I always try to find a flow and that’s when my best paintings turn out satisfactory for me. Also I threw out realistic painting ideas out the window and that has created so much fluidity to my art process
I understand the mirror thing, when sketching, drawing and painting. I use my phone, I will stand back take pic and then look at the pic and my piece I'm working on. It helps me in what areas need help, between light or dark. Empty spaces or spaces that need a rescue. I do love your paintings, and ideas. I appreciate your time , and carefree paint colors. 💝😁
I know I am 2 years late into the conversation - have just discovered you Sandi! - and love your work and process. But, yes, I get the mirror thing too, because like Teresa below, I do the same with my phone. I make very loose, scribbly abstracts and I will take a photo when I get to the stage when I can't decide whether to keep working on it or not, or I get stuck, but not happy with it yet, and I find that taking a photo on my phone really helps me get a distance and look at it more objectively! I look forward to watching more of your videos. They bring me so much joy :-)
My best description for the consistency of dry Inktense blocks, which will probably only be helpful for a handful of people, is that they remind me of Conte crayons I used in college in the ‘90s, back when they were still made in France. (They’ve been made in China for quite some time now and I recently bought some new ones and was very surprised by how different they are now - hard and scratchy and inconsistent, and very brittle.) Previously, Conte crayons were quite hard like hard “chalk” pastels, applied very smoothly, but had little dust… sort of like a soft graphite stick. They were unlike any of the other square sticks that look similar. That’s how I think of the Inktense blocks now, except obviously they are also water-soluble.
The mirror trick makes so much sense! I really love this technique. For those that may not understand, a book that I have been reading "Drawing on the right side of the brain" does a great job at explaining what happens when creating using the other side of the brain. This mirror trick is kinda of what happens when looking at your art, its always mind blowing to me! Thanks Sandi!
Hi Kim, just wanted to say I love that book❤️ I bought that book in the 1980s. It was a real art eye opener. I read it every few years or so. Now that you have reminded me of it I think it’s time for me to read it again.😃
I look forward for every Friday, because I know it’s video day!!! I love your art, your sense of humor, and always appreciate whenever Grady makes an appearance! You are my favorite you-tuber and artist!!! Thanks for always making Fridays extra special! 🌈🌈🌈
I take a pic of my painting and things just instantly pop out like the mirror too. I’m so glad you’re doing portraits in the big sketchbook! I just bought one per your video suggestion and tried a face. It was a total fail but I feel like I at least broke in the new sketchbook.
“La Cuisine est un Jeu d’enfants” is a real find! You can pay up to $250 for a used copy of that book. Thanks for the flip through and sharing your art and inspiration with us!
@@sandihester Michel Oliver was a great cooking chief with a famous restaurant in Paris Place des Vosges if I remember well. The page named "preface" or introduction was written by Jean Cocteau, a great French poet, you can google him to know more about him. Yes I think this book has a big value. Laurence
I find taking a picture of my progress really help! When I'm working through a problem, the issue seems to immediately jump out at me once I look at the picture... Especially if the picture is in my phone cause the image is smaller and more compact.
I love your portraits Sandi! Have you heard of Paula Modersohn-Becker? She was a German artist from late 1800's - early 1900's. She painted many self portraits, all of them looked different. She said she wanted to paint honestly, even the 'ugliness' of people and landscapes around her. She is worth looking up! I think you will really enjoy her portraits. Oh and I learned from another youtuber that the little 'wells' in your Inktense bars box are for mixing water with your sticks and making paint! How cool is that! 😎🎨
Tooooo funny 🤣🤣🤣 the turkey man …… with really hairy legs ( a distant relative of Hank 🥸) thanks for making me laugh out loud , I so love your videos ❤️
I have been using Nova Color Paints for the past 2 years for my acrylic and mixed media works on paper and canvas. They are matte and I have not found any of the ones that I have to be shiny. They last forever and are easy to mix. If a color is more transparent than I want at the time, I just mix in a little white gesso in it and that does the trick. My favorite colors are Indian Yellow (transparent) and Pthalo Turquoise (opaque). If you are starting out, just order a 4 oz jar to see if you like them. The only drawback is the hefty shipping charges-I live on the East coast, they're on the West coast, and paint is heavy.
I use my inktense pencils to lay in a rough drawing for placement on my canvas. When I come in with acrylic, I paint over it. If I want to move a preliminary line, I use a baby wipe. I will also use inktense pencils during an acrylic painting if I want to move an object or line or add one. Even over dried acrylic you can erase the inktense pencil with a baby wipe. I use general white charcoal if it is a dark acrylic for same purpose to try out changes. I couldn’t live without them.
Love these portraits! “Wrestling” is the perfect word. Your mirror idea is the best tip I’ve seen. Thank you! Looking forward to starting your landscape class this weekend!❤
Love every bit of this. Your posts are so rich with inspiration and beloved works that I'm sure I probably commented before. No need to answer. Love me some Sandi vids to lift any day's fun level. Love the voodoo looking portrait at 13:39. Along with every other painting. One of your many adoring artist fans!!!
I went out and bought a big cheaper sketchbook to work on painting without a drawing first. You inspired me to try to loosen up and work on trusting myself and the process.
Hi Sandi,Thanks for the video,you must be inspired by the fabric samples.I just ordered a set of inktense to take on Holiday this year,thought they would be handy to take away with my sketch pad and water brushes,so thanks for the tips.I just received a fabulous book called The new creative Artist,the new 25th Anniversary edition,it’s so inspiring with lots of Different styles to enjoy looking at,another fave on my studio bookshelf 😀.x
I was also really drawn to the La Cuisine book~ the sketches just look so cute and effective, something so effortless about them that is very appealing!
OMG that drawing at minute 21:00!!!! Are you kidding me?!?! That is absolutely insanely beautiful! You have to revisit this one if you have not already. This is how I want my landscapes to look since I am mostly an abstract expressionist artist. Actually let me explain… I’m an abstract intuitive artist who sometimes uses nature as my inspiration. It’s very hard to explain cause you would have to actually see me work to figure out what the heck I’m doing. For the most part I have no idea what I’m doing when I’m working on my art, but somehow it all comes together in the end.
