Sandi Hester // Sketchbooks as Process Tools

Learn More about Sandi
KZbin: / sandihester
Insta: / sandihesterart @sandihesterart
Classes: sandihesterclasses.com/
Sandi's Website: www.sandihester.com/
Episode 423 was live on Nov, 9, 2022. Find full show notes at: creativesignite.com/sandi-hes...
Sandi Hester is an artist and has a fantastic channel on KZbin called "Bits of an Artist's Life." I found her this summer and she was just the medicine I needed.
She is always growing and trying new things in her art. Sandi's process really struck me because she takes limited tools out and does many variations on one scene. She takes visual notes of a place then once back in the studio on the bigger canvas she takes all her visual notes and constructs a larger painting.
I know we do sketches as designers but for some reason her process seemed different and more freeing to me. She was able to explore and seems to always know something else can fix it. She doesn't seem to get caught up in the deadline or the fact that she already made a background. She embraces the fact that she can paint over it and start again.
This starting over or the ability to fix it was exactly what I needed to hear this summer. I am so excited to introduce you to my new friend, Sandi Hester. We are going to talk about how her faith plays a role in her artist's journey. And how her sketchbooks are used in her process.
This episode was LIVE, Wednesday, Nov 9, 2022.
To get the link for the live taping sign up here: creativesignite.com/signup
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[@GillianCrossArt]

I love Sandi and her videos...definitely don't watch them just before you go to bed...you'll just want to sketch, or paint, or draw!

[@CreativesIgnite]

Gillian YES that is exactly what happens to me. She gets me soooo excited I am ready to get up and draw and paint. glad you are the same way!

[@jlm517rocks]

yep.

[@jessieg4901]

I’m a huge fan of Sandi and her channel for soooo many reasons ❤I’m a spirit filled believer and I love how she honors and gives Glory to God as she shares her process. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year and I struggled with extreme fatigue, and depression. Her channel has really helped me choose JOY in the missed of my trials. She is so fun and has helped me to loosen up and enjoy the process of creating, and her energy has been a natural anti-depressant!! Love you sandi !! Subscribing to this podcast channel as well ! Want to support other believers!

[@CreativesIgnite]

Thanks Jessie! I love Jesus too! and her sharing of her faith was really important for this episode. I love finding creatives who love Jesus too! Glad we can connect here and thanks for subscribing! It means a lot!

[@sandihester]

well goodness Jessie!!! thank you for all these kind words!

[@ellengoodloe9786]

I'm just now seeing this. Such a great, uplifting episode. Sandi brings joy to everything because she chooses joy.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Amen yes she does choose joy! Thanks Ellen for watching! Choosing to see the joy in even the struggles is something that Sandi is a pro at.

[@sandihester]

Thank you Ellen!!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DenaJaq]

I love Sandy and her imperfectionism. There is too much perfectionism in the world today. She really inspires me to freely do art

[@CreativesIgnite]

Me too Dena, I totally love how she gives me the permission to accept the messy and normal parts of making art. It is not always beautiful for sure, and she shows that and in doing that gives us the permission to share more unfinished work or process work too. Thanks for watching!

[@shelleoshelle7252]

Thank you so much for this. I have followed Sandi for several months and I love her channel.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Me too Shelle! After I found her, I have consumed so many things and love the way she teaches and her approach to growth. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts here!

[@sandihester]

awe - thank you!

[@kanamichelle7404]

I wish I had seen this live, but thank you for posting it so I can watch it now. I absolutely adore Sandi, and I have learned so much from her. She definitely has such a gift. Well, actually, several gifts. Her art, of course, but her humor and her ability to teach so many life lessons. Knowing that she has health issues, but still shines and grows and creates right through it is so inspirational. And also, the best gift is her gift to represent our Lord. She is a gift herself! To all of us. I especially appreciated her comment about how God is always creating, and how He created things that we will never even see. Profound.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Absolutely Kana! I totally agree she is a great example of shining God's light even in dark places and through heavy struggles. Her humor and insight about what God reveals to her through what she is learning is super inspiring to me. Thanks for watching!

[@sandihester]

Welllll Kana - goodness - you make my eyes get leaky! Thank you for such encouraging words!

[@kanamichelle7404]

@@CreativesIgnite I am glad I saw this because I found you too! I always wonder how I missed you, and who else have I missed that are inspiring and creative. Subscribing!

