4 Things That Grew My Art Skills FAST Last Year

[@mariac4602]

So funny, Sandy, because what you saw as 'being all over the place", I saw as your immense creative joy in the world. A sort of childlike wonder and awe of all that was good and you refused to be contained or constrained by 'adult rules'. Honestly, while I am thrilled that your new discipline is helping you as an artist, I hope and pray that you won't lose that spontaneity to look at something, or be inspired by something, and simply dive into the creative process without worrying whether it 'belongs' with anything else you are doing. If you had to 'undo' any of the groupings you showed us at the first part of the video, which would you wish into non-existence? I bet not a single one. Like an unexpected pregnancy, the child we weren't expecting can be the greatest gift. God bless.

[@fleurianneasmr3976]

I agree very much, I think that phase was wonderful to see and very stimulating and joyful! I think these phases of discomfort and growing pains are a natural part of being creative - being in your comfort zone for too long I think isn’t helpful and neither is being in discomfort for too long. It’s all about balance and change which lead to growth I think!

[@MelanieBeilner]

I agree with @mariac4602! I started my art practice about 4 years ago and your style/work and process videos has been most excellent for what I needed. Now I am trying to analyze where my work fits "in the industry." I love the way you create art, with delight and fun! and I love your art! After many submissions over the past year and trying to market my own work and products, I am having a "dark night of the soul" because I want people to also like my work and buy it. But it doesn't appear to fit in to art galleries or art licensing. I am trying to think outside the box but I am weary! I love creating with delight...but what if that doesn't exactly fit or my people don't want to buy it? When I saw this video, I thought she is trying to fit into our culture's art world. And I get it! So am I. I just hope we can both still make art with delight and find a way to "fit in the industry" or sell our own work "on our own terms."

[@MelanieBeilner]

P.S. your delight and wonder and fun makes you stand out. It sounds like you are trying to mold to a rule that 8 - 12 series is how you fit in somewhere. I'm curious where you are trying to fit in and who is telling you these rules? ( I probably already know!) I think you have been making new rules (for our art culture) and you are leading us along the way. Your fun with art is shocking and a game changer. We all need that desperately.

[@rosaliemaguire]

Oh Sandi - talk about lightbulb moments. I had become super stressed about what I 'should'' be creating, and anxious and it got me down. I realised I spend all my time seeking inspiration, scrolling through pinterest and instagram and everytime I watch an art haul or watch a patreon zoom, I feel I have to try or buy. I too love paint and that is my comfort and excitement. So funnily enough I've listed a lot of my art supplies for sale, except acrylics and watercolour. So, perfect timing - I feel I have more of a direction now. I love Peggy Kroll too, so will keep her patreon only for a while. I'm loving your owl series. Thank you Sandi

[@crystaltanart]

You've totally inspired me to concentrate in composition and value too in the past 6 months or so. Thank u! You're wonderful.

[@LaurelProwStudio]

This just made my day Sandi. I follow a lot of mixed media artists and I thought I needed to start collecting all the art supplies they used so that I could make the art that I like seeing, but I turns out that what I like “doing” is different from what I see other people do. Make sense? I am a painter who likes occasionally making marks and collaging but painting comes first. So I simplified my art supplies and feel awesome about my decision. That’s for solidifying my decision. 😊

[@creativebreathings]

I've been suffering from absorbing too much inspiration lately. Your video is a "palette cleanser." Thank you!

[@twisteddyekitchenmyfiberjo4577]

I too have had the same "absorbing too much inspiration lately" and decided to really understand my brushes. I honed in on one element and get better recognizing what works best. Thank you !

[@Janartable]

I think you’re spot on with your intentions. We are downsizing to a smaller retirement home. I have a huge studio presently, but when were at the little place doing renovations, I made some of my most pleasing sketches in a long time, in a studio about 1/10th the size (not exaggerating!) and only a few supplies. Secondly…working in a series. They say if you want to learn how to draw something, draw it 100 times. Repetition is key for discovery. I’m learning that too.