I adore your soulful portraits - please show more of them! Sandi forgive me if I repeat myself but I couldn't find my email to you on this page. I know the last thing you want to hear about is another brand of paint - but as prices escalate ( a tube of Holbein Mat is $24 - $32 and 2 oz of So-Flat is $17) I decided to investigate other brands I was so surprised to discover these Acrylic Flow, Jo Sonja paints (available @ Blick for 3.92 FYI) They come in a huge range of gorgeous colors and they have samplers. After painting with them I'm REALLY impressed. They were created by a folkartist who decorated heirlooms so they promise longevity, dry mat - like gouache, but are waterproof (which I'm told gouache is not). Now I can keep painting and also paint larger. For some reason their flatness reminds me of Maud Lewis's ptgs. What a treat.
Its FriYay!!!! a new Sandi video! Its my most favourite time of the week.... Thanks for the in-depth review explaining the inktense blocks. I thought I wanted the pencils, but now I want the blocks. I look forward to more reviews, paintings with the Nova paints. They have been on my "want list" for a while now. I live in Canada, and have a US post box, so, if we can ever get across the border again to pick up packages, I just may order some!!!
I have been viewing a lot of virtual museums lately ....as I "moved" through and looked at the art , I cought myself doing this.....I would love some pieces and other I would say "oh my 😲😝😰" I found myself really being critical of some because of style , content or both...and it hit me finally what I was doing and I stopped and asked myself ...what is art? I went back and re looked at some of those "oh my" paintings with that question in mind ....what is art....was that oh my painting art....yes. My answer to that question...art is art...we are all different and view the whole world through the lens of our own perspective ....some things catch our eye...some things not so much....as artists we create in the way that is pleasing to us...even when we challenge ourselves . I realized that day that to appreciate art was to do just that.... appreciate it. Color, line, content , medium, presentation even meaning conveyed ....appreciate it . The world has become increasing critical and hostile to so much these days ...to what is essentially individual perspective ....I did not want to be a part of that.....especially within a medium I love . So...to make a short answer long 😁....I love your style .....I admire how you honestly put yourself out there like the best friend we all are missjng hanging out with these days ....and I appreciate your art..all of it...art is art ....from those we have strangely deemed masters to the masters who's work is never seen.....we create because we love it....that is what makes art great. Keep on creating and never apologize. ....you are a master of the Sandi Hester style...and it brings happiness to all who choose to appreciate it...just appreciate art. ❤
I noticed when I was playing with the inktense blocks that you can use the lighter colors over the dark very easily and I also find when they are wet they blend fantastically. And I like that you can layer them. I had the same issue with the paper getting grainy in a couple spots because it was too wet and I didn’t let it dry enough but when it was dry I was able to layer over where the paper was like that. I love watercolor and I looove soft pastels and I feel like the inktense blocks are kind of like if watercolors and soft pastels had babies 🤣 soooo I’m really loving these I might have to convince hubby to get me the big case haha
Kaffe Fassett is a famous artist who works in about every medium possible and Erin Lee Gafill is his artist niece. He started mostly in textiles of every type and does every kind of painting or drawing you can imagine for his work. One of my favorite things he created is a sunflower mosaic for the side of his front porch which you can probably Google and find. I think that porch is in London but I might be mistaken in that. He’s about the most prolific artist I’ve ever seen.
Hahahahahahaha, I think it is beyond hysterical that you thought at first glance the chicken was a man..........I did too at very look and then realized it was an even funnier chicken diving down into the page!!!!!! What a great laugh that was!!!!
I love the inktense blocks. the pencils are good too but more for smaller details. They are definitely fun to play with. Another good trick is to grate them and sprinkle them onto onto wet paper, dry and spray with a bit of water, or grate them into a bit of water and make a nice solid wash.
Loving these longer videos! What a treat. Thank you. I don't have anyone with whom to do art side by side, so I really look forward to Fridays. I tried the loose portrait and the a loose nature scene and holy cow, what a fail! Haha. They are in my journal paint book, so I will keep them, but so sad. lol I am enjoying trying the mirror. You had spoken of it before, but you really went into an explanation that I finally 'heard'. How cool that's been. Still using pinterest for ideas. I so look forward to just creating my own thing. I feel encouraged when I watch your videos. Thanks!
Hi Sandi, another lovely video! Thank you SO much! Re the fabrics rounds in your parcel, I wonder if the sender thought they might act as samplers for different patterns you can use in your paintings? Maybe.
Still watching here!!!! Gosh, I even watched some videos twice. I’ve only done a couple of self portraits in all my life. I hate drawing or painting myself cause I got the hardest face to draw. Been told I am difficult to draw even by other artists. Your self portraits really inspired me this evening. I should give it a try. Who cares if they don’t come out looking like me?! After all I could just say they are imaginary faces. LOL Right?!
So much about this to love! I think the lady with the green hair is my favorite and I didn't notice the green at first! Seemed natural for some odd reason.
I like to move around and take pictures as I paint, I always forget the mirror! But changing my perspective does indeed always help! Loved the gifts at the end!!
LA. Cuisine is a French cookbook. The recipes would be so much fun to try. ( just translate from French to English.) Louisiana is known for their delicious Cajun food, thus LA. Cuisine. The art work is fun as well. Wonderful gifts. I'm so happy for you. Love your videos!!!
That is/was a great video! I love all the portraits especially the ones with pattern backgrounds! I am self taught so the explanation of using the mirror I really appreciate. I used to struggle with paint and colors and your explanation inspired me to try again. Using the mirror makes sense now. I can't thank you enough! I want to start blopping again this is after I donated most of my paints to Goodwill. Anyway, I will start with the limited paint I kept. Thank you. Someday I am going to buy an artwork of yours!❤️❤️❤️
I'm going to be trying the mirror! I often take a photograph of a painting I'm unsure of because it feels like you're viewing it differently to see what is/isn't working,so I'm thinking a mirror possibly gives the same effect{and much simpler than taking pic lol! Also need to say,I came across you by searching about using golden acrylic fluid paints,{it's rare I find any painting/art videos I watch to the end!}..but..I watched yours to the end and I've been watching one after the other non stop for days now!! Painting is what I do for a living and during lockdown I kinda lost my flow and it really felt like a chore rather than the fun I know it to be.You have bought that back for me,totally inspired,all my art materials are out again and I'm enjoying the process again rather than feeling pressure to create...thank you!!! :)
Sandy your videos are so helpful to me. The longer the better. Portrait high society was my favorite. Love the way you lay the color like it's a Dreamworld.
