STUDIO VLOG n.24: THE UPS AND DOWNS OF PAINTING

[@katiemynette4285]

Heart of Kentucky. SANDI. Love your work. I like fun too. Katie.

[@sandihester]

🤗🤗🤗🥰

[@EzenamiStudio]

I'm so in love with that jar of cherries and all the transparent layers that went into that

[@sandihester]

Thank you!!!

[@trishmontesano6703]

Loved watching the process!!! Thank you for sharing it and being so open and honest!!😃

[@heidioberman3266]

Hi Sandi, Love all your videos, but especially this one because you share your struggles. I can’t get enough of your work, your studio and your wonderful humor. Thanks for letting us come along!

[@sandihester]

Awe, thank you so much Heidi!!! So kind of you!!!! Thank you for watching and for leaving me such a nice comment!

[@sandihester]

Awe, thank you so much Heidi!!! So kind of you!!!! Thank you for watching and for leaving me such a nice comment!

[@annalee3195]

I love when you invite us into your process. It helps to understand the importance of perceverence.

[@smilesoftexas]

I am so enjoying your videos. YOU are adorable, and I love how expressive your art is. My biggest battle is being able to let go and relinquish control over the medium. I’d like to paint with abandon like you do. I appreciate how you are able to capture your joy in your paintings without treating each stage of the painting as being too precious to alter. It’s fun to watch the inspiration and evolution of your paintings and how you share your journey through the painting process.

[@sandihester]

Thank you Debbie! It does take practice to let go and you can see that I do struggle with that but by keeping going it’s helping me not stay in the frustrating times too long. Thanks for watching!

[@melaniehenson8628]

Loved this video and the finished painting. What a delight! So interesting observing/ absorbing your process and painting style. Please make more videos of you painting! 🙏 😇

[@2youngbon2]

This finished still life is really happy! It is so you.

[@Chrysalis52]

YES, YES, YES...I love your process and your problem solving and the style you are trying to move towards. I'm learning a lot from watching you, thanks for sharing!!

[@maryh9769]

you are just greaaaat....,i like how you paint and everything .:)

[@Karen-qf3rs]

Great video!! IT is easy to get caught up in the "do you like this" syndrome. People are going to like some of my art and some will not. And that is OK. Thanks for putting that out there. A great reminder to let the creative mind flow. That is when you make the most successful art YOU like. I love watching you as you have such a positive attitude from the "inside out".

[@rsbersagel717]

Love your feasty tables .... I'm still catching up in your vids so get some good binges now & again!

[@sandihester]

I’m glad to hear that! Thank you for watching!!!!

[@maryvsshehan4808]

Thank you so much Sandi, you are an inspiration. My work has been very tight and made me so anxious I did everything else but create! I just retired, sold my house, gave away most of my furniture and "stuff", moved out of the city to a small college town and into sweet little rental. My mind has more space to play and create and you are filling me with good thoughts and excitement! You are a blessing.

[@sandihester]

Awe - so happy to hear this - thank you so much! I'm so glad you're finding inspiration here! Just get in there and start creating and enjoy it!

[@MelanieChadwick]

Lovely to see you working on this painting. Related to you observing and really looking at how other artist's resolved their paintings, I do this in my illustration work when I'm stuck and I just need a little creative help- I also go back to my past pieces too, and that really helps me.

[@sandihester]

Thank you Mel! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Yes, I go back to older work too - that’s always helpful.

[@debbiedew1]

I love your vlogs don't ever stop!!

[@sandihester]

Awe - thank you Debbie!! I’m not stopping!

[@lisahatch2649]

The painting turned out awesome. You mentioned you like painting cups, have you considered doing a painting of your grandmothers teacups or ceramics she created, maybe do a still life with those added elements...😊

[@sandihester]

I’ve painted those several times actually! 🤗

[@lorenalong5866]

A ton of thanks for this! Very encouraging!

[@thefreylife]

Good morning Sandi! I’m doing my therapy and exercise bike while I watch you paint :)

[@sandihester]

Triple timing it friend 🙌!!!