[@kr2112]

It’s funny because right around the same time that I realized I just needed to focus on paint I recognized that you were doing it, too. So it’s nice to hear you talk about it. I’ve been in my head for way too long and that stifles me. I appreciate your sharing the ways in which you’ve set boundaries in order to develop further. Thank you!

[@andreajlmoore]

Thanks for sharing your changes and growth with us. It’s so nice to know that even professional artists like yourself continue to change up how they do things and create new goals for growth. It makes an amateur like me feel like it’s okay to dabble and “find myself” and that it doesn’t come quickly or easily to all.

[@sandihester]

It’s definitely doesn’t come easy and the best thing is to just keep at it

[@alexandria3458]

Thank you for sharing. Last year, I said I wanted to take figure drawing classes. A year passed before I went to my first class in a new studio LAST NIGHT. I am looking forward to putting my foot on the gas pedal and CREATE.

[@sandihester]

That is awesome!

[@jodieramdas1638]

I loved this video, Sandi! Its so lovely to see that we all go through phases. For years i was trying to paint and also make cards (stamping etc). Toward the end of last year i realised i wasnt getting much joy from cardmaking anymore (a 15+year hobby for me) and so i packed it all away & changed my studio around. Now i have several desks set up for different styles of watercolour paintings. Best wishes for the new year and your new phase/season of creating x

[@Anonymoi]

Yes! This is an interesting and insightful video, and I know exactly what you mean from my own work, and from your work. This shows great self awareness I wasn’t sure you had, which is not meant to be an insult - watching you for 4 or more years now, and paying attention to what you mention as influences, combined with my own knowledge of other artists, I could see you being pulled in many directions, more or less heavily-influenced by other artists or genres. I don’t think you’ve mentioned that before. All of the paintings you show are wonderful… the thread I see is that you make good work no matter which genre/subject/style/technique you pick up. Over time I’ve also seen that you have developed a recognizable style, regardless of subject matter, with maybe the exception of some landscape work. But I wasn’t sure what was “authentically Sandi.” What would you make if you made your work free from these influences? The social media art world makes it so easy - too easy - to see other artists and new techniques, etc.. I commented something to this effect on someone else’s video about finding your “art style.” Those of us who were making art regularly in the pre-internet era had a different experience from that of younger artists today and I don’t remember the same angst about “art style” that I see among many Gen Z artists today. (I know you’re not Gen Z! That’s the generation which seems to have this problem in their earliest years.) If we wanted to see art we’d mostly look in books or go to galleries/museums. If we wanted to learn new techniques we would read books or take classes. Our knowledge of art supplies and ability to obtain them was also more limited. I think all the inspiration at our fingertips now can be a hinderance! Coming back to art after a hiatus, or just getting more into it in our current internet age, can be problematic. I have also completely stopped Instagram and limited KZbin at times to limit the “inspiration.”

[@Anonymoi]

I’ll also just add that it is interesting that through years of practice you have hit upon the things you need to implement - and these are things that are typically forced right from the start on students who begin with a formal art education which focuses on foundational skills. Materials, subject matter, and even color are all limited for quite awhile before you’re turned loose to make what you want. Self-taught artists (or those with a mixture of being self-taught and taking a class or workshop here or there) seem to often do things in a backwards way. But, it’s interesting that you can come to this conclusion on your own, and with an appreciation of why you need to scale back like that (rather than being annoyed at professors who limit you.)

[@missm9053]

oh Sandi! thank you so much for posting this video and discussing this phase that you went through. It helps me and others I am sure to see you talk about the struggle and then how you got through it. Thank you

[@kateboyd9374]

I needed a Sandi Hester video bad today and this is perfect. Best of luck/skill to all for improving in 2025.

[@sandihester]

glad to hear it was perfect. thanks for watching!