I always enjoy your videos and look forward to them each week. I can't wait to see your review of the Nova paints and how they compare to the the liquitex professional soft body, which have become my favourite paints. I'm not much of a colored pencil user. I do have the intense, but find I don't go to them, or any of them much. I do have some of the Derwent drawing pencils in a few colors and LOVE them for both under sketching and final marks sketching. The quilt blocks that you got are Dresden plates. Traditionally, they would have a circle appliquéd in the middle, then all of the 'flowers'/blocks would be sewn onto a background fabric. "see" you next week 😊
The mirror is so very interesting! What your describing is in a book I just heard about , “Drawing on the right side of your brain” by Betty Edwards. By flipping things upside down or looking at them in a mirror backwards it takes your bossy left-side brain out of the picture. I tried it and it was like someone put an ice pack on my left-brain and told it to chill out! I need this in my life, not just for my art!!! Love the mirror idea! You’re amazing!
Hi, Sandi! Just wanted to tell you about NovaColor paints - they are the best but they don't send free samples - there prices are the best when you consider a 16 oz jar is around $13.00-$14.00, so not free but you get a huge bang for your buck! Thanks for everything you do (especially making me laugh 😘)
Your video blogs are so inspiring to me. I’m extremely critical of my work. I decides to stop perfection and look at colors shapes without perfection. I’m thinking this will make me find that part of me of control in my art work.
I need to invest in a proper mirror and stop using the selfie mode on my phone. It does help a lot though! Love the pattern in the background of the second Sandi/not Sandi portrait. Thanks for this delightfully long video. I loved it! 🥰
Those circles of fabrics are called dresden plates. They would be sewed to a backing fabric then made into a quilt. Think she was sending as samples to use in your art. I love vintage fabrics and have a collection of feedsack fabrics. Also loved the Nova paints. Lovely gift, so jelly. A professional painter friend has said if she was not so vested in Golden she would have been very happy to use the Nova paint line.
WoW another beautiful studio vlog ! I loved the last portrait, that background idd is so pretty ! Thank you again for the good tips on how the use those inktense blocks.
Having a creative practice is life enhancing. Whatever tag one wishes to apply to it is a personal decission. However, that tag does not alter the way an individuals passion for their work is heightened or lessoned. As artists we are on a life journey of creativity. It may or may not be recognised by others in ones life time. That really is not what is important . Its the process of being creative and enjoying the journey.Being recognised by many and making money from the work is simply an add on
I agree. Being serious about your art has nothing to do with selling it or not. Or having it as the one thing you do. Because I have a day job besides my painting practice, I might not evolve as quickly as people who spend more hours painting. But I do take it seriously! And well, that’s actually where Sandy comes in, to help me approach my painting a bit less dead serious and more playful 😉😂.
I agree and I certainly wasn't minimizing someone who does art as a hobby - I did that for years. In the art world we use the term "professional" to mean that's how we make our profession - our income. that's all.
@@sandihester My guess is that you were just as passionate about making art then as you are now. It was and is a journey. My guess is also that even if all sales stopped tomorrow you would still make work and strive to improve and develop your work. The term 'hobby' for an artist can be problematic, it might not be how the individual views their creative practice, they might be striving to develop their art into a practice where it is shown in institutions (galleries) and or to sell. (Post Graduates often fall into this category). Others might be self taught, often referred to as Outsider Art which in my opinion can produce some of the most interesting work. Artists might never sell their work but that does not necessarily mean that their art is not interesting and viewed by many as "good" art. It does not mean that they are not striving to develop their art practice. . I do agree with you that running an art practice that is run on a professional, money making business carries a lot of extra stress and work. It calls for an artist to not only be creative, but also a networker, an accountant, a sales person etc. Oooh and a RUclipsr which in your case is brilliant at it inspires so many of us to pursue our creativity.
@Sandi Hester Thank you for responding. I didn’t really think you look down upon artists that do not have painting as their profession. I just felt a little hurt, I guess, because to take myself serious in art making, I have to fight off the voices (imagined or otherwise) that tell me I’m no good if nobody buys it. And then what’s the use of spending time and money and blablabla... Your comment just hit a sore nerve. Not your fault! 😘 I will take the opportunity to say that I’m really inspired by your work! And I’m trying to integrate your boldness and honest inquiries in the way I paint. And I love the way you fill in spaces with different patterns!
LOVE this great big juicy video 😍 the French book is adorable .I've really enjoyed this one and you're journey with inktense .thank you for putting do much useful and good content into this Sandi ❤️
I like the first example you showed of the 2 portraits together, and between those two, I do like “green hair” the best. And of course, it does have a resemblance to you. And that’s not a bad thing!
Awesome!!!! Have had my intense blocks for a while and haven't tried them yet I even love the one that balled up on your page...thx for the inspiration....I'm getting g these out!!!!!!
I finally got to sit and watch my favorite you tuber. So fun to try new things a wise woman recently told me ( wink wink). Thank you for all you and Grady do and please give Cooper a kiss for always sharing his cuteness with us..