[@kanamichelle7404]

@@sandihester ❤❤❤

[@BeautyandNoodle]

I am so inspired, I’ve been sketchbooking for many years, as I raised my six children, and now share art with my seven grandchildren. I’m inspired to possibly share many of my sketch’s. I’m thinking maybe I’ll really be a professional artist for my 70th birthday which will be coming up this year. Also I was gifted with the gift to draw at 23. Boom, it just landed in my life. My first medium was watercolor which I started when I was pregnant with my 5th child, he’s now 31. I smile thinking of this and watching you smiling. My fierce passion landed me at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, where I spent 10 years in my 50’s and 60’s. I love your talk about creativity and God. The Master Creator. Love Love Love Love, you’ve given me an inspiring day on a rainy day in the Pocono Mountains of Pa. Where I woke up feeling lost, when in prayer and knowing. I’m NOT LOST. Love love love you both …..

[@CreativesIgnite]

Joann your words have brought me a huge smile. I am so glad after watching you don't feel lost anymore. Sandi is a hero of mine for sure. Sharing art with your kids and grand kids is wonderful. Jesus is with us and yes He is the master creator! I hope to see you back in the comments or at a live taping of the show soon. I took a few weeks off because my mom had a stroke and was in the hospital. She went home to be with Jesus and now we are missing her terribly. But she is in glory. Happy almost easter! He is RISEN!!!

[@patm.3912]

A wonderful summary of what I've learned from watching Sandi's You Tube channel over the last year. Will keep this bookmarked for when there is nothing new from Sandi on FB or IG or YT, and I need another hit of her. Something about her delivery has finally gotten into my head things I've heard for years but didn't really "get" until listening to her fun, non-judgemental and wise posts. 1. Don’t be afraid. Making art is not a competitive sport. There’s no end goal. Process is the desired, living experience, joy the result. 2. Use what I have! Doesn’t need to be expensive. Allow myself to not be precious about materials. USE IT UP! Nothing is wasted. 3. Work fast. Used timed exercises. Laugh about results. 4. Don’t be afraid of bad work. “All the bad goes into the good” Nothing is wasted - time or paint or paper etc. 5. Get and maintain a community of artists with no judgements or snobbery. If I feel bad about something said about my work, put that opinion into the “who cares” box, put the lid on the box and put it out with the trash. I don’t need others’ validation about my process or end results. Don’t need to end friendships over this - everyone’s got their own set of eyeballs and feelings about art. 6. That it’s OK to accept that I get bored. I can accept it, use it, keep moving, do what works for me. Getting bored is not a sin. It can be just another aspect of my process. 7. Sketchbooks can encompass paint, dry media, pencil, crayon, anything! Not just “pencil sketching”. 8. Don’t look at using sketchbooks as “practicing” if that’s a bad word for me. Use them to PLAY! Get into “child mind” when approaching my sketchbook. 9. Everyone’s journey includes the good, bad & ugly. Don’t throw out anything, it all has value. And . .. 10. Allow for my view and judgement about art I’ve made (whether in sketchbook or loose paper or canvas with any media) to change over time. This has been a game changer for me! Stuff I don’t care for or think is garbage while creating, somehow magically can look completely different to my eyes after not seeing it for a while. Often, I like it much better. Always, I see things I didn’t see before, and I learn. 11. Allow the joy of art making into every day, even if it is only for a few minutes drawing at work for 10 minutes. Do it because it’s fun and it progresses my abilities which feel better and better over time - increasing the enjoyment. I’ve seen and felt the difference this makes in my life. 12. Enjoy the journey - EXCELLENT metaphor with the joy of a hunter getting ready to go on a hunting trip. My brother is a retired game warden in Maine. He had the career of his dreams. He now goes on annual hunting trips with his buds. He spends time thinking about what he wants to bring, writes up and edits lists, uses the guest bedroom to lay out everything he’ll need to bring (staging), thinks about new techniques he may try. You can tell he loves every minute of thinking and preparing just as much as he loves being out in the woods, whether he gets anything or not.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Pat you get an A+ wow that was a great synopsis! Sandi has taught me how to loosen up and just laugh instead of ripping things apart either literally or in my head. It is all learning for sure. Thanks soooo much for watching and I agree her delivery is what makes the difference to me too! So many nuggets you pulled here!

[@kanamichelle7404]

I am so impressed at how you encapsulated all of the lessons Sandi has taught! Right on!