[@CurlyHairArtistry]

happy new year and thank YOU for inviting us into your journey of being an artist - very much appreciated.

[@sandihester]

❤️❤️❤️

[@madelynsmith8281]

I really understand where you are coming from. It really can be a struggle. I am very excited for the new year Sandy. Thank you for this new practice. 😊

[@sandihester]

You’re so welcome!

[@jlm517rocks]

Welll... You just confirmed an intuitive crossroads... from series to streamlined supplies.... Ty!!

[@juliedowling1430]

Happy New Year Sandi and thank you for yet another brilliant video. Like yourself I’ve been all over the place with my art this last year and have recently been feeling the need to be more focussed on a key area and work more on developing a series but not really knowing how. So this wonderfully informative video is just what I needed 👍 Thank you 😊 xx

[@nancyfielden270]

Great video Sandi! Happy new year. I am just getting back into my art after a long hiatus. I have been doing series of at least 10 works to relearn a certain aspect. After watching this, I will push myself to do a few more. I do find I get bored as well or just hit a wall and need a break. The beauty of working this way is that I am already (3 months in) intuitively making corrections I wouldn't have able to had I just been randomly learning as I had done in the past. So I agree, this method of working in a series is really accelerating my accomplishments. 😊

[@terilivingston3053]

I have so many ideas and to many supplies that I don't even know where to start.It stops me from doing anything. I have already made a plan for the year.One subject, and this year is going to be for learning not selling.Im excited to be making art without so much pressure.My subject is botanical art, and there's plenty there to keep me from getting bored. Happy New Year Sandi.You always remind me that art making is for ME!Thank you 🎉

[@nessaf.279]

I love finding someone I should’ve found awhile back but I found just when I need them! Great content 😍

[@denisemossman2904]

Happy New Year Sandi. Thanks for sharing your exploratory trails, which have now lead you to interesting destinations to explore and expand on this year 2025. Really looking forward to your next videos and the thought behind your new studio layout/setups.

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much! It's been fun to get set up!

[@KMercure]

Oh my, are sisters from another mister?! You have just explained my art dysfunction to me! I joined an amazing abstract group and it feels like I cannot settle or focus on anything. Inspiration is everywhere. What I thought was my thing is not something I can do without going back to the basics of composition and value. And don’t get me started about doing multiples and thorough exploration of one style or medium. Thank you for explaining your journey, so I can settle into mine. That’s how I found you… I am taking a deep dive into pastels, but from now on it will be rooted in composition and value.

[@user-lr6ze7dg2k]

Can't wait to hear of the major updates from Miss Sandi! We love!

[@vanblairs4322]

Thank you for always sharing your journey, Sandi. I just love your videos and love your work! Such a pleasure! I came here to offer another point of view about working in a series. When selling to collectors, the point of a series- for your audience and possibly your gallery- is to show that you can create work in a cohesive style; that you can be consistent. That's just my limited understanding of it. And I want to kindly point out that you already have your own unique style. I think most everyone here would agree. Whether it's a boat, or a person, or a duck- they always look like they were created with your hands. My only intention for writing is just to let you know that I feel like you already have what it takes- in all aspects. You are an amazing, unique, accomplished, generous artist. 💖

[@rebecca_lane_]

Resonated so much with your floundering feelings. I was flabbergasted to see you had implemented similar boundaries as I have been doing to get headed in a more meaningful direction. Maybe it's a sign that I'm on the right track. Thanks as always, Sandi!

[@sandihester]

Wonderful!

[@studiotezart]

A good tip for me was to ignore inspiration on media. I scroll other artists work that I love so much, but the only result is that I feel worthless and without skill, drive or inspiration :S So , why scroll at all then - good question, looking for inspiration I think - but it backfires. I will try not to look at others for a while. Thank you

[@MarshaMasseau]

I understand how you feel, Tereze. There are so many people doing it so much better than me already. I think it’s a good idea for us to have more fun and compare ourselves less 🤗

[@studiotezart]

@MarshaMasseau It sure is Marsha 🥰 It is just a matter of discipline enough to stop scrolling...