Hi Sandy, I’ve been quietly but eagerly watching your vids for quite a while now. I really admire your work, you’re so inspiring to me! I’ve been struggling with my artwork for years now and even though my stuff is quite different from yours, I find it very refreshing to have an artist of your caliber showing the ins and outs of this terribly challenging career. I’ve decided to come out of my silent nest today, because I think I have a better explanation for the mirror thing, I hope it helps. I think it’s all about showing the guts of harmony! My work is way more realistic than yours (that’s why I think I get so much from your stuff) and I use the mirror a lot too. I think in this context it’s easier to see how it works, but I’m sure it does pretty much the same for any sort of composition. The old mirror trick is great to help us see what’s misplaced, what’s keeping a composition out of balance. In portraits specially it shows unmistakably when an eye is wonky, not aligned with the other, when the face shape isn’t symmetrical, when one boob is mishaped in relation to the other or maybe when they individually belong to different bodies. It basically shows everything that is oddly assymmetricaI because beauty, be it realistic or abstract calls for symmetry, harmony and prefer. I don’t know why our normal perspective plays this trick on us or why it’s totally blind to this lack of balance and harmony, but that’s how it is. Maybe we naturally tend to seek this untold harmony in things and our brain does it automatically to save us the hustle. If that’s the case the mirror undoes it for us. A bit like the automatic corrector in keyboards that sometimes insist that we want to say something when we really want to say something else. Did I make it more confusing?! Was I able to help? Wish you a wonderful year, full of great untinged harmony. Looking forward to watching more of your sweet crazy videos and to growing up in my art with all the great stuff you gift to me every time you pop up in my screen. 😘😘❤️❤️❤️
@@sandihester 😘😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️❤️ All the love to you and your Grady and your lovely pets. Looking forward to your next vid. I won’t be able to attend your workshop this year… 😞 But hopefully this will be the first of many. Would love to learn more deeply with you. Take care. 😘😘😘
For me i'd hafta have a mirror because (I dont know about others..) but i have know idea what i look like!.😆 Its like holding up our hand to look at it as we draw it.
Thanks, Sandi, for ANOTHER INSPIRING VIDEO!!! I really loved ALL the "portraits" and am now just itching to do some in this "looser" style (in an earlier art class I took some years ago we were always assigned "self portraits" as homework...mine were always t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e so I've thrown them all out (they were in a more realistic style...even the teacher wasn't thrilled...!) Also enjoyed watching today's video for the rest of the content...and found some Neocolor Caran d'Ache watersoluble crayons in my supply...can't wait to jump on those. And the mirror does really help!!! All the best wishes to you and your new camera assistant!!!!!
I’m such a visual learner so I’d love if you could show me how you use the mirror and what you see that you think needs changing. I’m not a professional painter but I sure do get frustrated with my paintings and that’s why I’d love to see your tips and tricks in action. Happy New Year 🥳
Hi Sandi, I’ve been binge watching. You’re so fun to watch & you explain things very well. Do you have a video out of how you transitioned into a professional artist? I’d love to hear your story. Keep the videos coming!
I use a mirroir as well, more often I use a door peephole. Something I learned from quilting. Look at a piece using the "inside" side of the door peephole and it makes everything smaller. You can then see., as you mention, what may or may not be working with the piece.
I liked the landscape you were showing us to demonstrate how it hadn’t worked because it turned to mud. I loved the texture in it and the moodiness! (Not sure what that says about me haha).
I always try to find a flow and that’s when my best paintings turn out satisfactory for me. Also I threw out realistic painting ideas out the window and that has created so much fluidity to my art process
I understand the mirror thing, when sketching, drawing and painting. I use my phone, I will stand back take pic and then look at the pic and my piece I'm working on. It helps me in what areas need help, between light or dark. Empty spaces or spaces that need a rescue. I do love your paintings, and ideas. I appreciate your time , and carefree paint colors. 💝😁
Thank you Teresa!!!
I know I am 2 years late into the conversation - have just discovered you Sandi! - and love your work and process. But, yes, I get the mirror thing too, because like Teresa below, I do the same with my phone. I make very loose, scribbly abstracts and I will take a photo when I get to the stage when I can't decide whether to keep working on it or not, or I get stuck, but not happy with it yet, and I find that taking a photo on my phone really helps me get a distance and look at it more objectively! I look forward to watching more of your videos. They bring me so much joy :-)
Oh, my. @ 12:00 the 'lady' looks like she's lit by candlelight! Beautiful.
Ohhh, yes - she does!
My best description for the consistency of dry Inktense blocks, which will probably only be helpful for a handful of people, is that they remind me of Conte crayons I used in college in the ‘90s, back when they were still made in France. (They’ve been made in China for quite some time now and I recently bought some new ones and was very surprised by how different they are now - hard and scratchy and inconsistent, and very brittle.) Previously, Conte crayons were quite hard like hard “chalk” pastels, applied very smoothly, but had little dust… sort of like a soft graphite stick. They were unlike any of the other square sticks that look similar. That’s how I think of the Inktense blocks now, except obviously they are also water-soluble.
The mirror trick makes so much sense! I really love this technique. For those that may not understand, a book that I have been reading "Drawing on the right side of the brain" does a great job at explaining what happens when creating using the other side of the brain. This mirror trick is kinda of what happens when looking at your art, its always mind blowing to me! Thanks Sandi!
Hi Kim, just wanted to say I love that book❤️ I bought that book in the 1980s. It was a real art eye opener. I read it every few years or so. Now that you have reminded me of it I think it’s time for me to read it again.😃
Yep- totally agree!
I look forward for every Friday, because I know it’s video day!!! I love your art, your sense of humor, and always appreciate whenever Grady makes an appearance! You are my favorite you-tuber and artist!!! Thanks for always making Fridays extra special! 🌈🌈🌈
Awe- thank you so much!!!!
I take a pic of my painting and things just instantly pop out like the mirror too.
I’m so glad you’re doing portraits in the big sketchbook! I just bought one per your video suggestion and tried a face. It was a total fail but I feel like I at least broke in the new sketchbook.
I like to do that too. It helps me to see details better.
I do this too. Once I look at the painting on the camera screen, I see all kinds of things I didn’t see before.
Thanks, I’m going to try taking photos of my art work so I can see what’s not right.
Always good to break in a new sketchbook!!!!
“La Cuisine est un Jeu d’enfants” is a real find! You can pay up to $250 for a used copy of that book. Thanks for the flip through and sharing your art and inspiration with us!
Wow! That’s crazy!!!
