Tips For Painting Self Portraits

In this video I share my tips for painting self portraits in a loose, abstract, painterly way. Things/people mentioned are listed below with links.
ONLINE CLASSES: www.sandihesterclasses.com
SUBSTACK: sandihester.substack.com
INSTAGRAM: / sandihesterart
WEBSITE: www.sandihester.com
PODCAST INTERVIEWS:
Jeanne Oliver: Episode 54: The Lies of Perfectionism with Sandi Hester
jeanneoliver.com/the-jeanne-o...
Sneaky Artist: Episode 38 (part 1) Painting for Joy:
thesneakyartist.libsyn.com/ep...
Sneaky Artist: Episode 38 (part 2) Painting for Joy:
thesneakyartist.libsyn.com/ep...
ArtWank: Episode 72 Artist and KZbinr
podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...
Authentic Obsessions: Episode 31 Enjoying the Process www.authenticobsessions.com/e...
Authentic Obsessions: Episode 45 Sketchbooks
www.authenticobsessions.com/s...
THINGS/PEOPLE MENTIONED:
*STRATHMORE MIXED MEDIA SKETCHBOOK:
www.tkqlhce.com/click-1001993...
CHANTEL JOFFEE:
www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gall...
• Chantal Joffe Studio
• Chantal Joffe, Self Po...
FULL SUBSTACK VIDEO ON LOOSE ART CHAT:
sandihester.substack.com/p/ne...
*The links (*) above are affiliate links - it doesn't cost you anything more to purchase when you go to these links - they just help me make these videos!

[@fatpicklestudiomagdalenatu8990]

I love how they don’t look like you but they really do, the expression in the eyes and the mouth it’s you. I like how you get the personality rather than the likeness.

[@sandihester]

Thank you! Really appreciate that!

[@conkrotwife]

Yes! Your comment perfectly describes these portraits!

[@janeandclementine]

I’m getting young Ruth Bader Ginsberg vibes from your live shots in the studio and what you are wearing and I’m loving it.

[@sueallen1945]

People really connect with faces and what is familiar, so seeing a likeness of you in the work I think is a natural instinct. I see the essence of you in these. I see softness, kind eyes, and gentleness.

[@sueallen1945]

People connect so much with faces for so many reasons. I think it’s natural for people to look for your likeness in your self portraits. I see the essence of you. I see kind eyes, a gentleness and warmth. I also see a woman who is intent and searching for something. Which is exactly what you are doing when you paint! I really love that! They are lovely!

[@hell.raisins]

there is nothing wrong with loving yourself and wanting to paint yourself. beautiful work.

[@brianura9178]

My teacher would sometimes say about photo realism, “We want more than just an itemized list of physical reality!” Love your work.💕

[@brittabeningfield3472]

What a stellar video, Sandi! Your discussion about photorealism vs. saying more was brilliant. I have come to love looser art, but have never really been able to figure out how artists choose what goes in and what's not necessary. You cleared that up for me, *finally*. YAY! Can't wait to see where that takes me. Thanks so much. I'm excited!

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad it was helpful!!!

[@jbonamo]

You are my favorite person to watch for art videos. You have a calming voice and everything about what you share is realistic and honest. Plus, your art work is amazing. I love seeing the play before many finished pieces. I'm continuing to binge watch as I work on my computer. Excited to paint later each day. Thank you for being you.

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoy the videos 🙌❤️

[@paintzen_]

Your sense of humor is absolutely amazing as well as your art. ❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

You are just all kinds of adorable. You are also inspiring me to stop scaring myself and paint already. Thanks bunches, Sandi.

[@sandihester]

You bet! We definitely don’t need to be scared when it comes to art - there’s always another piece of paper or canvas

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Sandi. Funny thing is I teach (journal arts) and my mantra is: "It's only paper, people". Guess I need to follow my own advice. Thank you again for your teaching and inspiration. Kelly@@sandihester

[@sandihester]

@@BookandPaperArts 😂

[@kathyhackney7950]

I really love that strathmore soft cover sketchbook. The 7 by 9 size just does something for me. I get so free in it and whether or not my art ends up being "good" I can look back through it and think "fun" ❤

[@trudyberry3267]

Thoroughly enjoyed this Sandi. The insights as to why artists strive to capture the essence of the unseen or their emotional response to a subject rather than a realistic or photo likeness is extremely helpful, not just for artists but also for educating the viewer on how to look for the artist's message. Art really is a language and the more artists teach it to others, the easier it is for them to understand. You are a great teacher Sandi.❤

[@sandihester]

Yes to the fact that it’s a language!!!!! 🙌❤️

[@Mauf3itio]

Loving the way you did the eyes on your more recent portraits! Love to follow your work along.