[@OllieandBella]

It turned out amazing! You inspire me in every video 💕🌟 Roll on Friday, hurry up FRIDAY!!!!! 😆

[@sandihester]

You crack me up!!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Friday is a long way away from now though...

[@sigrunella1]

As a very stiff painter I love to learn from your looseness and seeing the whole process you go through in your vlogs is very helpful! On another note, just saw that Golden is coming out with with new matte acrylic paint, SoFlat. Watched their facebook live video from and was fascinated. Sounds like something you would enjoy :)

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much! Yes, I heard about the SoFlat and reached out to them to see if they'd send me some to try to be able to tell you guys about it and they're going to send me some - whooohooo! I can't wait!

[@kr2112]

Sandi: This just happened to pop up this morning when I was looking at something completely different. It says it’s from a year ago (today is 9/20/22). It may be the best video or post I’ve ever seen someone do. What you did and gave, the generosity of sharing this process, is so powerful and helpful. I hope I will find more like these and that you will make some new ones in this vein, too. It’s one thing for us to see glossed over moments and finished work on so many people’s posts, and quite another to see someone really making decisions and to hear why and see it in action that makes such a difference. I feel like I can go and make a painting with a lot more insight than I ever could before. Thank you for making this. I’m not sure if you’ve realized what a gift this was. So, if you haven’t, I’m telling you now and letting you know that I sincerely appreciate you. :-)

[@sandihester]

Well goodness Kimberly - thank you for taking time to encourage me in this way! I don’t even remember what that video was about but I’ll take a look at it! Thank you!❤️

[@kr2112]

@@sandihester Isn’t it funny how something could be so important when we are doing it and then we move on and it disappears for us? I was supposed to be working on something else and now I have watched four of these older videos (I think 25&26 or 24&25? This one and it’s second part. And then 32&33. I even sent them to my friend.). Now I might miss SD’s Patreon today, because I have to work and skipped it to watch four videos!!! Hahahaa! I learned a lot so there is a lot gained!!! Anyway, thanks, again! Watch all four of those. You’ll crack up! And also be reminded of your greatness. It’s always nice to be inspired retrospectively by how you were able to inspire others. :-)

[@magpie_mel]

I found my way here via Mystele and she did not lead me astray! I love watching your process and it's SO refreshing to watch an artist show the ups and downs of a piece of work -- it helps those of us who ride the struggle bus on the regular to know gorgeous paintings don't just emerge fully formed. :) Looking forward to your next video!

[@sandihester]

Awe - well, WELCOME! soooo glad to have you here and I'm thrilled you enjoyed the video! I really want people to see the good and the bad work - we live in an age where all we see are people's best and that's just not life!

[@kabruder]

I'm glad you didn't give up, Sandi. I loved the final result!

[@sandihester]

Ohhhh, thank you Karen!!

[@smilesoftexas]

Just FYI, you mentioned adding gesso to your acrylics. I use gesso with all of my acrylic mixes. Even if it’s just a touch. It improves the opacity in your colors and gives me a texture that I’m enjoying right now. I love the opacity and matte quality of gouache but the permanence of acrylic. The addition of gesso to acrylic helps achieve that look.

[@sandihester]

That’s a great tip!

[@melaniehenson8628]

Thanks for that awesome tip! Off to try it right now. 😊

[@Kd33_art]

Hey Sandi, Still LOVING your Vlogs.Thank you so much for sharing your process. It is more inspirational than you could ever know. KR P.S.- TAPE HACK - use a hair dryer to pull it off cleanly (also works with band aids without irritating your skin)😃

[@sandihester]

Thank you soooooo much - I’m so glad you enjoy them! Yes, I’m aware of that hack - I’m just way to impatient to go get the hairdryer 😬

[@indranidey5114]

like your application of colors...your involvement with your work is great

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!

[@Kathy.Cooksey6]

It's great to see how you resolve the "problem." Thanks for sharing your joys and struggles. You are so strong!