[@embush222]

Thank you , Sandi! We all need an example of Learning to flow and persist in growth. Although all of us might find our " four" to be different, and also in different stages of our lives, this lends the reminder that we Can choose, weigh our direction, and persist. All these can change, based on what we are trying to learn Right Now. I'm still in the "trying every form of media" stage....but can see it changing soon. Reviewing, doing it over and over again, certainly can't hurt growth. Art is always in flux, as is the artist, but we want Purpose and visible expansion! I am looking forward to using your wonderful thoughts here as a spring-board to looking at direction, and finding simplified purpose in growth. Strangely I make lists of things I have discovered I like to do. Perhaps I'll expand that to making lists of things I'd like to learn about them, and first steps to start. I find asking myself what I am afraid of or find hard, to be enlightening as well. The Extra challenge! I should have done that years ago about reading. I love reading. But stopped. I finally figured out, it's because I find it too hard to focus. Then the question....what can I do to be able to focus? A set time to see it as a treat, ear buds, quiet rhythmic music without words..... It worked, and I wish I'd figured it out earlier! Evaluation can be life altering. Mountains become smooth before us! Thanks again Sandi, whatever the goal of learning at the moment, for the powerful reminder to breath and simplify!

[@aekorfker]

Can’t wait for the next couple of videos ☺️

[@maisycakes1125]

Just a wonderful and helpful video thanks. I’m a painter and I had noticed a huge leap forward in your painting skills after your Italy trip - you came back an outstanding painter in my humble opinion.

[@TheReedCefalyCollab]

Happy New Year, Sandi!

[@darlenerutledge3802]

Happy New Year Sandi. The portraits near the end of your video are wonderful! And the owls too. You are very inspiring and generous with your knowledge. Thank you.

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!

[@karenvc8005]

It actually took notes from this video. Your 4 changes make so much sense to me. I spend way to much time looking at other artist's work onn social media than actually doing my own, seeking inspiration rather than making my own. Your other 3 points were well taken. I look back at my more productive periods of artistic growth and accomplishment and they did emphasis composition & values, developing work as a series, and commiting to a few supplies or tools that I gained an understanding of. It took a lot of discipline, which I think I lost track of after many years away from art and my excitement of getting back into it. I do see how this is paying off for you.

[@MyRosie2007]

I am so glad I found you. I am a 70 year old painter who has been in an artistl block off and on for years. I seem to get tighter and tighter as time goes on.(Since college ...lol) You have really inspired and shared with everyone the way to loosen up Thank you!

[@hhtrue21]

Sandi, it is such a joy to follow along on your journey and learn from you. Thank you for sharing so generously with us! Praying you and Grady have a wonderful 2025, and I can't wait to hear your updates!

[@donutscount]

I’ve been painting now for four years. I have found myself in a similar place. It’s been fun playing with all the different materials and tools, but I think I have figured out what my go to supplies are now. I found myself in a season of refinement. I began to cut myself off from viewing modern artist work and concentrating on value and composition from a master painter(s) I enjoy because of their command of the picture plane and either high key or low key values to push myself technically. It is still a struggle, but I think I’m turning inward now in this next season to explore. It can be intimidating and full of self-doubt. I’m glad to hear someone speak about the phases an artist might find themselves in. I have felt so all over the place too! Thank you for sharing your struggles and your burgeoning successes.

[@maddietighe5881]

Happy New Year Sandi. My art journey is a new one. I'm retired! I finished up my year with a big pile of drawings/paintings and the subjects are very scattered. Great ideas. For now I'm so new I'm still in the experimental stage and skill developing stage. You are such an awesome teacher! I'm not ready for a retreat but when I am, I want to learn from you!!! Thanks XoXoXo

[@nermeenhamdy1055]

Thank you so much for sharing I have a big problem with inspections and I can’t deal with it. Your words make my journey easier and not feeling guilty about myself and my art!