[@neb__]

About a year ago, I tried working from self-video because I just couldn’t stand the stiffness of photos and even mirrors any longer. What a revelation. Even screenshots from video have a life that I can’t replicate any other way. Definitely try it - your self-portraiture and the spirit in which you work could explode in the best possible way. 💕

[@jenniferrobinson8769]

I love these! Very inspiring!🎉 I feel that same sort of anti climactic feeling when I draw or paint something that is too accurate. It’s boring, as you said! But I’m also trying to understand what am I aiming for in my art practice. I can love to look at a beautifully realistic painting on my wall, but then hate that feels of pressure and tightness I feel when I’m attempting to achieve it. Sometimes the art I enjoy creating is not the same art that I would want to look at on my walls and decorate around. I’m really trying to mesh the two ideas into something I enjoy the process of doing with something I also love looking at! Every time I practice it does help me get closer to what I am trying to say with my art. A looong process! Thanks for this video, I think I’ll go try to paint my husband if he’ll sit still. Lol

[@valerieschoolcraft5084]

I loved seeing the painting by your niece and the conversation about "saying more."

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@laurelstephens3448]

Thank you so much for this video. I watched it to learn how you choose colors and shapes for your faces (wow, zooming in on a face blew me away - paused your video and tried it immediately on my phone - SO COOL!), but I was really just completely captivated by how you explained why you paint in your style. Perfect. Thank you!

[@triciabennetts6578]

Thankyou Sandi - loving the landscapes you showed in your sketchbook ❤

[@joannrabideau1657]

Sandi your videos are so inspirational. I always come away with quality information. If I lived in your area I would gladly sit for you!!!!

[@sandihester]

Ohhh that’s nice!

[@lisaroo3]

Hi Sandi! I just want to let you know that I recently purchased all of your classes (happy birthday to me lol!), and I just finished the Painting Birds class! I absolutely LOVED it! Your style of teaching is very approachable, professional and inspiring. I really loved learning without feeling any pressure to draw a perfect bird or something lol! It was also great to see how you use materials and colours together to create harmony in a piece. I learned a ton just from watching how you use materials and hearing you think aloud about your process (even if it slowed you down haha!). I can't wait to get started on your other classes! Thank you so much!

[@sandihester]

Ohhhhh THANK YOU!!!! What encouraging and helpful feedback!! Really appreciate you taking the class ❤️

[@beckycollett917]

Sandi, look at the reflection in the Sink mirror as you are explaining the bird exercises! I love the figure of yourself and how it transfers with your information about self portraits. Time 29:52. I would paint that. WOW!

[@sandihester]

I’ll look!!!

[@elizabethkjewelryandart]

I just found your channel about a week ago and I'm so glad I did! Thanks for sharing yourself ❤

[@lovdolls]

I loved this video Sandi and I love how you teach that less is really more when it comes to details. The picture and story of your niece was so inspiring thank you. All the self portraits were wonderful I'm trying this right away.

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!

[@quiltedclothdesigns]

I'm going to do the bird class on holiday break this year. I can't wait!!!!

[@christinebarone2151]

Yay. It’s second week Sandi Hester .. great tips. I can’t love you anymore, you crack me up 😂. I have not tried painting myself or drawing myself for that matter. I will give it a try. Trust me, it won’t be a masterpiece 🤦🏻‍♀️🤭

[@sandihester]

Soooo glad you enjoyed it! Mine aren’t masterpieces either - but they sure are fun!