[@sandihester]

Awe - thank you Kathy!

[@deborahmeyers7839]

Awsome you persevered it's beautiful vibrant interesting 🌺

[@sandihester]

Thank you! 😊

[@goodvibeart]

I liked the rug :(. Loved the process, thank you for sharing. Good video.

[@sandihester]

Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!

[@lovejoyy]

I really love these videos. I learn a lot. Thank you for taking the time to film them.

[@sandihester]

You’re more than welcome! Thanks for letting me know that you’re learning a lot from them 🤗

[@kylemartinpaintings]

Your videos are a hi light of my week! It’s great seeing you working through this one!

[@sandihester]

Really?!?!? Well, thank you Kyle - that means a ton! I’m so glad you enjoy them!

[@sandihester]

Really?!?!? Well, thank you Kyle - that means a ton! I’m so glad you enjoy them!

[@sandihester]

Really?!?!? Well, thank you Kyle - that means a ton! I’m so glad you enjoy them!

[@julieavisar2018]

Sandi, your videos are amazing and so authentic!! I’m learning so much from them and thank you so much for your generosity!!

[@sandihester]

Awe, Julie - that makes me so happy to hear!!!! Thank you for taking time to share that with me!

[@tonyaricucci7659]

Love watching you work. It's very helpful. In this video you mention going to look at artists' whose backgrounds you like. I'd love to know whose work inspires you. Thank you for the video.

[@sandihester]

Thank you! I'm always sharing artist's in different ways (here and on instagram) that inspire me. I have a couple of books I'll be sharing soon!

[@iamsimplyblue]

Loved the video. Amazing how you do that whole background and then decide what you’re going to paint over it... and the result is wonderful! Your style is so much fun to look at. Thank you, Sandi!

[@sandihester]

Thank you Eileen! It’s really all about solving problems (in my head and on the canvas 😂)

[@bunnyrose9525]

Rewatching! Yes, I love the process and seeing you working the paint on the palette and applying it. I know that sounds like really specific, but sometimes it's the little things you take for granted that people are like, wait, how did they do that? :) My acrylics never look like that. 🤣 Somewhere between the palette and the canvas, things just go horribly wrong.

[@sandihester]

Sometimes they go horribly wrong for me too! It happens to ALL of us! Don’t be discouraged by that!!!

[@Gabby-ey9br]

❤love love your work...Gabby in NZ

[@gayebrodie9664]

Hi Sandi, I love your process video and the finished painting is so happy and joyful looking. After all that struggle!!! I particularly liked the way the underpainting came through on the table with the jars.

[@sandihester]

Thank you Gaye! I loved how the under painting showed through too! I love how “saving” parts does that! It’s so fun!

[@wendytaylor1486]

Sandi,looking at this one again,I think it’s great but was great too when you first blanked out things at the front of the table as the slightly darker edge looked to me like the fold in a tablecloth where it drops over the edge,just a thought.

[@sandihester]

Good eye!

[@veronicagreen6180]

Wow Sandy a totally love the end results!,, beautiful

[@sandihester]

Ohhh, thank you Veronica!!!

[@franswey2]

Thank you for sharing. It was wonderful finding a new video when I wasn’t expecting one.....Ahhhhhh.😁 🥳 Yes, love watching you figure out your next step still keeping your eye on where you were and where your going. I really like the way you use a mirror and l’m trying to see how it will help me. I like how your painting came out. I liked all the different patterns and things you made work together. Have a great weekend. Stay warm, safe and well. Enjoy your time with Grady~ Fran

[@sandihester]

Thank you FRAN! I’m so glad you liked it!

[@sachet22]

I LOVE, LOVe, love watching the process Sandi… I still need to find the Value,. Mirror Finder tool… any ideas? Xxx Leslie. Remember I am headlong into the BIRD class…

[@notbroken4342]

I have very similar processes to yours and love to watch your process videos and connect with what you are saying, experiencing and worrying about. You have inspired me to set up a permanent still life table too and I am now wishing I'd bought a large, colourful ceramic rooster at the thrift shop earlier this week because he clearly belongs on my table. Maybe I'll go back and look for him tomorrow. Have a lovely weekend!

