakes and learning. That’s all we do until we all go to paint store heaven. You truly are a Professional Artist and you can call yourself that with integrity, by the fact that you support yourself through art. Most people truly believe in you, I tune out the negative comments, just put your energies into what you do well.
Sandi I just found you on RUclips and I’ve been binge watching everything! Your joy is amazing and contagious! I am just now at a place in life where I have time to do art and I am loving it!
Welcome Haylee!!!!! So glad to have you here and I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the videos!!!!!
Oh my word people, Sandie makes her living from her art.That is her profession.She is a Professional.Stop being so self centered that other people's words are always some how a judgement on you.Sandie you are such a blessing to all of us out here making art! Thank you for being so brave and caring.We know you would never want to hurt anyone feelings.But the fact is you are a professional artist! Carry on!!!
Sorry I spelt your name wrong 🤔
Let me be clear I'm not speaking to Sandi about being self-centered, I'm speaking to people who get up set with her calling herself a professional!
No worries - I’ve spelled it wrong too 😂
I'm a Professional Procrastinator! :) Just wanted to add a little humor, Sandi! May the Peace of Christ fill your heart! You are sucha Blessing to us all! I watch and listen to your videos while I do data entry in my home at times, and I also paint along while you're painting. The Lord works through you to help me (calm my mind when things are crazy here!) so much and I learn so much from you, artistically. I live in the Pacific Northwest, about an hour and 1/2 North of Seattle- and I am venturing out to paint landscapes like you do! It's so beautiful here too, like Tennessee. Thanks so much, Kelli
That’s funny!
Please embrace your professional artist self!!! You sell paintings, you teach all of us and your passion is so special. Please don't make yourself small because of other people's self esteem issues!! 😍🤸♀️🤸♀️💃
OMG IM SO EXCITED, PERFECT WAY TO START THE MORNING AT THE STUDIO
Valuable messages here! There’s not enough chat about process. And really dig deep into it. There’s SO much in our face messaging with perfect looking sketchbooks being displayed with the artist saying this is where they get to practice and experiment. And there’s no darn experimenting going on. 😅 your sketchbook reveals do show the good the bad and the didn’t work as wanted. It’s let me to totally free up in my practice and experimenting. Way more fun!
That's what I work hard to do here Heidi so I'm glad that's coming through! Thank you!
I absolutely agree.
Exactly! You nailed it
You really can’t control how people feel. Their challenges are a them problem. You’re not arrogant or bragging, you are sharing your life. I love the sweetness of your heart, but words mean things. You are paid to be an art that, ergo you are a professional artist.
That is technically the definition of Professional vs. Amateur I believe. It really doesn't have much to do with skill or talent, but more about money. Like you said, this is how you earn your living (income). I was going back through some paintings I've done and donated to my church, and they're the ones making the money, not me. And only after seeing those the other day, can I confidently say, "Hey, look at me! I am an artist!" But I am not a professional, line you are. Semantics. No worries, dear one.... you are you, and that's great!
Never apologize or explain saying you’re a professional artist … never over explain … you can’t please everyone - just be yourself .. love your videos ❤️
You are professional and an artist. Remember the quote What people think about you is really none of your business. Don’t let what people say get into your head. A study of stoicism helps with this. I have been a professional artist since 1979, people would say, you must have gotten all your talent from your mom. NO it was from hard work and making loads of mistakes. As far as I’m concerned you are a light in places that are dark. Thank You My Dear.
You ARE a professional Artist and you should be proud ~ I aim to be that! Congrats!!!
Your earnestness and childlike excitement comes through in your art and all your videos. This is why I watch you. Regardless of topic. Thank you for putting yourself out there for all of us to enjoy 🙏🏻💕✨
I'm thinking is that a bench in the pond? Then you said a dock.. But I didn't have to get it, just barely right 😊 I love the way you do art, you're very inspiring. My art space has been taking form for the last couple of weeks, after years of messy nothing. I'm feeling the fun bubbling to the surface. Thank you for sharing your process and how you think about your art!
Wonderful advice thanks Sandi. You make money from art you are a professional. If you stop calling yourself professional artist to make others more comfortable or happy then you are changing yourself to please others and that is a slippery slope. There will always be people in this world who get upset and offended because they have not healed that part of themselves. If you meet them at that level then you change who you are and you become less than your true beautiful, open, honest, gentle, joyful and creative self. Others can either join you in your joy and light or they will stay in their righteousness and leave. Please don't change or censor yourself sweetheart, we love you the way you are. 💜💜💜👍
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Love love how you talk about your art and passion. Your honesty, bravery, and joy and lots of joy. I feel so good after I watch your video. Lots of inspiration. Thank you thank you. Please keep creating
You are totally a professional artist. I think sometimes when people feel insecure about their own levels/capabilities they have a problem with others calling themselves professional or even just artist. That does not mean these people are no good it is just the way they see themselves and something they need to work on. You be your inspiring you and I love your confidence and keep on calling yourself a professional artist, because that is what you are and why should you edit yourself for their feelings and perspectives of themselves. Looking forward to your videos every Friday. Thank you for being inspiring.