[@sherylwhite2201]

I know what you mean about painting or drawing yourself...... All those points you made are true - she's available, free, does what you ask her, easy to get along with. And so much better than painting from a photo. I think it's a time honoured tradition too, many artists do series of self portraits

[@Blick_Art]

Your figurative art is amazing! Self-portraits really are a unique challenge, different from just about any other type of painting. One of our favorite, less well known painters, Zinaida Serebriakova did a number of self-portraits and paintings where she acted as her own model in costume. These paintings make us feel as though we really know this artist even more than just through reading her biography (which is quite sad). We think artists should do self-portraits, as skill-building exercises and as a kind of journaling for ourselves, and as a record for friends, family, and descendants!

[@sandihester]

Love that Blick!!!

[@xurupe]

I just tried out your tips today, and I had to share with you what a joyful experience painting my self portrait was because I followed your advice and adopted your mindset. I never thought I would enjoy painting myself, and found the prospect of doing so very daunting and unappealing. I don't know about acrylics, so I wasn't super happy with the dried values/colors, but the overall portrait was very fun, and I can't wait to do more tomorrow! Thank you!

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad to hear that 🙌

[@Isis.creatrix]

you are so gifted and talented and deserve the world ♥️

[@susanwildt6535]

The comments about what you are going after is so helpful. For years I have been able to capture a likeness and do realistic….looser realistic art but I am not interested in doing that anymore. Unfortunately I haven’t done much at all in the past 15 years. I am looking for a new style that is more me now. So looser but saying more may be what I am after. Thanks Sandi. You are adorable by the way and if I never get to meet you down here, I will see you in that Artist’s Atelier in heaven. ❤

[@sandihester]

So glad it was helpful!

[@impish22]

thanks for making my Friday better Sandi !!

[@sandihester]

🙌❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@blackbat908]

This is so off topic but you look so much like Pamela Rabe, my favourite actress. Great work!

[@teresacox6107]

Absolutely loved, loved loved. I have been looking for this forever (in my art journey 😢)! Needed to hear all of it. Thank you 😅

[@annrubino6252]

Thank you, Sandi! I feel I have just had a wonderful visit with my favourite artist/friend. So much good, honest expression of creative feelings.

[@sandihester]

Awe thanks!

[@Janartable]

This was a great video. I LOVED what you had to say about what an artist is trying to say,and how you *look*at a painting. I hear all the time, that you’re painting a picture not taking a photo, that your style is welcome blah blah. But you know how you can hear it said ten different ways and then all of a sudden one person says it and it’s an AH HAH moment?! That was this video. Thanks Sandi. I’ve recently gotten back to painting and am doing a daily commitment of watercolor or gouache in my Stillman and Bern. And I’m *really* enjoying it. I’ve also just recently purchased some books about Cezanne, Manet, Renoir, Vincent Van Gogh. Really enjoying reading about their paths and their art. Just full of it all lately. And you brought me back! Thanks so much. Have a great day. (Your hair is fab)

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it and that it was helpful!!

[@claudiagonzalez9754]

I love your work, and your energy, everytime I watch your videos I feel inspired to paint, draw and play. thanks so much for sharing your gift 😍💖

[@sandihester]

Ohhh I’m so glad to hear that!

[@sayitlikeyoumeanit]

Sandi! I love your art 💞 have you ever considered doing a chronological tour of all your sketchbooks from a certain period of time? It would be a massive video but it would be really interesting to see how your art changes over a period of time. Just a suggestion!!

[@cbuck568]

Thank you Sandi! I’m trying to embrace a looser style instead of feeling tight and like everything I draw or paint needs to look like an illustration from a textbook. This video really clicked with me and gave me so much to think about and implement. Thanks for sharing so many different examples and for the thoughts at the end regarding capturing more than just what you see. It was exactly what I needed to hear. 💕

[@sandihester]

Ohhhh good 🙌❤️

[@jodiepugh8529]

I really enjoy your style and insight after watching your videos I am always so inspired to get back in the studio!

