Though I first started painting (self-taught) as a teenager with oils, I more recently became intrigued with watercolor.  I prefer the lightness of watercolor as opposed to oil paint and enjoy being challenged by the more unforgiving media of watercolor.  Most of my painting is wet on wet, meaning I usually wet the area of the paper I am going to paint before applying color.  The flow of the paint in the water causes me to feel mellow, and I sometimes hold my head as I paint because I become so relaxed.  It has a very calming effect on me.

 

I enjoy painting in a realistic style because it comes naturally to me.  But I also try to challenge myself to using a looser style which gives my work a different look.  The Monart School of the Arts has given me the training and experience of painting with a looser style and stretching myself as an artist.  I have also been influenced by classes by local artist, Gayle Rappaport-Weiland.

 

My favorite subject is flowers and I enjoy using bright colors when depicting them.  The process of painting flowers gives me an uplifted feeling, which I hope is transferred to the viewer the same way receiving flowers makes one happy.

 

Sandy Coulter