@@sandihester Michel Oliver was a great cooking chief with a famous restaurant in Paris Place des Vosges if I remember well. The page named "preface" or introduction was written by Jean Cocteau, a great French poet, you can google him to know more about him. Yes I think this book has a big value. Laurence
I find taking a picture of my progress really help! When I'm working through a problem, the issue seems to immediately jump out at me once I look at the picture... Especially if the picture is in my phone cause the image is smaller and more compact.
I love your portraits Sandi! Have you heard of Paula Modersohn-Becker? She was a German artist from late 1800's - early 1900's. She painted many self portraits, all of them looked different. She said she wanted to paint honestly, even the 'ugliness' of people and landscapes around her. She is worth looking up! I think you will really enjoy her portraits.
Oh and I learned from another youtuber that the little 'wells' in your Inktense bars box are for mixing water with your sticks and making paint! How cool is that! 😎🎨
I'm going to look her up!
Grady is like "Okay hon. I don't get it but have fun storming the castle."
He’s the best 😆😂🤩
😂😂🥰
Yes he is!
Tooooo funny 🤣🤣🤣 the turkey man …… with really hairy legs ( a distant relative of Hank 🥸) thanks for making me laugh out loud , I so love your videos ❤️
I saw hairy legs too! 😂😂😂
Yes!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂
I have been using Nova Color Paints for the past 2 years for my acrylic and mixed media works on paper and canvas. They are matte and I have not found any of the ones that I have to be shiny. They last forever and are easy to mix. If a color is more transparent than I want at the time, I just mix in a little white gesso in it and that does the trick. My favorite colors are Indian Yellow (transparent) and Pthalo Turquoise (opaque). If you are starting out, just order a 4 oz jar to see if you like them. The only drawback is the hefty shipping charges-I live on the East coast, they're on the West coast, and paint is heavy.
The “high society lady with the pursed lips” is my fave that background really does look fun!
Me too. And, I actually think she resembles Sandi - the hair and the face shape and lip. Plus, that background!!!
I use my inktense pencils to lay in a rough drawing for placement on my canvas. When I come in with acrylic, I paint over it. If I want to move a preliminary line, I use a baby wipe. I will also use inktense pencils during an acrylic painting if I want to move an object or line or add one. Even over dried acrylic you can erase the inktense pencil with a baby wipe. I use general white charcoal if it is a dark acrylic for same purpose to try out changes. I couldn’t live without them.
Love these portraits! “Wrestling” is the perfect word. Your mirror idea is the best tip I’ve seen. Thank you! Looking forward to starting your landscape class this weekend!❤
Love every bit of this. Your posts are so rich with inspiration and beloved works that I'm sure I probably commented before. No need to answer. Love me some Sandi vids to lift any day's fun level. Love the voodoo looking portrait at 13:39. Along with every other painting. One of your many adoring artist fans!!!
Awe - thank you 🥰
I went out and bought a big cheaper sketchbook to work on painting without a drawing first. You inspired me to try to loosen up and work on trusting myself and the process.
So glad you’ve found some inspo here Jamie!!!!
I like the scary girl. I've been so inspired by your techniques and loose style.
The mirror is a magic tool!! I'm so glad you taught me this. Also, Nova paints and flashe are all I use. I can't get over how good Nova paints are.
Hi Sandi,Thanks for the video,you must be inspired by the fabric samples.I just ordered a set of inktense to take on Holiday this year,thought they would be handy to take away with my sketch pad and water brushes,so thanks for the tips.I just received a fabulous book called The new creative Artist,the new 25th Anniversary edition,it’s so inspiring with lots of Different styles to enjoy looking at,another fave on my studio bookshelf 😀.x
Ohhhhh, that books sounds nice!!
It’s by Nita Leland.
I like elements in each of the ladies. Really love the eyes.
thank you!
I was also really drawn to the La Cuisine book~ the sketches just look so cute and effective, something so effortless about them that is very appealing!
Make wall paper!! You would be a huge hit..."good job sandie!". I just adore you.
That would be fun!!!
I love it that you love your paintings I wish I had your confidence, its great.
It’s taken a lot of time to get confidence
OMG that drawing at minute 21:00!!!! Are you kidding me?!?! That is absolutely insanely beautiful! You have to revisit this one if you have not already. This is how I want my landscapes to look since I am mostly an abstract expressionist artist. Actually let me explain… I’m an abstract intuitive artist who sometimes uses nature as my inspiration. It’s very hard to explain cause you would have to actually see me work to figure out what the heck I’m doing. For the most part I have no idea what I’m doing when I’m working on my art, but somehow it all comes together in the end.
Thank you!!!
Fav was the last portrait, the eyes were magical.
Love the patch worked little snippets. Perfect for travelling as reference. So many patterns at hand. My favourite lady was the crazy one.
Thank you! I like the crazy one too 😂🤪
I love your intro for this video, the feeling was cozy and exhilarating at the same time.
Ohhhhh good 🤗 thank you!!!!!
I adore your soulful portraits - please show more of them! Sandi forgive me if I repeat myself but I couldn't find my email to you on this page. I know the last thing you want to hear about is another brand of paint - but as prices escalate ( a tube of Holbein Mat is $24 - $32 and 2 oz of So-Flat is $17) I decided to investigate other brands I was so surprised to discover these Acrylic Flow, Jo Sonja paints (available @ Blick for 3.92 FYI) They come in a huge range of gorgeous colors and they have samplers. After painting with them I'm REALLY impressed. They were created by a folkartist who decorated heirlooms so they promise longevity, dry mat - like gouache, but are waterproof (which I'm told gouache is not). Now I can keep painting and also paint larger. For some reason their flatness reminds me of Maud Lewis's ptgs. What a treat.
Interesting!!!!!!! I’ll take a look at them! Thank you!!!!
Its FriYay!!!! a new Sandi video! Its my most favourite time of the week.... Thanks for the in-depth review explaining the inktense blocks. I thought I wanted the pencils, but now I want the blocks. I look forward to more reviews, paintings with the Nova paints. They have been on my "want list" for a while now. I live in Canada, and have a US post box, so, if we can ever get across the border again to pick up packages, I just may order some!!!