[@maybekatie]

I could listen to you talking about your painting process all day! ❤

[@KikiFu]

Hey Sandi, Great stuff. People might think they like the self portrait due to it having a slightly more accurate likeness but oftentimes people don't really know why they like things. Out of everything you showed us in this video that painting has the most balanced composition and better color combos than any of the other paintings. Maybe try that color combo again but paint someone else or even an animal. Then post it. I think you'll get a similar response. The reason I think this is because I've been painting all my life and I know how to look at paintings. This really works. You have muted contrasted primaries in the background (with interesting shapes) you have slightly brighter modified primaries in the face pulling our eye into the foreground ( yellow eye lids, green eyes green in the skin and red lips) all of this really made the pops of pink cheeks and blue glasses and purple hair balance out very nicely. So you might have 2k people saying they appreciate that it looks like you because they don't have a clue that they are actually drawn to the fabulous color harmony. Just something to think about. ❤

[@sandihester]

That’s a great point!!!

[@junemaguire5053]

Absolutely love wonky faces, enjoyed this video very much. Thank you.

[@sandihester]

🙌❤️

[@shannoncamilli663]

I love using myself as my own model too! And there is nothing wrong with doing so because you love yourself and think you are great 😉♥ Your art work always inspires me, thank you so much for your videos 😘

[@Psychodynamic431]

Hi Sandi, timing couldn't have been better. I was just thinking today that I have an urge to to do some self portrait..and here you are❤

[@sandihester]

Ohhh that’s great!

[@bethcrawford6876]

I enjoy watching your videos immensely. I love that you share so much about your artistic process, all of the thoughts behind it and the joy that comes with it. I have always really liked the figures that appear in your work and these latest portraits are no exception. I love them. Thank you for sharing them.

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much Beth!

[@helenkoomen4020]

Allways looking forward to your video's, my special treat on a saterday morning (living in the netherlands). It allways makes me itch to go paint and gives me new ideas and get my creativity rolling. Saving up to buy your classes. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us ❤

[@sandihester]

That is so special! So glad you enjoy them ❤️

[@shelleoshelle7252]

Thank you Sandi! I needed this.

[@CandyMorrigan-pk8in]

Love this Sandi ❤

[@dianetullio.art.]

This is great, thank you. Love it so much 💛

[@lightbulbnirvana]

Got to be one of your best posts, Sandi! I definitely learned something new. Something that I like knowing and has profound depth for me: what value that looseness has in representative painting. It reminds me of the power of legends and myths, which are nothing but loose histories of human interactions. Thank for sharing this post. Cheers from California 🌼

[@krissy2321]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you 💛

[@MSKCCooke]

I love how you have explained more of your process and how convenient we are as models. But the best was how you encorporated your Mom's thoughts and the gave your niece's painting as an example....it makes perfect sense now! ❤

[@sandihester]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yorkiemom4272]

Finally, someone with more brushes than me! This is such a great video. Thanks for the inspiration. Your art is awesome.

[@ChantelleArts]

there's some really helpful tips here! I love that you create portraits using so many different kinds of art styles 😊

[@sandihester]

So glad it was helpful!!!

[@phyllisweekes]

I have been watching and loving your videos for a few years now. You have made me smile,laugh out loud, inspired me to paint and thoroughly enjoyed my time with you in your studio and me in mine. But this video is my favorite because of your description of that fabulous family dinner rendering of your niece. So much truth in so few words. The very essence of painting for me is to find that child in me and let it go. You have helped me find my way. Thank you for being you and sharing yourself with all of us. ❤

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you ❤️

[@kauru3844]

I just love the painting at @0:20

[@gadegaby]

I’ve been waiting for this one! I looove your self portraits so much 😍 thank you for the inspiration 🤗

[@sandihester]

Ohhhh good ❤️

[@gayneels5169]

Thank you so much Sandi for being you , & sharing you. You’re a rock star !!!!

[@sandihester]

Awe - thanks!

[@laurenmeyers3301]

I appreciate your videos so much! You give so many great ideas and hearing your perspective on things really helps me to not be so critical of my own artwork and just enjoy the process. You are truly a gift! Thank you for what you do!

[@apronhugsingreeenbay]

Thank you, Sandi. Your tip to zoom in to abstract is priceless!

[@sandihester]

Oh good!

[@lisaburda5490]

Thank you, Sandi!! Such an insightful, fun and kind video ❤️

[@sandihester]

❤️❤️❤️

[@barbarapalacios3372]

Thank you!! I was waiting for this!!! Its very Helpful

[@sandihester]

🙌❤️

[@jacquelinewall8289]

Loved this video! I think you should take another look at the picture you said you didn’t like and others did. The reason everyone says it “looks” like you is because you captured the essence of you! Just like your nieces picture. They people may look exact but you know who they are. Just like your self portrait! We know who it is because you captured the feeling and essence of you. It’s just what you say you’re looking for. Look again you definitely hit the mark!