Yeah, I think that's is the definition of professional. You make your living at it. What ever it is
Moving the correct tree into the background made a huge difference. I love it ♥️♥️♥️
Thank you!
It broke for commercial just as you were about to paint over the canvas and i was like nooooo….cuz i wanted to watch that part. Little did i know just how entertaining the splashing, quite literally, of paint was going to be. Hehehe. I love the scene in different seasons!!!!
If people feel put down by you saying you are a professional artist that says more about them then you, if someone is feeling insecure whatever you say won't change that. You share so much here openly and honestly, it would be sad if you had to start censoring yourself trying to please everyone. You are a professional artist, say it loud and say it proud!
I look forward to your videos, thank you for sharing so much with the world Sandi.
People need to get over their insecurities and grow up… and stop pretending that everyone speak and do around their childish fragility.
You are a pro… don’t change your ways to satisfy the bullies.
Love to watch you work ❤
On certain days when u enjoy painting, there are always epiphanic moments.when u feel a lucid rush of pleasure. Unbelievable. ❤
Watching for second time. Now almost a year into my first year of painting. Has taken me this long to figure out I do not like painting the type of things I have been painting ( pretty much all the work I have done up till now- HA) BUT thank you for these remarks- all the bad work is useful and leads to eventual good work. And your remark that being able to paint is a gift !! I have FINALLY learned to enjoy the process and not focus on the outcome. I have also learned I am in this on my own - others input does not determine what I do or how I do it. I would LOVE more videos for us new artists. ( big step calling myself an artist). ☺️
Sooo glad this video was helpful!!!
Hello Sandi, I view you as a professional artist, I always have. You get up every day walk into your beautiful studio/office and paint, and you sell your paintings, you even have collectors. To me that’s the definition of a pro, own it!!, haters gonna hate. Don’t give them the time of day 🌺 have a great weekend
I love your art ... I think some people have different styles that they resonate with too (which is fair), but I would consider someone a professional artist when they make money from their art. You are such an inspiration and such a delight to watch. Thankyou for being you and sharing your art and your journey.
One of my very favorite…cheap…free …substrates is cutting out the large flat (front or back) card board cereal boxes…I gesso the grey side once or twice…then they are ready for drawing and painting! They are tough, pliable and painted ones last forever!!! Great for kids art too….I wish I could get the same thin cardboard much larger but they are fun to paint on….collage too! I always have a gessoes stack ready for painting or when kids want to paint!!
С февраля этого года смотрю ваши видео. Только сейчас дошла до этого видео :)
Вы самый настоящий художник! Художник который учит, вдохновляет и делает людей счастливее!!!🤍
“Give that voice a Valium!“
Best advice I’ve ever received about encouraging creativity.
Thank you for this great video.
Love you and your work Sandi! Unfortunately, our society (meaning all over the world) likes to label "professional " solely to those who have academic degrees and "careers". That is sad and honestly kills people natural creativity. It has really killed the creativity of children and adults.... so I pray that you continue to shine your light and your talent and wisdom as the professional that YOU are. Keep poking us to dig deep into our creativity and away from what society claims as normal or what art "should" be... loads of love to you. ❤
By definition, you are a professional artist. If people are using that as an excuse to feed their insecurities that's a them problem, not a you problem. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
It isn't a reflection on you when people question why you say professional artist. It's on them. I studied for 5yrs at art school. Have a degree in fine art and an art teaching degree. I am not a professional artist. But I also don't produce art full time or sell my work at this point in my life. Call it whatever you want, ignore the jealous who wish they had your enthusiasm, talent and career. You do you girl! I personally don't have a problem with it, you absolutely are a professional artist ❤
There's no reason why you cannot use the term professional artist when describing yourself. You are one. You are not responsible for other people's feelings about the term or themselves. You can set boundaries around followers who can't handle it or choose to comment about it. It's their perception and not your description. Love your channel. Love your art.