[@lleehome]

Oh my goodness! I’m not even through this whole video and had to comment. Talking about art and how to think of it and relating it to how my critical inner self dishonors the Father. Totally needed to hear this. All of this is good healthy food for my art and for my soul! Love love love!!!!!

[@CreativesIgnite]

AMEN Linda, He sees us as His Beloved. It is so hard for us to see ourselves that way. I am definitely working on that. Thank you for taking time to comment in the middle of an episode. You made my day!

[@christinebarone2151]

Sandi Hester ! Wow, what a surprise and joy! Let me make a cuppa to sit down and listen ! Happy New year 2023 yay.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Happy New Year to you Christine. I hope this episode left you with a big smile on your face today! What are you looking forward to starting or creating this year?

[@sandihester]

awe - thanks Christine! Hope you enjoyed it!

[@TAka-dc1rb]

I’ve been following Sandi for a few weeks. She inspires me sooo much. Thank you for sharing this video.😊

[@CreativesIgnite]

Thank you so much TAka-dc1rb for watching! she is awesome!

[@catholictortillas777]

Love her and what I learn from her! So much wealth of knowledge! Enjoy creating! So much to learn from others! Thank you! New follower of yours.

[@dianegibbs]

Awe thanks Angela for following me too. Sandi was the inspiration I was looking for and I am so glad I got to interview her! Hope to see you at a live recording one Wednesday soon! Where are you located Angela?

[@catholictortillas777]

@@dianegibbs I am in Nebraska. Oh can't wait!

[@CreativesIgnite]

@@catholictortillas777 Awesome I hope you get to come. We start back on the 11th.

[@sandihester]

Thanks so much Angela!

[@anateresamendes-collins615]

Just came across this interview. What a lovely interview love the part about the finger wagging part about the not wanting the share being about pride that creativity is a gift from God and how you create with joy is how you honour that gift. So beautiful such an important reminder. Thank you for sharing your beautiful soul and process. 💕

[@CreativesIgnite]

@Anateresa Mendes-Collins Yes Sandi is amazing and I love her analogy about how it doesn't help anyone when we don't share but it might help one person if we do. I love her process. thank you for watching and thank you for commenting here too.

[@wildartbyoldie]

She is such a breath of fresh air and her faith and creativity is so inspiring ❤. Loved this interview. Thank you.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Hey ArtbyOldie, yes Sandi is exactly that, a breath of fresh air. I am sitting at the library right now, trying to dive into some art composition books because I also struggle with this in my paintings and surface design. I love how honest she is and how she shares her faith. Thanks for watching!

[@lulabelle33]

Love seeing your inspiration and hearing your insights as always. We love you Sandi !!!!!

[@CreativesIgnite]

Thanks Lulabelle33 I agree Sandi is a deep treasure of inspiration and insights!

[@sandihester]

thank you sooooo much!!!!

[@pastichehaus]

Sandi is one of the artist that got me into Art journaling in sketchbooks. We don’t have the same style. But her creativeness and genuine spirit is amazing. She is a true inspiration.❤

[@CreativesIgnite]

I totally agree. I don't think we all have to have the same style at all or even draw the same things, but hopefully we can encourage each other to keep pushing and growing and trying new things and support each other when we get in a sticky or challenging spot. What is your favorite thing to create or make in your art journal? Do you do a lot of lettering?

[@pastichehaus]

@@CreativesIgnite I’m kind of all over the place, I love line and wash. I also love drawing and painting portraits in a mixed media style with a quote that hits me in the feels for that moment. I use any media I can get my hands on.😂 My favs are acrylics, watercolor and I newly got into gouache. Thanks so much for the comment back. Much love ❤️ 🎨📚

[@anitawaclawik4286]

I love Sandi's channel & am glad that KZbin directed me to this interview which I'm now subscribed to this creative channel.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Thanks Anita for watching and subscribing! It is good for creatives to have several places for inspiration and resources!

[@sandihester]

It's such a great channel Anita!

[@heatherdunbar421]

Oh my goodness I love love loved this video!!! Sandi is such an inspiration!! Love her videos and she reminds me when watching her to enjoy the process!! God Bless you both ❤❤❤

[@CreativesIgnite]

Awe thank you so much. I love Sandi too!!! Her energy, her curiosity, and her lover for God!