[@sandihester]

Ahhhh good point!!

[@quietlife7186]

WOW 😲!!! THANK YOU for taking the time to explain the thinking behind your abstract painting 🖌️🎨 style!!! I love the idea of saying MORE than what immediately comes to mind when looking at a painting!!! I really want to think about that. Thank you for all of the thought and work and teaching that you put into your videos. Your work is so appreciated Sandi! Sending you lots of love and appreciation for who you are as a person and as a "friend" and online teacher!❤❤❤

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad it was helpful!!!

[@watchmanonthewall77744]

I love the way you discussed abstract / expressionistic versus photo real...i never really understood that before but your right....photo real is really a depiction of the outside details...an artist perfecting realism and perfection in the outside details of the world around them ....but absract is HOW things are seen by an artist, about what is on the inside of the artist....how THEY see and how they FEEL about a subject and the world around them...color, lines, details all significant and saying somthing. Though i too am in awe of how artist's can perfect such realistic details especially in water or reflection, it has been abstract expressionism that has always drawn me in...but i never could put my finger on why until now. Its the FREEDOM of expression of expressing how an individual interacts, understands and explores the world around them...abstract or loose expressionism is like visually journaling your feelings your emotions about somthing expressing them in a very visceral tangible way..its a look inside of who we are and invites a viewer into the artists world...to know somthing about who they are ...its about a very human need to be understood. Thank you for sharing that.

[@sandihester]

Well said

[@jennytellier631]

Love the portraits and seeing the different materials and approaches. Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing who you’re looking at too. Maybe a portrait painting class in the future?! 👀

[@sandihester]

definitely a figure painting class in the future!

[@leesvision]

I love when I find and learn about new artists, like yourself. I get alot of inspiration from other artists. Much love ❤️ 🙏

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@KLeonardM]

Yay!!! I caught you. Sandi you make me smile. You're so inspiring..

[@sandihester]

Awe - thank you ❤️

[@gwenritch]

I love your take on your process. Thanks so much for this video. So much to take in. find when I try to do loose, it turns cartoonish especial if its people or animals and I dont know how I feel about it. I used to paint abstract for a couple years and then fell away….weird how we go through stages but I guess thats growth

[@melissaamyx2196]

Happy Sandi Hester video Friday! I really love your portrait paintings, they're so vibrant and alive!

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@Zoomfreaky]

super cool video Sandi! Love it. Learned a lot. I really enjoy how you put paint down.

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it!!

[@wilmamccoul]

As always, I lovvvve your videos. They are so warm and sunny. I admire your courage and envy your freedom. I struggle so much with just letting go. I feel like it has to look good enough to show someone or if someone picks up my work, they’ll see something decent. Ugh. Thank you so much for being so you.

[@sandihester]

We all struggle with that and it takes practice to not feel like that and I can quickly slip back into it too if I’m not careful

[@heatherhoepsintuitiveart]

I just love your art vlogs and your self portraits are just as delightful as your landscapes and still life paintings. So inspirational your versatility and curiosity in all these different ways of expression. ❤

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@suzannesperl4917]

Sandi, I love this video and I just love how you share. I appreciate your realness about everything. Watching your videos and your work is truly enjoyable (and inspiring). Thank you.

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!

[@eileenhoney6426]

Sandi! Another great video! You’re such a natural in front of the camera. Love all of the portraits in your sketchbooks. You are so dedicated to your art.

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@aimeerelf3673]

Sandi this is such a wonderful, insightful inspiring post. I love your portrait work. Thank you so much for sharing your process ❤❤

[@sandihester]

Thank you 🥰❤️

[@elizabethcameron6045]

Hello, Sandi! All of the self-portraits may have some physical likeness to you, but I see a depth of feeling in each one that tells of the differing aspects of you as a human being. These portraits point ever so subtly to the complexities and brilliance that is Sandi Hester. I absolutely LOVE these because they all tell a different story about you. Brilliant!