[@sandihester]

I love this comment!! Hoping for the rooster to still be there!

[@madelynsmith8281]

I really love the painting! The colors just pop. Great job!!! 🙂

[@sandihester]

Thank you! 🤗

[@kathleenkaleookalanismith8724]

I like it!!!!

[@sandihester]

So glad!

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

I really like seeing your painting progressing and it’s fun how you show us your process - I’m learning a lot 😊 Like your cat too that walked into the studio 😅

[@sandihester]

So glad you liked it!! Yes, Finn loves to come in and get cat snuggles!

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

@@sandihester awwww 😻

[@TracyAlgar]

Thanks Sandi, I loved watching this so much. So inspiring!

[@sandihester]

Awe- thank you Tracy!!

[@jasperlotushawkins7607]

Hi Sandy! I love your finished painting and appreciate you sharing your process. The photo of the two bathers behind you is magnificent. Grandparents?

[@sandihester]

Thank you Jasper - I’m so glad you liked it!!! Yes, my grandparents- that’s my grandmother that was an artist and first put a paintbrush in my hand!

[@sandihester]

Thank you Jasper - I’m so glad you liked it!!! Yes, my grandparents- that’s my grandmother that was an artist and first put a paintbrush in my hand!

[@CraftingVicky]

was really fun to see you paint. Love your art space! Looks really cozy. New subscriber

[@sandihester]

Welcome! So glad to have you here! I'm really glad you liked it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@liliangarcez3180]

What a beautiful video that shows the difficulties of everyday life and not just the beautiful work done. Since you mentioned the masking tape, which one is the softest, that doesn't tear pieces of paper? 😘😘😘😘😘😍😍

[@sandihester]

Thank you!!! I really like the yellow masking tape - it does really good! I mention the name of it in the video.

[@kathleenbain3952]

Hi Sandi, loved this weeks vid! Learning by looking, slowing things down and taking a break. Is that snow falling? So beautiful. ❄️❤️

[@sandihester]

So glad you liked it Kathleen!! Yes, it was snow 🙌!

[@notbroken4342]

I use digital photos to 'see' my work but now I am going to try a mirror.

[@sandihester]

Hope it works for you! Let me know how you like using it and if it works for you.

[@eileengamache9128]

I learn something from every video you share❤️ I never appreciated or even recognized all the “marks” that are in the background of paintings like yours..you are actually teaching us how to appreciate art in a whole new way~ Have a great little vacation with Clint Eastwood and hurry back because we miss you already! xoE (@robinhillquilts)

[@sandihester]

Eileen what a great comment to get! Thank you so much!!!!!!!

[@AdriansPotteryArt]

another fun painting! Do you work on several paintings at the same time? It seems like it would fit your style.

[@sandihester]

Thank you! Sometimes I do but for these bigger ones sometimes I just have to stay in it or when I get to this frustrating part I will just move on so I’m finding I need to just see it through to the end.

[@christinecovert7995]

Curious about whose art you looked at...I often do the same.

[@latestarossa]

Hello, first of all thanks for sharing your workspace, but one question, how big is your studio ?m by ?m ?

[@sandihester]

I'm not really sure - maybe 25 by 25 feet

[@tonyaricucci7659]

P.s. I wonder if instead of painting over the beautiful cat when you extended the table, maybe you could have had kitty sitting on the table?

[@pamelaavery2483]

So angry you took out the car🙀

[@eileenhoney6426]

I think you should include your dog in a painting before he’s gone….

[@sarahhopkins577]

Hi Sandi! I am so curious to learn more about painting table tops (with stuff on them of course). As you do. I love how the table top is sort of at an angle to show the contents. Is this a particular style known by artists? I would love you to make a Vlog on this topic if you ever feel like it, because I have no idea how to approach a table top. Love all of yours!

[@sandihester]

I just really don’t worry about perspective. Still love artists have been doing that for forever