[@hansendesigns]

When adhd meets productivity :) Very interesting.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Thanks Hansen Designs. Definitely ADHD is a super power for me.

[@Alice_in_artsupply_hoarderland]

I LOVE Sandi! Have been watching her videos over and over for about a year now. She always gets me started if I'm feeling a bit "blaah". And I'm feeling like our brains work the same way 😄 It was a joy to watch and listen to your conversation. I guess I have to start watching your videos to now 😃

[@CreativesIgnite]

Alice I am so similar to you and i love the art supply horderland. I think me and you can do a horder battle. I got so bad that I was seeing pens dry up that i had never used. But I am in full using mode now, a lot thanks to Sandi and her channel. What type of art do you make? And thanks for watching!!! and for commenting!

[@Alice_in_artsupply_hoarderland]

@CreativesIgnite I started painting about 3 years ago. Mostly watercolour, acrylic and some mixed media. I have a horrible "full set syndrome ", so if I try something that I like, I can get a bit obsessed 🤩 Even if it's something I doesn't use that much.... 🙄 So no only primary colours here... no no 😂 I might need help 🙈🙈😄

[@robincrawford6056]

WAR EAGLE! AUBURN school of architecture grad '83... Great podcast. I love binging on Sandi's channel and watching her process as I get back to art after years away. ❤️

[@CreativesIgnite]

Amen Robin and War Eagle!!!! I have spent over 25 years in design and only in the last 10 have I started illustrating and only this past year really gotten back to art making. That is how I found Sandi and found her channel warm, inviting, inspirational, and hilarious. Hope you get back to art making soon!

[@madelynsmith8281]

Love Sandi! I have learned so much from her. The podcast was so interesting. Sandi puts joy and laughter in her videos. I remember the snow episode. One of the best. ❤

[@CreativesIgnite]

I totally agree Madelyn. Sandi has a way of making everyone feel in the inner circle. She can find joy even in a painful or trying situation. She brings her laughter out and shares it with us. I love her too! thanks for watching and for commenting!

[@Julie-vy3oz]

Wonderful as always. Thanks for the authentic sharing!

[@CreativesIgnite]

thanks Julie! Sandi is always authentic for sure! I was so blessed to be able to interview her. Thanks for watching!

[@sandihester]

thanks for watching Julie!

[@kateboyd9374]

I am not religious in the slightest, but Sandi's story about the missionary woman chastising her for being selfish with the gift God gave her really resonated with me. If I'm too scared to share what I make, I'm ego-driven. My life is devoted to integrity, honesty and kindness. When I hide my light under a bushel, so to speak, I betray those values: integrity demands being true to who I am and what I am becoming. Honesty demands that I show myself to those who love me, warts and all. And kindness demands that I am kind to myself. If I move through the world with the expectation of being hurt, misunderstood, or disappointing then I deny, in my ego, that others share my values. I know better than that - I'd rather be disappointed in something/someone than surprised by its/their goodness. What a wonderful interview with two wonderful women. Thank you.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Thank you Kate. We all have something to give. Many people don't know what to devote their life to. It is hard to figure out and i am glad you have direction. And glad you won't be scared to shine your light. Even when it's not perfect. That's what i love about Sandi, she shows the mess-ups and the journey. And she makes some incredible art along the way. thanks for watching Kate!

[@dianaingles3019]

Gosh, I wish I would have saved my sketchbooks!!

[@CreativesIgnite]

Me tooooo. I would love to look through your sketchbooks. You can save them from now on.

[@christinefisher5716]

I am new to this channel, but I have been a longtime Sandi fan! Great episode! Looking forward to getting to know your channel as well.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Christine thank you so much for watching and for being open to getting to know my channel too. I really appreciate it. I love Sandi and her approach to her art and her life!

[@sandihester]

Thanks for listening Christine!

[@christinefisher5716]

@@sandihester My great joy to do so, Sandi!😊

[@Marti_Lay]

This is so helpful. A way to share-during covid I got so many family members (in lockdown) to email stories of growing up on the grandparent's farm with stories centered around food ( a noncontroversial subject) and I collected them, painted images to accompany the stories and then did self-publishing and gave the illustrated books as Christmas gifts. I think the round-robin emailing was as joyful for family members as the finished product/collection of stories. Hope this gives ideas to others of ways to share painting in community.