[@sandihester]

Really appreciate that Elizabeth!

[@Mariana-ym6zf]

That was a very inspirational video! Thank you

[@sandihester]

Awe - thanks!!!

[@cindylammon6036]

Such a fun video this week! I loved your explanation of looseness and the art done by your niece really turned on a lightbulb for me. Thank you so much for all you share.

[@sandihester]

So glad it was helpful!

[@maisycakes1125]

Wow! Just Wow! And Thankyou Sandi - This video was outstanding on many levels. I think you are an amazing and generous teacher and I applaud you.

[@sandihester]

Awe - thank you SO much!

[@cathybockel1213]

Another great inspirational and informative video❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sandihester]

Yayyyyy

[@ajbush-rz3bd]

Loved this!! I learned so much. I have been doing some self portraits with you as inspiration but I couldn’t get to the point of using much color in my face, now I can’t wait to do another and really look! Thank you!!!

[@sandihester]

So glad !!!!

[@madhabitz]

I watch your videos trying to figure out a correlation between what you say and what you show as examples. I haven't accomplished my goal quite yet, but I always enjoy the time spent and often learn something, which I appreciate. Today I am trying to understand your interpretation of abstract, as opposed to what I think of as primitivism. And for what it's worth, while I enjoyed your explanation about how it's just easier and more comfy to use yourself as a model, I feel like you should embrace the notion of self portrait. It's a totally valid and fun aspect of what you're doing. There is a whole long tradition of artists using themselves as model and it's fabulous.

[@rebeccamccrady5994]

Came across your channel. Loved your method and style. I just subscribed.

[@sandihester]

Oh awesome! Welcome!!!

[@karenvc8005]

I just love your self portraits! You are so right about the availability of using self as model and managing the self consciousness. I have year of sketches and painting of my husband and he does get impatient with my request for holding a pose - which honetly is him lying on the sofa watching the Cleveland Cavaliers or Browns! He also get bugged that I do make an effort to capture his nose, which is very DeNiro-like - but we love what we love.

[@sandihester]

Yes, Grady’s usually sitting in a chair or couch too 😂🙃

[@sandrarahimi5688]

This was very informative. I love your style and the impressionistic self portraits. I hope you are thinking of creating a self portrait/ portrait online class. I have done several self portraits for various art classes and workshops. None of them look like me, or how I see myself, but they all look like portraits of the same woman, whoever she is, lol.

[@catherinefreese9310]

Your explanation of aiming for more depth in abstraction was excellent! Thank you so much that really resonated with me. You are an excellent teacher.

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@kathsoulsby873]

Watching this excellent video has inspired me to try to draw portraits that have that wonky look as they are so appealing. Thank you as usual for all your insights and great tips.

[@sandihester]

So glad it was inspiring!

[@GoldenAstroCat]

I can totally relate to everything you say in this video Sandi, and feel my own approach to painting understood and validated! Thank you so much! I just saw an Instagram post of a photorealistic painting and all the comments were saying how incredible it was and how it was 'real art'. It was certainly an example of tremendous technical skill, but for me it lacked soul. It made me sad to think that this was what people seemingly valued. So watching you and your work was a breath of fresh air and revitalized me! ❤❤❤

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!

[@SamiaCreative]

Hi Sandi!! I absolutely loved this video. Watching you work is always so fun. I'm awful at being able to look at myself for self portraits but maybe I should try it again... it's just so awkward for me for some reason haha. I also started my own art KZbin channel today 🥹 I've been so scared but I finally did it after talking about it for years and years!

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it and way to go!

[@krystal9077]

Wow, this has inspired me, ive been trying to work on being more loose because it does really feel like im visiting my childhood all over again, and it reminds me of how i looked at things in an interesting way back then, and i love that being loose means to me like freedom and not only connecting with your innerchild but also connecting with other children and adults who see something that makes them feel like they can play with art in many different ways and tell stories, and stories is what touch peoples heart to home than creating something really perfect in my opinion, like the strokes we paint during a certain time can tell more about our mood that day as well as what we were thinking, and how we were expressing the way we felt, sandi thankyou again you really nailed this one! 😊❤

[@sandihester]

So glad it was helpful!