So glad you found it helpful!!!
I’ve just found you Sandi, and so happy I have!!! I’m a in creative funk and your creative joy has made me smile. Thank you from Australia 🙏☺️
So glad to have you here Michelle!!!! Glad this brought you some smiles 🤗
Its so obvious how much you are loved.😊
❤️
I have been viewing a lot of virtual museums lately ....as I "moved" through and looked at the art , I cought myself doing this.....I would love some pieces and other I would say "oh my 😲😝😰" I found myself really being critical of some because of style , content or both...and it hit me finally what I was doing and I stopped and asked myself ...what is art? I went back and re looked at some of those "oh my" paintings with that question in mind ....what is art....was that oh my painting art....yes. My answer to that question...art is art...we are all different and view the whole world through the lens of our own perspective ....some things catch our eye...some things not so much....as artists we create in the way that is pleasing to us...even when we challenge ourselves . I realized that day that to appreciate art was to do just that.... appreciate it. Color, line, content , medium, presentation even meaning conveyed ....appreciate it . The world has become increasing critical and hostile to so much these days ...to what is essentially individual perspective ....I did not want to be a part of that.....especially within a medium I love . So...to make a short answer long 😁....I love your style .....I admire how you honestly put yourself out there like the best friend we all are missjng hanging out with these days ....and I appreciate your art..all of it...art is art ....from those we have strangely deemed masters to the masters who's work is never seen.....we create because we love it....that is what makes art great. Keep on creating and never apologize. ....you are a master of the Sandi Hester style...and it brings happiness to all who choose to appreciate it...just appreciate art. ❤
Awe - thank you 🥰
I love that last self portrait the most, the skin tones were so awesome, the softness, and the eyes really seemed to standout. Love it, well done!
Thank you 🥰
I noticed when I was playing with the inktense blocks that you can use the lighter colors over the dark very easily and I also find when they are wet they blend fantastically. And I like that you can layer them. I had the same issue with the paper getting grainy in a couple spots because it was too wet and I didn’t let it dry enough but when it was dry I was able to layer over where the paper was like that. I love watercolor and I looove soft pastels and I feel like the inktense blocks are kind of like if watercolors and soft pastels had babies 🤣 soooo I’m really loving these I might have to convince hubby to get me the big case haha
Kaffe Fassett is a famous artist who works in about every medium possible and Erin Lee Gafill is his artist niece. He started mostly in textiles of every type and does every kind of painting or drawing you can imagine for his work. One of my favorite things he created is a sunflower mosaic for the side of his front porch which you can probably Google and find. I think that porch is in London but I might be mistaken in that. He’s about the most prolific artist I’ve ever seen.
Yes - I saw that in a video!
Hahahahahahaha, I think it is beyond hysterical that you thought at first glance the chicken was a man..........I did too at very look and then realized it was an even funnier chicken diving down into the page!!!!!! What a great laugh that was!!!!
So glad for the laugh!!!
The oct 21st painting with the flower background is also my favorite
thank you!
I love the inktense blocks. the pencils are good too but more for smaller details. They are definitely fun to play with. Another good trick is to grate them and sprinkle them onto onto wet paper, dry and spray with a bit of water, or grate them into a bit of water and make a nice solid wash.
This is the artist child within us
Loving these longer videos! What a treat. Thank you. I don't have anyone with whom to do art side by side, so I really look forward to Fridays. I tried the loose portrait and the a loose nature scene and holy cow, what a fail! Haha. They are in my journal paint book, so I will keep them, but so sad. lol I am enjoying trying the mirror. You had spoken of it before, but you really went into an explanation that I finally 'heard'. How cool that's been. Still using pinterest for ideas. I so look forward to just creating my own thing. I feel encouraged when I watch your videos. Thanks!
So glad you feel encouraged Wilma when you watch these videos ❤️
Wahoo! You are included in one of Jeanne Oliver’s emails. Thrilled to see you listed and given exposure! Yay!
I know - I just couldn't believe it! It was such a nice thing!
I really love the last portrait you did. Definitely would put that background as my bathroom wallpaper as well.
Yes to bathroom wall paper!
I absolutely love the last 'self' portrait best! x
Thank you Peta!
Love them all. I love the last one...my favorite.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the mirror explanation! ❤️ plus the difference between the crayons and the inktense blocks, I was wondering how they compared 🤔
I loved spending some time with you Sandi in your gorgeous studio! 💗
Awe - thank you 🥰🥰🥰
Hi Sandi, another lovely video! Thank you SO much! Re the fabrics rounds in your parcel, I wonder if the sender thought they might act as samplers for different patterns you can use in your paintings? Maybe.
Still watching here!!!! Gosh, I even watched some videos twice. I’ve only done a couple of self portraits in all my life. I hate drawing or painting myself cause I got the hardest face to draw. Been told I am difficult to draw even by other artists. Your self portraits really inspired me this evening. I should give it a try. Who cares if they don’t come out looking like me?! After all I could just say they are imaginary faces. LOL Right?!
Give it a go 🤗
So much about this to love! I think the lady with the green hair is my favorite and I didn't notice the green at first! Seemed natural for some odd reason.
That’s funny isn’t it - that green seemed natural 😂
I like to move around and take pictures as I paint, I always forget the mirror! But changing my perspective does indeed always help!
Loved the gifts at the end!!
LA. Cuisine is a French cookbook. The recipes would be so much fun to try. ( just translate from French to English.) Louisiana is known for their delicious Cajun food, thus LA. Cuisine. The art work is fun as well. Wonderful gifts. I'm so happy for you. Love your videos!!!
I like the sketchbook piece with the red building and blue tree.
Thank you!
That is/was a great video! I love all the portraits especially the ones with pattern backgrounds! I am self taught so the explanation of using the mirror I really appreciate. I used to struggle with paint and colors and your explanation inspired me to try again. Using the mirror makes sense now. I can't thank you enough! I want to start blopping again this is after I donated most of my paints to Goodwill. Anyway, I will start with the limited paint I kept. Thank you. Someday I am going to buy an artwork of yours!❤️❤️❤️
So glad it was helpful Janine!!!!!