Just a reminder, Sandi is a painter, talking about her processes and her opinions. There are a lot of great art teachers and tutorials out there, but this is not that. This is an artist’s vlog. Her opinions are her own, and if she inspires and encourages you, that’s wonderful. She seems, to me, like a self taught artist who has found her own style and wants to share it with others, which is an awesome thing. Most artists spend decades trying to find their own voice. Yes, she has many non traditional ideas about painting and process, but, as far as I know, she doesn’t purport to be teaching or professing traditional art techniques. Personally, I enjoy her naïve approach. If you don’t, then don’t watch. Simple as that. 👍
Sandi = full-time artist = professional artist = INSPIRATION! Thank you for another wonderful and honest video. I like and appreciate all versions of your paintings but what I appreciate the most is your sharing of your process and the joy you feel when you create and paint! Keep doing you, Sandi!
Thank you for all your insights into how you paint. Years of school and classes have only taught me to paint what’s in front of me in a realistic way. I’m opening up a once precious sketch book and going to look at some trees. For what it’s worth, you are a pro.
I just heard your interview with Lorna Horn and loved you! I will be watching more of your videos and I really resonated with everything you said and loved your comment of "creating inspires creating" as I have been procrastinating for whatever the reason. I don't know. I am following Laura and you now. Thanks for the inspiration all the way from Sydney Australia
Hey Jasmine! I’m so glad you liked Laura’s course and the interview!!!! Don’t procrastinate- just get in there and have fun!
Professional: engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.
From the dictionary. You make art, + people pay you= professional 😊
You’re a sweet person for even considering editing a word out of your video to appease someone’s feelings ❤️❤️.
Sandi you are not to be worrying yourself about the negative comments please. You are the most generous teacher of art and it is an honour that you share your beautiful artworks and process with us. Truly such an honour thank you.
Sandi, You are a professional Artist and a Great Inspiration, keep up the good work!
Thank you Sara!
The color palette of your trees by the creek painting are calling to me! The version before you painted over to paint your disconnected tree version. On first sight it looks like the trees are dancing 💃 to me anyway! But I understand peoples eyes see differently and you know what you like. Personally I like several of the versions.Beginners can use student grade, more inexpensive versions of good brands of paints. Like you talked about in your video. You have some great tips! I enjoy hearing and watching your process.
I knew a lady who called herself a "Master Gardener" Yet she didn't make money gardening AND She couldn't recognize simple plants like lavendar or spearmint 😹. You have certainly earned (literally) the right to call yourself a professional artist when you actually sell your work and your work is beloved by other people, artists and non artists. Don't feel bad for people who cannot handle a simple truth. You are definitely a professional artist😺😺😺💕
I hear what you are saying and agree with the sentiment. However, Master Gardener is a designation that is given out by state Universities in the US. One must complete a semester long course and do so many volunteer hours to earn the title. However, since the course is only a semester and mostly focuses on sustainable practices and how to educate the public about them, not every master gardener knows a lot about gardening. They mostly know what they bring in to it. When I was with the University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners, there were some that were good at growing tomatoes, some soil testers, some lawn management, and some perennial gardeners like myself. We learned from each other. I think the name is kind of misleading for the public. And, I miss gardening in a temperate climate! I live in the desert now. I need to take the desert version of that course and see if it helps my brown thumb.
Thank you. Thank you for being alive, for showing me a new way to approach my creativity-to enjoy the process. You and your channel are game changers for me, truly ❤️
Hi Sandi 😊 I just wanted to let you know that I love watching your videos. 😊 I think you are such a source of inspiration and your channel is a beautiful space here on RUclips 😊
Honestly keep saying professional artist and to heck with the people who are negative. Keep being yourself☺️
Always remember that to some people the word 'professional' is overly precious... It is difficult for them to be relaxed and creative with the terminology! To others it is just a word that can mean many things...
Thank you so much for being such an authentic and inspirational artist!
You ARE a professional artist by definition and by example. I love your videos and find them to be very inspiring. Please don’t ever let anyone dim your light. Right now we need you and your light shining brightly. Your brushes are love and light and the world needs more of your work. 🙂💕
Hi Sandi,
New artist and new subscriber here. I have only been watching your videos for a few DAYS, and I'm blown away by you and your energy...my mind has opened up and I'm SO inspired and encouraged by your work, your words and your spirit. I'm am thrilled to meet you here on RUclips. Thank you for such exciting content.
Welcome Kat! So glad you’re enjoying the videos and have found them helpful 🤗
It's kind of like solving a "Wordle" puzzle, but with paint!!!😃
Yes lol my brain hurts trying to figure paintings out sometimes.
