Bio/Resume
"Impressions of Nature"

Juried Associate Member of PSA - Pastel Society of America
Member of LAI - Landscape Artists International
Member of AAWA - American Academy of Women Artists

"When I am attracted to a scene, if I do not sketch it...I have a feeling of having lost something."
                                                                                                             Charles Burchfield  (1893 - 1967)

     Primarily a self-taught artist, Sandy was an art major throughout high school. She received much encouragement from her mentors and teachers in her earlier years and has worked hard she says, by studying every art book possible, through trial and error and by way of blood, sweat and tears. Although experienced in most mediums, favorites are pastels, oils and watercolours. Particularly passionate about pastels she loves the dramatic contrasts, the rich layers of colours and the vibrant visual luminescence that can be achieved with pastels. She believes that the pastel medium will help achieve what she wishes to capture in the essence of nature.

     Accomplishments are varied including the illustrations of the book titled "Nature Buffs Story", also illustrations for the ghost tours of Lambertville, NJ (illustrations were on permanent exhibit in the Lambertville House Hotel, Lambertville, NJ). As the exclusive, official artist for Hammersmith Farm in Newport, Rhode Island (which was owned by Jacqueline Kennedy's mother and was the Summer White House during the term of John F. Kennedy) numerous pieces were painted which included the landscape, flower gardens, and mansion of the property. Also this artist's palette of experience includes the honor of being the Featured Artist of The Deep Run Festival of the Arts (1999), Featured Artist of Hockessin Art Festival, Delaware (2007), also designing theatre sets, painting wall murals for Designer Homes and private homes, teaching art classes, organizing and managing art exhibits and painting murals for Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Doylestown, PA. Moreover, as an invited guest on a television network show, Sandy had the opportunity to exhibit her work and discuss her technique and style of painting. She also is the chairperson for the monthly Juried Art Exhibits held at the Northampton Cultural Center, Churchville, PA.

     Sandy's paintings have won numerous awards in pastels, watercolours and oils and have been exhibited in juried, invitational and group shows throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England area. She has also had the privilege of playing piano at some of those exhibits, including the Harrisburg Art Association Art Exhibits, Harrisburg, PA.
 
     Likewise her paintings are included in private collections throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland and England. Corporate collections include Keebler Corporation, and The Johnson & Johnson Corporation. Many of Sandy's pastel paintings are in the permanent collection of Ronald McDonald House in Delaware.

     In addition to working in Fine Arts, Sandy enjoys playing piano, composing music and writing, gardening and interior design.
 

MOST RECENT AWARDS:

     ■ Fall for the Arts Festival,           - First Place Award for Drawing/Pastels - 2007
         Chestnut Hill, PA

     ■ Bel Air Festival For the Arts,     - First Place Award,  Best Pastels in Show - 2007
         Maryland

     ■ Lansdale Art Show, PA                -First Place Award - category of watercolors & pastels - 2007