I just love you and your art! I love that you are being you. You make me happy Sista!
Thank you Bridgette!
I'm going to be trying the mirror! I often take a photograph of a painting I'm unsure of because it feels like you're viewing it differently to see what is/isn't working,so I'm thinking a mirror possibly gives the same effect{and much simpler than taking pic lol! Also need to say,I came across you by searching about using golden acrylic fluid paints,{it's rare I find any painting/art videos I watch to the end!}..but..I watched yours to the end and I've been watching one after the other non stop for days now!! Painting is what I do for a living and during lockdown I kinda lost my flow and it really felt like a chore rather than the fun I know it to be.You have bought that back for me,totally inspired,all my art materials are out again and I'm enjoying the process again rather than feeling pressure to create...thank you!!! :)
😭 Fiona what a great comment to get - so encouraged to hear ALL of this!!!! Thank you for sharing- I really appreciate it! 🥰
Sandy your videos are so helpful to me. The longer the better. Portrait high society was my favorite. Love the way you lay the color like it's a Dreamworld.
Thank you - so glad you find them helpful!
You are an inspiration to me. Thank you🤗🌷🌷
Awe - thank you Katie!!!!!
I always enjoy your videos and look forward to them each week. I can't wait to see your review of the Nova paints and how they compare to the the liquitex professional soft body, which have become my favourite paints. I'm not much of a colored pencil user. I do have the intense, but find I don't go to them, or any of them much. I do have some of the Derwent drawing pencils in a few colors and LOVE them for both under sketching and final marks sketching. The quilt blocks that you got are Dresden plates. Traditionally, they would have a circle appliquéd in the middle, then all of the 'flowers'/blocks would be sewn onto a background fabric. "see" you next week 😊
I'll give a review after I've used them for quite a while
The mirror is so very interesting! What your describing is in a book I just heard about , “Drawing on the right side of your brain” by Betty Edwards. By flipping things upside down or looking at them in a mirror backwards it takes your bossy left-side brain out of the picture. I tried it and it was like someone put an ice pack on my left-brain and told it to chill out! I need this in my life, not just for my art!!! Love the mirror idea! You’re amazing!
Hi, Sandi! Just wanted to tell you about NovaColor paints - they are the best but they don't send free samples - there prices are the best when you consider a 16 oz jar is around $13.00-$14.00, so not free but you get a huge bang for your buck!
Thanks for everything you do (especially making me laugh 😘)
This video has made you my favorite RUclips art site to follow
🤗🤗🤗I’m so glad to hear that!! Thank you!
Sandi,,, always making my Friday better.. thanks again..!!
You bet - my pleasure 🥰
See ya next week Sandi!😃
Your video blogs are so inspiring to me. I’m extremely critical of my work. I decides to stop perfection and look at colors shapes without perfection. I’m thinking this will make me find that part of me of control in my art work.
I’m so glad you’ve found them inspiring Maria!
I love these abstract figures.
I need to invest in a proper mirror and stop using the selfie mode on my phone. It does help a lot though! Love the pattern in the background of the second Sandi/not Sandi portrait. Thanks for this delightfully long video. I loved it! 🥰
so glad you enjoyed it!
Those circles of fabrics are called dresden plates. They would be sewed to a backing fabric then made into a quilt. Think she was sending as samples to use in your art. I love vintage fabrics and have a collection of feedsack fabrics. Also loved the Nova paints. Lovely gift, so jelly. A professional painter friend has said if she was not so vested in Golden she would have been very happy to use the Nova paint line.
Ohhh, yes - I've seen those on quilts
The white trees against the blue sky what a picture
WoW another beautiful studio vlog ! I loved the last portrait, that background idd is so pretty ! Thank you again for the good tips on how the use those inktense blocks.
You bet and I’m glad you enjoyed it!!!
I loved every minute as always. Thanks so much for sharing and letting us into your colorful world of fun. 🌈🥰💕🌸
So glad you enjoyed it Penny!
Having a creative practice is life enhancing. Whatever tag one wishes to apply to it is a personal decission. However, that tag does not alter the way an individuals passion for their work is heightened or lessoned. As artists we are on a life journey of creativity. It may or may not be recognised by others in ones life time. That really is not what is important . Its the process of being creative and enjoying the journey.Being recognised by many and making money from the work is simply an add on
I agree. Being serious about your art has nothing to do with selling it or not. Or having it as the one thing you do. Because I have a day job besides my painting practice, I might not evolve as quickly as people who spend more hours painting. But I do take it seriously!
And well, that’s actually where Sandy comes in, to help me approach my painting a bit less dead serious and more playful 😉😂.
I agree and I certainly wasn't minimizing someone who does art as a hobby - I did that for years. In the art world we use the term "professional" to mean that's how we make our profession - our income. that's all.
Thank you for this response. I certainly am not putting down someone who doesn't make a living doing art - I painted that way for years.
@@sandihester My guess is that you were just as passionate about making art then as you are now. It was and is a journey. My guess is also that even if all sales stopped tomorrow you would still make work and strive to improve and develop your work. The term 'hobby' for an artist can be problematic, it might not be how the individual views their creative practice, they might be striving to develop their art into a practice where it is shown in institutions (galleries) and or to sell. (Post Graduates often fall into this category). Others might be self taught, often referred to as Outsider Art which in my opinion can produce some of the most interesting work. Artists might never sell their work but that does not necessarily mean that their art is not interesting and viewed by many as "good" art. It does not mean that they are not striving to develop their art practice. . I do agree with you that running an art practice that is run on a professional, money making business carries a lot of extra stress and work. It calls for an artist to not only be creative, but also a networker, an accountant, a sales person etc. Oooh and a RUclipsr which in your case is brilliant at it inspires so many of us to pursue our creativity.
@Sandi Hester Thank you for responding. I didn’t really think you look down upon artists that do not have painting as their profession. I just felt a little hurt, I guess, because to take myself serious in art making, I have to fight off the voices (imagined or otherwise) that tell me I’m no good if nobody buys it. And then what’s the use of spending time and money and blablabla...