[@thompson_jules0]

Such great advice and tips Sandi, thank you for sharing and Happy New Year🙏🏼

[@redandpink219]

Thank you again for sharing your art journey. I always appreciate listening to your thoughts and reasons for change. I enjoy all of your work, whether you are doing series or jumping from this or that. Your work is always a feast for the eyes. I look forward as usual to the next video, getting more tips, seeing your current work, and eventually the new studio setup! All the best.

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Thank you so much. You inspire me. It is nice to see where you came from and where you are going. It is great that you can pinpoint what it is you want to achieve and then focus on that. I wish you much more growth in the new year. Happy New Year. ❤😊

[@jacquialder]

Hi from Perth Western Australia. I've loved watching you since I discovered you last year. Even though I don't paint ( drawing is my current incarnation) I continue pick up gems from what and how you share your artistic life. Thank You.🙏 Now you're through last year's set of growing pains I hope you continue to flourish and enjoy your current blossoming.

[@CatherineBurke-t3u]

Happy New Year Sandi - I really enjoyed seeing your work and love the animal and owl paintings and thank you for sharing the changes you have made - you are an inspiration. I look forward to your next video.

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!

[@meganjohnson2246]

I took NOTES watching this video, and I definitely hope to implement your 4 things into my art practice for 2025. (Granted, I'm messing around digitally in Procreate on my new iPad, but the act of physical brush to real paper/wood/canvas remains 10000% better and more satisfying.) Happy new year, lady!

[@partofyourstory-tinagilmor4792]

Happy New Year to you Sandi x

[@sharonabdullah]

happy new year!! I'm so glad you spoke about this. I'm the same constantly looking for inspiration and doing then done and don't feel like I spend enough time on a subject to grow and learn before moving. great tips! thank you

[@suesummers8813]

I’ve been all over the place the last few years trying all sorts of things, I decided to start reigning it in too, so completely get what you are saying… Wishing you both a Happy and Healthy New Year

[@gathercreatelivewithleslie8340]

Would love a video on what you're looking for in a composition and how you've been able to see it better!!!

[@junemaguire5053]

I have been cleaning out my paint room today, o.m.goodness, so many supplies, hunted the other day for the pencil sharpener just found six so like you I have decided to pack some things up and have limited supplies and maybe I will get more work done, thank you for your vlog you made a lot of sense . Loved your painting Sandi, happy healthy 2025 to you and your husband. Xxx

[@megperry5586]

Thank you Sandy this is so exactly what I needed to hear. I am an inspiration addict but I am not growing my own style. ❤️❤️❤️

[@sandihester]

we've all gone through that for sure!

[@impish22]

thanks for sharing Sandi !!

[@aekorfker]

I’ve been thinking a lot about these things thank you so much for sharing your journey and for all the other loveliness last year ☺️🎨💕

[@gracesharrar8894]

Such an insightful video, thank you! Would you mind sharing your recommendations for resources on value and composition?

[@cynthiacole1420]

Happy New Year Sandi!!

[@Samantha_tookey197]

Happy New Year!! I look forward to your videos! I always learn something and I get so inspired to go and paint xx

[@sandihester]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[@deborahmeyers551]

Thank you Happy New Year your channel is always magic ❤

[@lynnrichardson6017]

Always love your videos and learn so much from what you share but this one really hit home. I suck at composition but have been struggling to improve. I had not thought of analysing works that I like to become more conscious of what a successful composition is for me. Can’t wait to put this into practice. Thank you. Can’t wait for your next studio tour, it looks sooooo different!

[@nancistone9530]

Love the viewing of these paintings Sandi. Happy New Year and here's hoping 2025 is good to us all.