In elementary school, an engineer at the Museum of Flight talked to my daughter about the basics of aerodynamics. Because she clearly understood him he told her that she absolutely had to study engineering. Her response to me was "but Mom, I don't want to be an engineer, I want to be a doctor". She always made wonderful school projects that involved artistic ability, but I didn't realize her artistic gift until just prior to the women's march (over 4 years ago). She created a fabulous poster freehand and worked all night long to do it. At the march, there were several offers to buy that poster. She was 16 yo at the time so I asked her if she had ever considered becoming a professional artist. Her answer was "no, I really want to be a doctor". She's now in college pre-med, and she decorates cakes part-time at Walmart. She took that job having had no experience or training in cake decorating and of course, she's amazing at it. Lately, her goal has refined into becoming a surgeon. I told her that she should consider becoming a reconstructive surgeon because of her artistic eye. That she could think of her patients as living, breathing, pieces of art. She liked that idea. Meanwhile, back to that double layer cake with whipped frosting roses...
Professional or not ... it doesn't matter at all! You are such a lovely person!! God bless you! :)
Thank you so much!
Love this phrase “I’m exploring and figuring out my language. How I want to say things.”
To me this video is so inspiring because not only do you describe how to be brave and to explore but you show how to do it! Part of being brave especially for women is finding the courage to stop censoring ourselves, skills, and our vocation. We could all use a little more confidence in the way we view and describe ourselves. Be fearless!!! This was a great topic that reminds me to stand talk confident and shine bright.
So glad it was helpful Kathy!
You are a professional You Tuber and Artist and I love everything you do….. don’t let someone’s envy turn into a tiny voice in your head, when it’s their issue. Thanks for sharing your time and talent. My Friday night always includes your smile and teaching. Thank you
You are a professional artist. Pay no mind to those folks. :)
Professional here - I had a really hard time calling myself a professional artist for the longest time until a close male friend said, "Do people pay you for your art? Then you are a professional." And it just kind of struck the right chord for me. I feel like there's a lot of guilt associated with money and the arts. As if you have to starve or be a tortured soul to be a professional. On top of that being a woman adds another level of complexity. I've watched your videos for a long while and never once thought you were anything but a professional artist!
I once knocked over a bucket of gesso in my studio....so much got prepped that day, including me going into our pantry and putting waxed bags of things on the shelves and gessoing packaging!
😂
A professional XYZ is a person that makes their living doing XYZ. If you're selling paintings, then yes, you are a professional artist. Luv your vids btw : )
You've paid your dues, and you are helping us along our journey to becoming professional artists. That is the mark of a professional...one who is experienced in his/her craft or field and one who is still learning to master his/her craft and one who shares his/her knowledge. Don't succumb to the few...I think we all agree here...you have earned the title of professional!
I don't normally comment (but I do enjoy watching your vlogs) I feel a little irked on your behalf (and other creatives who feel 'quashed') I personally think that the negative ninnies that seem to think that their opinion holds weight need to reel their necks in and possibly think before they start running their mouths off. Keep doing what brings you joy because people see and feel the joy you bring and thats why they buy your art, and THATS why you are a PROFESSIONAL artist.
Thank you for sharing your gift with the world, and keep on keeping on, much love from North Wales uk
Hi Sandi, I'm fairly new here and I just had a molar taken out so lying in bed catching up on your videos. I love to make ‐ I keep sketchbooks, paint and draw. I make dolls and funky quilts. I love gardening and cooking. I've sold dolls, and photographs; I've had artwork commissions for cd covers. I've been a cook at a couple of fancy joints. So sometimes I've been renumerated for my making but I'd have done it anyway. I've written since I could. I've had plays produced and poems published. This summer my very first novel is being published. In the writing world I can now say with confidence that I'm an author. Or I could say "published writer". But I wouldn't say professional writer because in the writing world that means something different- itmeans a writer who writes content for clients. Crazy eh? You are a professional artist. For you to claim that publicly is good for those who aspire to it. It gives them us a view into what is possible. I'm an aspiring artist. But I ain't a hobbyist. They collect stamps. Words are as impermanent as everything else! You are so alive and authentic- we're going to be pals. Oh, and I live in Nova Scotia, Maud Lewis land.
Beautiful area you live in!!!!!!!
You are lovely and honest - thank you! Love your videos!
Love the video thank you for sharing! And yes you are one of my favorite profesional artist 🤩🤩🤩
Yes! Use it! I’ve been practicing with not being precious anymore with my supplies. I’m not a professional artist (and I’m ok with this term) or even a particularly good one but it’s my joy to use-almost daily-my good art supplies. Love that you are affirming this choice!
If your spending your life creating and your selling your work you are a professional artist! You will always be learning and improving! No one has the right to say your not! I can see how much you love the process. I’m a beginner professional artist and your inspiring me!