Your comment just hit a sore nerve. Not your fault! 😘
I will take the opportunity to say that I’m really inspired by your work! And I’m trying to integrate your boldness and honest inquiries in the way I paint. And I love the way you fill in spaces with different patterns!
This was a real luxury, Sandi. Thank you!
Awe - thank you!!!!
I love your portraits. Especially the detailed girl with the beautiful eyes❤️
Thank you Shauna!
The one with the yellow dress so pretty that looks most like you my favorite my favorite painting is the yellow dress
Thank you!
LOVE this great big juicy video 😍 the French book is adorable .I've really enjoyed this one and you're journey with inktense .thank you for putting do much useful and good content into this Sandi ❤️
Thank you Sam!!
I like the first example you showed of the 2 portraits together, and between those two, I do like “green hair” the best. And of course, it does have a resemblance to you. And that’s not a bad thing!
Thank you!
Awesome!!!! Have had my intense blocks for a while and haven't tried them yet I even love the one that balled up on your page...thx for the inspiration....I'm getting g these out!!!!!!
So glad this inspired you to get them out 🤗🤗🤗
I finally got to sit and watch my favorite you tuber. So fun to try new things a wise woman recently told me ( wink wink). Thank you for all you and Grady do and please give Cooper a kiss for always sharing his cuteness with us..
🥰 Cooper sends lots of big sloppy kisses back!
I love your painting style!! It’s just superb so lively and colourful- just amazing😻
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Sandy, I’ve been quietly but eagerly watching your vids for quite a while now.
I really admire your work, you’re so inspiring to me! I’ve been struggling with my artwork for years now and even though my stuff is quite different from yours, I find it very refreshing to have an artist of your caliber showing the ins and outs of this terribly challenging career.
I’ve decided to come out of my silent nest today, because I think I have a better explanation for the mirror thing, I hope it helps.
I think it’s all about showing the guts of harmony!
My work is way more realistic than yours (that’s why I think I get so much from your stuff) and I use the mirror a lot too. I think in this context it’s easier to see how it works, but I’m sure it does pretty much the same for any sort of composition. The old mirror trick is great to help us see what’s misplaced, what’s keeping a composition out of balance. In portraits specially it shows unmistakably when an eye is wonky, not aligned with the other, when the face shape isn’t symmetrical, when one boob is mishaped in relation to the other or maybe when they individually belong to different bodies. It basically shows everything that is oddly assymmetricaI because beauty, be it realistic or abstract calls for symmetry, harmony and prefer.
I don’t know why our normal perspective plays this trick on us or why it’s totally blind to this lack of balance and harmony, but that’s how it is. Maybe we naturally tend to seek this untold harmony in things and our brain does it automatically to save us the hustle. If that’s the case the mirror undoes it for us. A bit like the automatic corrector in keyboards that sometimes insist that we want to say something when we really want to say something else.
Did I make it more confusing?! Was I able to help?
Wish you a wonderful year, full of great untinged harmony.
Looking forward to watching more of your sweet crazy videos and to growing up in my art with all the great stuff you gift to me every time you pop up in my screen.
😘😘❤️❤️❤️
That helped me immensely, thanks so much for the clear explanation of how the mirror works. I’m going to give it a try.
great explanation! thank you!
@@sandihester 😘😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️❤️ All the love to you and your Grady and your lovely pets. Looking forward to your next vid.
I won’t be able to attend your workshop this year… 😞 But hopefully this will be the first of many. Would love to learn more deeply with you.
Take care.
😘😘😘
@@yuazevedo hope it’s the first of many too!
For me i'd hafta have a mirror because (I dont know about others..) but i have know idea what i look like!.😆 Its like holding up our hand to look at it as we draw it.
Thanks, Sandi, for ANOTHER INSPIRING VIDEO!!! I really loved ALL the "portraits" and am now just itching to do some in this "looser" style (in an earlier art class I took some years ago we were always assigned "self portraits" as homework...mine were always t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e so I've thrown them all out (they were in a more realistic style...even the teacher wasn't thrilled...!)
Also enjoyed watching today's video for the rest of the content...and found some Neocolor Caran d'Ache watersoluble crayons in my supply...can't wait to jump on those. And the mirror does really help!!! All the best wishes to you and your new camera assistant!!!!!
so glad you found it inspiring Emmie!
Love this! I love your artist space too…my dream! Kitty is most important feature ☺️🌻🐈 🎨
Yes to kitty!
Yay a long Sandi Vlog 😁😁😁 love Fridays!
🥰🤗
Last one and creepy one are my favs
🤗🤗🤗
I’m such a visual learner so I’d love if you could show me how you use the mirror and what you see that you think needs changing. I’m not a professional painter but I sure do get frustrated with my paintings and that’s why I’d love to see your tips and tricks in action. Happy New Year 🥳
Having Grady as the cameraman added even more fun to your vlog Sandi! 😆
I love the eyes on all of the women. They don’t look like conventional realistic eyes, but I see life in them.
Thank you Heian!
Love NOVA PAINTS
Have you ever use the Art graph you would l like them I prefer them to the Ink tents
Kaffe Fassett is an artist known for colorful quilts and knitting.
👍🏻
Awsome video thank you for sharing Sandi Happy New Year to you Grady and your family animals think I've already wished you 😘
The last one-fantastic 😀
thank you!!!
Hi Sandi, I’ve been binge watching. You’re so fun to watch & you explain things very well.
Do you have a video out of how you transitioned into a professional artist? I’d love to hear your story. Keep the videos coming!
I do Jill. It’s an old one (about 3 years old) called My Art Journey
Excellent vids Sandi!!! I always learn something new with you 😀…
Awe - thank you Anna !
I use a mirroir as well, more often I use a door peephole. Something I learned from quilting. Look at a piece using the "inside" side of the door peephole and it makes everything smaller. You can then see., as you mention, what may or may not be working with the piece.
Neat method!
SANDI, HELLOW, MARAVILLOUS ALL
I liked the landscape you were showing us to demonstrate how it hadn’t worked because it turned to mud. I loved the texture in it and the moodiness! (Not sure what that says about me haha).