[@debratom8855]

Whenever I watch your videos, I'm inspired to try different methods. This video might just get me out of my art freeze... 🤸‍♀️ Thank you Sandi. Xo

[@sandihester]

🙌

[@Ann-ux2gx]

This is so helpful! Thank you. I paint abstracts but also like faces and figures…this video helps me see that if I look at small parts, I can see them as abstractions, and not worry about my ability (or lack of) of attempting something realistic. So good!

[@sandihester]

Yes - totally! Glad it was helpful!

[@intuitiveannapriscilla4694]

Beautiful

[@nancyloomis3046]

Sandi, so interesting to hear what you have to say about what you like in your art…what YOU want to achieve. I’ve only been doing more serious art-making in the last 5-6 years after virtually ignoring my need to create meaningful art for several decades. And while I know I’ve improved, I know I need to be constantly “after it,” and realized I need more coursework to push me along. If I hadn’t already signed up for two different online courses, I’d sign up for your birds course and it will def be on my agenda for NEXT. Thanks so much for all your inspiration! ❤

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@ruthstettmer-sultana6478]

Great inspiring video as always Sandi! Thanks. I have never painted portraits in my life (actually I am a watercolour landscape artist) but honestly seeing your work makes me feels so excited about Portraits and figures and curious. Ok so if you ever make a class (PLEASE!!!) I will definitley challenge myself and join in.

[@sandihester]

I definitely plan on doing a figure painting class at some point in the future!

[@cathybockel1213]

Thank you❤

[@elvirabackstrom1366]

Hey, just wanted to say the painting to the left at 22.50 is amazing with the blue/teal colour shifts i really love that one :) Great video as always, I watch them with my Saturday morning coffee and paint along on something in my sketchbook. One of the top moments of my week

[@sandihester]

Awe - thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@noa6200]

Thank you Sandi! Another great vid and great tips! I've avoided doing portraits because grrr and doing a selfie is even harder grmmmmph but you said the best things! I'm going to try it (instantly thought "tomorrow" haha, procrasti.. no no, NOW) and it doesn't have to look like me, or whoever I try to paint. That's a lot of tension out the door. I remember when I started drawing/painting again, I told myself it's good enough if it only suggests what the object is (I started with animals, not the easiest). See now I've started to ramble, when I have something to DOOOOO winkyface thankyouuuu have a great weekend! (also love the portraits and the pink glasses!)

[@sandihester]

Just have fun! Glad it was inspiring!

[@emmiejackson7554]

Sandi, THANK YOU SO MUCH for this video --- I'm so inspired by all the topics you covered, and have promised myself to use "me" as a model for my upcoming practices!!! And I do love your portraits -- I'm grateful that you shared them! Please keep showing them. (And that WAS a GREAT question from your mom, and it caused you to give more info to us!!) I look forward to the possibility of a class on "loose painting" of portraits...) Best wishes!!

[@sandihester]

So glad you liked the video!!

[@audreybennettart]

Oh no Sandy! I was one of those who commented on the likeness on instagram and now I feel bad about that! It just so excited me to see your lovely, cheerful face represented in such a very "Sandy" painting way. Sorry about that, gal. I learned so much about your process from this video though! I love hearing how you always are pushing yourself toward growth and toward enjoying the experience of the making of art.

[@sandihester]

Nooooo please don’t feel bad!!! I thought about that after I posted the video - that some that commented may feel bad and I don’t want that at ALL!!! I totally get it!!! ALL those comments were soooo nice! I just wanted to explain that that’s not my purpose and it doesn’t have to be the purpose.

[@ina_lina]

I'm always happy to see a new Sandi video. In 2009, and again in 2019, I did a series of 100 self portraits in 100 days. I chose myself for the same reason you did: a model who's free, always available, and doesn't complain. I had to laugh when you mentioned people asking, "why don't you smile?" I got the same question, and actually tried smiling in a couple of them 😂 When you talk about childlike drawing, I think of Lynda Barry, and wonder if you have read any of her books or watched any of her videos about it. Thanks for making such lovely videos.

[@sandihester]

Yes to painting teeth 🤨🤷‍♀️. I don’t think I’ve heard of that artist - I’ll look her up!