[@sak-flower]

This video was super helpful! Thank you so much and Happy New Year!!❤😊😊

[@corriegrant367]

Thanks Sandi. Happy New Year. Your insights are just what I need My art is all over the place. Began with huge canvases and acrylic, shifted to smaller charcoal, pastels. Moved into smaller yet landscapes and faces in watercolors. Throw in some still life, botanical, and flowers. At this point I feel burned out and totally uninspired. I love that you have cleared space and focused on limited materials. Your art studio looks amazing. Not sure how to move forward out of this block; but have shared a number of great suggestions that I am going to try. See you in 2 weeks. ❤😊

[@CaptAim-u4u]

this is really interesting to see your growth❤ I am so inspired by you!!!

[@MarloweHeightsStudio]

I took notes and saved this one to my library!

[@parkametrist7165]

Transitioning from the loose and associative approach to the structured and focused way of working to eventually be able to switch back and forth as needed, because IMO not one or the other is better but an interesting work of art needs both. An artistic and healthy 2025 to you, Sandi! ❤

[@margaretspringer9197]

Sandi, this video is so helpful -- a look inside the thought process of an artist I admire! First of all, the idea that, no matter how "good" you are, you can always grow and learn more. I love, and will implement in my own practice: I. Emphasizing Composition and Value, and, II. Limiting Materials. Thank you!

[@pagewhite61]

Sandi this resonated with me so much. Thank you.

[@justmonicarae6933]

Did you redo and reorganize your studio?? Adding wall shelves??? Need a video on it and your process on how to declutter materials!

[@TheUntamedJournal]

The studio is looking great!

[@paulahaynes6131]

I am in that place right now. Have been for almost a year. Good paintings but like without a direction. Thanks for sharing your journey. I may comment again after I see the rest of the video but just had to say it while it is fresh.

[@PaulaCopcutt]

Happy New Year! Thank you for another brilliant video! So helpful and totally inspiring. I think you and your art are just wonderful! Xx

[@accidental.pigments]

Hi Sandi, this video was perfect to the start the New Year! Might I ask which books and resources you used to learn about composition and value? Thanks so much!

[@alexandralerta483]

Thank you for sharing your process so generously Sandi. I have been learning so much from you and I am looking forward to this new phase of yours and your next videos. I have been struggling to understand value and composition for some time now. We all get so much information from social media and everywhere else really, which is great, but it can also be very overwhelming and quite unhelpful in terms of focusing on developing specific skills or specific materials or both. Having a more "minimalistic" point of view, especially when there is so much abundance of materials and info and inspiration, can be very challenging but maybe it is a necessity. For a while at least. Happy New Year and thank you so much!

[@lisacopner1427]

Super helpful video, made me think about the way I work. Thanks so much xx

[@carriekorb46]

Love this video, as always! If you enjoy seeing excellent examples of value and composition on the small screen, I highly recommend watching Ripley and also The English. Looking forward to your next installment 😊

[@guyguyneespinoza9087]

Can’t wait for the how to make beautiful darks video!!😅😊

[@liesbethartlife]

I’m currently going through All my supplies and try to keep only the ones out that I use & want to use more. All the other supplies on my table, shelves are just distraction. Thank you for the amazing tips. Cant wait till the studio tour

[@ChantelleArts]

I've not seen many of your animal paintings before, these are all really pretty 🥰

[@onestrauss3066]

Brilliant video Sandi! Just what I needed to hear. Like you I’ve been all over the place, trying new art materials and flip flopping from subject to subject. I realised that this year I need to get clearer about the type of art I want to do, and what I want to be focusing on now. Your four guiding statements are great and I’ll be implementing something similar for myself, I’m sure. Thanks again, and thanks for all your previous videos and all the ones still to come! Love watching and listening to you. May 2025 shower you with sprinkles of awesomeness.

[@LindaSharp-d6z]

Hi Sandy. Would you kindly share the composition and value information books or artists with us? It would be good to have some titles in order to study the same. Thanks very much! Happy new year!

