Featured Artist Sandra Pearce

Artist Sandra Pearce creates ethereal watercolors that transport the viewer to magical and familiar places.

“Buongiorno Rio Arno” Watercolor, 21” x 14”

Born in England, I came to America on the Queen Mary, where I proudly won the Children’s Drawing Competition. America was a wonderful new world with warm summers, snowy winters and wild places to play. I still love those qualities.

“Carpets to Drapes, Fivizzano” Watercolor, 10” x 14”

One day I happened upon the medium of watercolor painting and it has captivated me ever since. Watercolor is at once challenging and relaxing, frustrating yet beguiling. Now I had to learn to add color to my value-only drawings as well as a myriad of different brushstrokes. In addition, I had to throw all that uncontrollable watery paint in the mix!

“Al Fresco” Watercolor, 29” x 21”

Subject matter broadened beyond still lifes and models in the studio. The world of color had opened up to me, offering overwhelming possibilities.

“Beyond the Cottonwood” Watercolor, 15” x 11”

In love with nature, I was soon introduced to plein air painting. At first it was daunting. But it only took getting used to distractions, including curious onlookers, in order to hone my outdoor painting skills and get hooked on painting in the fresh air on location.

“Gondolas at Sunrise” Watercolor, 14” x 10”

My next work transition came when I traveled to Italy for a workshop and painting vacation. What a glorious place! So much unspoiled antiquity, cobblestone paths and canals, olive groves and terraced vineyards, hill towns and monasteries, and passionate characters. I must return there, I must.

“Buongiorno Rio Arno” Watercolor, 21” x 14”

And yet there is far more of this world waiting for me. French countryside and Parisian cafes, Croatian storybook castles and turquoise waters, fishing villages, thatched cottages and hedgerows of my childhood England. I could go on and on…

“Café et Conversations” Watercolor, 29” x 21”

I want you to experience these fantastic locales with me. You are there beside me as you view my painting, it pulls you in as you hear clinking wine glasses, smell the saltwater, feel the atmosphere. Perhaps an emotional memory is stirred, or you are transported to that magical place and vicariously live those moments through my art.

“Vino con gli Amici (Piazza Napoleone, Lucca)” Watercolor, 14” x 21”

While following in the traditional watercolor style of my homeland, I consider my work realist-impressionist, painted either alla prima, or over several sessions depending on circumstances. Every piece I create is well-considered beforehand, through thumbnail studies of varied compositions, notans, color choices and approach. I am not a formula painter. Varying moods and subjects require different approaches.

“First Impression (Duomo)” Watercolor, 14” x 21”

I still have much to learn from the great masters, as I do continue to study with the best. I don’t think I shall ever stop learning, reaching and growing–always hungry for more and never satisfied.

“Chance of Rain” Watercolor, 22” x 15”

Painting is essential to my life. It nourishes my soul much as food nourishes the body.

Artist Sandra Pearce invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Enjoy her paintings and visit her website for more.

Link to Carolyn’s original article here.