Thank you and I’m so glad you’re finding some inspo here 🤗
Hi Sandi,
Thanks for reminding me of how freeing TAFE art classes were for me in 1993 and 94. I do a lot of watercolour now, and collect a lot of handmade ones. I did quite a bit of solar plate etching at uni. Then 14 years of teaching woodwork and other subjects. Then some Montessori. I think though, painting, that free feeling, in my case was to cut things up and find abstraction that way. Parts that worked. I liked oils, but this time at TAFE, was where I was most free, in the painting times. It was before the mixable water oil products, so mud and mush were issues. I used mat board L shaped frames to find great parts. Cut them out, and reframed them.
Yesterday, I decided to start on my "book illustrations studies", and I didn't and couldn't do any of it. I realized that with one mark on new paper, I may not be cut out to do the illustrations in my own written book. I freaked out a bit. I was fussing over testing hot press papers, white brightness, and a final product. I didn't sketch the leaf in front of me. I felt the "imposter syndrome". Can artists be illustrators, yes, but it is different, and some rules apply.
So last night, I looked at Beatrix Potter, and Peter Spier, both great illustrators and writers. I figured last night, if I do the leaves every day, a hundred times, I may find a beginning place to do the illustration, where yesterday I almost couldn't breathe. My book is about perfection, and judgement, ironically.
The idea to be precise, isn't me. I am not used to doing things twice, even as a printmaker back in 1999. So how do I want to represent leaves in a book? So perhaps getting my watercolours, to look like printing solar plate etchings, may be a starting point.
You still have your paintings recorded at various stages, so they still exist.
I encourage taking photos, stills at various stages to look at your own work through a layer, a filter, or like a viewer does. I take shots on my phone when I am happy with something, but want to do more.
I use both the colour setting, and change to "silvertone" on my iphone 6s,
so I can see the values, not as a contrast setting like "noir", rather just takes it down a notch. Silvertone mimics the old style of photos.
One day your art may be x rayed, and a critic will say, "this painting looked like this, and this, and that... and Sandi pushed the boundaries, and did more layers."
The more brush mileage, the more chance you can love 10 percent of your own work...
In kindred spirit,
Eliza
Australia xx
You meet the definition of a professional artist. So you are one.
Just ran across your videos this Sunday afternoon. I am now a subscriber. You are inspiring, and your videos are so fun to watch. ! I identify myself as a lifelong artist. YOu are a pro!
Welcome! I’m so glad you are enjoying the videos!!!!!
Oh you getting paint on your hand and immediately just wipe in the canvas I giggled out loud… you don’t know it but you and I have so much Art fun together… you just don’t know it! Lol
Love what you are teaching me personally through these videos. Just keep doing what you do and don’t worry about explaining yourself to people who don’t get it. They live in another world and may never understand. No one can ever be everything to everyone. Be true to yourself. That’s what counts. 😊
How silly to take exception that you name what you are- a professional artist. It is your profession. It’s what you do for a living. You get paid for work. It has nothing to do with ego or bragging, it simply describes what you do. Like moms are childcare workers but a preschool teacher is a preschool professional. Doesn’t speak to anything but the fact one is paid for their work. Ok rant over. On another note, I love the boldness and joy with which you approach your art. So inspiring and love the painting with the blue dock!!
Great video Sandi with lots of sound advice,thank you.I have been painting for many years,I made a good living from it and felt justified in calling myself professional,it was something I did well and clients were prepared to pay me for my work. Now in early retirement I call myself an Artists who loves to paint.Some people can get prickly about what we call ourselves but ...hey what the heck,doesn’t matter if you call yourself a alien so long as you love what you are doing.....keep on keeping on you’re Great 😘
Oh Sandi, don’t let them get you down. The world is full of people who live to find fault. Besides the fact that I adore the way you paint, I enjoy your personality just as much. Your courage to be vulnerable is admirable so I hope you won’t feel the need to watch how you express yourself…!
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You are a very open and humble professional artist. I know some "professional" artists who have a holier than thou attitude rather than be somewhat inclusive or inspiring. I am an artist. It has taken me years to accept that as I grew up with the attitude of art is for fun only. I am 60 and feel I really missed my calling. Meanwhile art is keeping me sane and believe me, I am NO GOOD at it. That is one reason I am so drawn to your art...I see the "imperfections", your embracing of them and I love that! It makes it feel doable. I love your journey, it gives me hope. I am bearing down on retirement in the next 5-7 years and I want to do art but feel so inadequate and like the 5th grader being poked fun at because I drew all the time. You help to heal that in me and I think darn-it, I can do it too! I don't mean to make it all about me but this is what the conversation today brought up.
Your enjoyment of the process is part of what’s so inspiring about your channel.💖