[@MargaretRobinson-v5f]

Your work is really interesting. I think you've grown and your compositional skills are good. I love your use of marks, colour and shape ! Happy New Year.

[@lisathemessenger7973]

I’m not an artist of your calibre but definitely taking advice from you and looking through fresh eyes after every vid of yours ..ps I love your work! ❤️❤️❤️

[@KerryAA7130]

Happy new year Sandi 🎉 xx

[@cindypatterson8157]

Hi Sandi, fab work...i think we always struggle as artists, I hear everything your saying...🎉❤

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

Yaaaay it is Sandi's Friday Fortnight! Happy New Year to you Sandi and to Grady 🎉❤🥂🍾 I pray 2025 is a super creative and stress free year for you both 😊 Yes, this week's post definitely resonates with me because I have felt the same way re: inspiration. It is said that 'too much of a good thing is bad for you' and in this case it was. It felt like information overload for me at times. I had this itch I couldn't scratch even with all of the inspiration. I have to admit I find IG and Pinterest too much all at once, so I stay away from those two platforms. However they are all components of where I want my art to go and how I wish to grow creatively. So I thank you for the this post Sandi 💜 P.S I love your owls! So much character 🦉🦉❤ and kind of cute 😍 your focus on composition and value has definitely made an impact on your paintings!

[@veronicagreen6180]

Happy new year!,,,🎈🎊🎆

[@sarah_hedges_creates]

Such a brilliant video! I will be taking some of this on board for 2025. I do like to focus on certain subjects for a while but I can flit between materials quite a lot. I want to push myself outside of my sketchbook this year and focus on using materials I have. Your work is beautiful! x

[@LucyAuburn]

Love your quilt inspired painting. I could see it as wrapping paper or wall paper. I hoard inspiration so it would be hard for me to stop. I haven't put paint onto a brush in years and I'm finding excuses to just continue with the inspiration hoarding until I have a space that I can paint in where I don't have to worry about paint getting on nearby surfaces. Always look forward to your videos.

[@steffiehiggiabstractart]

Great advice Sandi My goal this yr is to develop a better sketchbook habit. I better go do my “end of day sketch “. See I am already taking your advice 😜

[@sandihester]

That’s awesome!

[@christinebarone2151]

Happy New Year Sandi and Grady . 🎉. This was a very informative video. I found myself all over the place last year. I’m zeroing in on one thing ! Maybe it’s just FOMO. Idk….. it’s frustrating and exhausting to say the least. Love you very much and I appreciate all you do. Hugs from NC 🥰

[@annrubino6252]

As a painter/artist, every time we focus in on a particular component of a 'picture', we experience the excitement of a new beginning. Values, Composition/Design, Colour harmony or discord, Story/mood, etc. Many schools of art limit first yr. students to working only in black and white to learn value distribution. Second term they are allowed to add 1 colour, then 2. Simultaneously, they study the difference between design and composition, and intent - what is the story or mood. As a self taught artist we learn through various workshops, books and mostly 'doing'. For the serious artist, either path can lead to exemplary results. Sandi, you have developed your skills to highest standards. The story you are telling is always there, with room for viewer interpretation. Your colours are always in pleasing harmony with just a touch of discord to tease the sophisticated viewer. Your designs are most often within the realm of the artist savant - the mood would be lost if you tampered with this too much. Values, being (academically) the most important, can make or break the painting but most often are the culprit when we just can't put a finger on 'what's wrong' - usually some final tweaking to adjust the values will do the job. Sorry for the long rant but I just want to say that I hope you never lose your personal style in pursuit of someone else's muse - you're already at the top of your game and can only get better.

[@anilimo9296]

Thank you, great tips and reminders Sandy. Which resources would you recommend to study composition from? Happy and a healthy New Year to both of you!

[@sandihester]

I’ve got a video on here about fave composition books

[@nenatirkkonen1659]

@@sandihesterwhere?