[@CreativesIgnite]

THIS IS AN AWESOME IDEA Marti!!!!! thanks for sharing it and yes I meant to all caps it. I think what you made was incredible and what a wonderful gift for your family. Did you have them printed or just send a digital copy to everyone. I am always looking for places to print books at. And thanks for sharing your project, commenting here and for watching the episode. :)

[@kimberlywalker280]

Amazing information, here...thank you so much. 💖

[@ElkSomi]

Absolutely love Sandi!

[@CreativesIgnite]

me tooo!!! She is incredible.

[@conniesponaugle3322]

Thanks Sandi, it made my morning seeing your vidio.

[@CreativesIgnite]

I'm so glad! She has a way of doing that for sure! Hope you have a great day today Connie.

[@jlm517rocks]

Best interview ii could choose over specific techniques ever. Ty both.

[@CreativesIgnite]

She is a huge blessing to me. Her joy and her experimentation and how she shares her faith have helped me a ton. I am so glad you enjoyed the conversation!

[@kathyhackney7950]

I love Sandi

[@CreativesIgnite]

I do too!!!! Her joy is infectious and I love the freedom in what she creates. She makes me want to grab my paints and tools right then and there and get started! Thanks for watching Kathy!

[@fin.etcetera]

Its funny. I just came across Sandi’s videos for the first time a couple of days ago and as I was watching, I kept thinking, “She reminds me so much of Diane!” Throughout each and every video I watched, little things just made me think of you! Of course, KZbin kept suggesting more of her videos and then I saw Creatives Ignite and I just had to laugh. Glad to see you doing well, Diane! ☺️

[@CreativesIgnite]

Hey Fin!!! I love Sandi! I was glad I found her too. She is full of Joy and exploration and wonder. Her story is inspirational to me. I am glad you are well too. I would love to catch up with you sometime soon. Have you been making more art?

[@fin.etcetera]

​@@CreativesIgnite I try to play and make art, but it's never as often as I hope. Catching up would be lovely-I'll get in touch soon! 😊

[@CreativesIgnite]

@@fin.etcetera Can't wait fin! I would love that too. Also I have found it so important for my mental health to draw and paint and create more!

[@jessicastrideart]

A great interview with the lovely Sandi!💗

[@CreativesIgnite]

Thanks Jessica, I agree Sandi is amazing and she was terrific to interview.

[@paulaweed9737]

Wow!❤

[@CreativesIgnite]

Thanks Paula! I love Sandi, she is super inspiring to me!

[@alloftheaboveeunicesmith9625]

Love Sandi. love an art conversation that shows Our Creator and His purpose in Making us creators … about art and life love it all

[@CreativesIgnite]

Amen Eunice!!!! God is the Master Creator. thank you for watching and for sharing down here in the comments! You made my day!

[@minnahumble2294]

When someone tells you that your work is childlike, remind them that Picasso once said that he was born painting like an adult and it took him a lifetime to learn to paint as a child.

[@CreativesIgnite]

AMEN!!! Simplicity is one of the hardest things to get back to. I love Sandi's work and her spirit!

[@ErnestVikiStout]

I want to buy her art but I have to wait until I'm moved and settled one last time

[@CreativesIgnite]

Me too. I am always too slow and the pieces I want are already sold. Ha i just have to be more on top of it. I know i will get one soon! good luck to you on your move and settling. and thanks for watching!!!

[@hanneloreschultz2478]

WOW, I am so so so grateful to have found this wonderful ladies! So stoked that I can call you sisters! You are truly blessing me in this season of my life.

[@CreativesIgnite]

Amen!!!! me too I am so grateful it was what you needed, Hannelore (is that right?). Sorry it took me a little bit to get back to you. Sandi is truly a blessing and I love watching her journey! So glad you watched!!! Praying for you in this season.

[@sophiapapillon3716]

Typical Sandi quirky picks up a white mug, two minutes later picks up a patterned mug. If she left KZbin my world would be a little smaller. I love how she splurges paint in her sketchbooks. She can inspire anyone to try painting. I love that she talks about God and I love how she says mirror !

[@CreativesIgnite]

Oh Sophia I agree. My world would be smaller without her in it. She has a great accent and I love how she is unbridled in how she tried mediums and gets her sketches down. She is a great example of a passionate artist!

[@meredith7236]

Lol

[@CreativesIgnite]

Hey Meredith, Sandi always makes me laugh out loud too! happy new years!