[@staciemartinez]

Wow Sandi! I feel so seen 😂 I too had the SAME issue - no consistency with subject matter or material, and bouncing ALL OVER the place. It was literally making me crazy and I was feeling stressed over how many materials I could / should use. I thought long and hard about what it is I really love, and that’s painting with gouache (with a small hit of colored pencil and Neocolor II over the top), and I listened to what subject matter was really interesting to me, and have been working on that in the last month or so. It’s really been a game changer to narrow my focus and I feel a lot less stressed! I can’t wait to see what you do. And, to that end, if you’re willing to share, I would love to know if you have 1 or 2 composition books you can recommend? Thank you, and Happy New Year!

[@elizabethangelastro-mp3lh]

This is a very thought provoking video. Thank you! I appreciate how you reviewed your past year and charted a path forward in 2025. There is something for all of us to learn from your model. Do you recommend any books on composition and value? Wishing you a very happy and healthy new year!

[@Suzi77]

Thank you for this insightful video. I have been feeling all over the place as well and have started to organize and put away art supplies that I got thinking I was going to use them and realized they were not my thing. I am a watercolour person and I like painting loosely as well as abstracts ,which are a challenge and I too have been focusing on creating paintings with good composition. Scrolling and watching too many videos just got me more confused, so now I have edited who I follow and am more careful about how much time I spend doing that instead of painting. So many art videos have become supply focused instead of creating art ones. Not criticizing them just aware of this strong focus. Thanks again for your perspective. I have been a follower since the early days before 2020. Love your latest portrait and paintings of Maine. All the best for 2025. ❤🙋🏼‍♀️🌻🇨🇦

[@janmorrison4141]

Excellent news! You've been wrangling your monkey mind in a most advantageous way. Not sure if you've discussed this before but Mastering Composition by Ian Roberts has been so very helpful to me. I used to be scared I'd lose my joyous freedom if I studied technique but that turns out to be a myth. Happy New Year lovely woman!

[@sandihester]

yes, I like his book and videos as well.

[@conkrotwife]

This was a great video loved listening to you. Explain how you started and how you ended the year and I love the lessons as you were talking about inspiration I thought of that “that is attributed to Picasso that says inspiration exist, but it has to find working I know for myself or artists not my main job. I get stuck in looking for the perfect inspiration and so I’m trying to limit that and just develop a daily practice. As I look back through my sketchbooks I find things that I like that I wanna keep doing in building on. I got influenced to buy a lot of markers and colored pencils and all the things but I prefer to use my water color and gouache, so I kind of focus on my materials to that.

[@vivienhoffman1232]

Love the one with the blue parrots

[@judygroves6385]

I’m loving your owls❤

[@crystaltanart]

My attention span is also about 3-4 paintings per subject / series!

[@rhondaraeart]

I looooove the folk arty pieces so much!! Especially the Roar for us! so cute! and she flies in the clouds. and the one after that. so many yummy pieces! I have a question about the paper. I’ve watched your video regarding your “cheap“ paper that you get which I also love to use. And I have finished a couple pieces with a wax. But I’m curious as to how you finish them and if you use the cheap paper for your sellable pieces or do you only use the higher quality paper for sellable work? And how do you seal them or how do you preserve them? I have never been formally trained so in that area, I’m always trying to figure out which process is “correct“ or expected by collectors. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity!

[@sandihester]

I don’t seal them because they’ll need to be framed under glass

[@HouseofFloraMay]

23.33 min in. LOVE!!!!! That apple painting is the business baby. So good. Can you please recommend some good composition and value references that have given you the boom moments please.

[@discohandgliding]

I’ve been doing folksy Mexican triangle studies (“ojos de Dios”) in my sketchbooks since last year & I cannot seem to stop!! So there is definitely cohesion in my art but I also cannot wait to do all kinds of subjects & techniques, maybe 2025 will be year I move on with other subject matter 😅

[@sandihester]

No need to move on if you're enjoying it.