ART SPEAK; FEB 2025 Edition

Artist Name: Sandra C. Gittleman 

How would you describe your work?  

My work is about painting meaningful reflections of nature, beauty and distinguished humanity, combining old world charm with modern day sophistication. The hallmark of my work is a distinctive palette rich with color, light and value. I love to create art that is beautiful, intelligent and classically skilled using oils and acrylics.  

Bridging The Gap is a good example of my work combining my love for nature with messaging. In Calgary, Canada there is a large gorge where the right and the left cliffs are bridged by a giant heart-shaped rock. This painting was inspired during an election season when it was obvious to me that only a divine intervention could bridge the gap of vast differences in our nation. The painting’s imagery extends as a message of hope for every impossible situation that with God all things are possible.  

Intermittently I divert to painting colorful abstracts. So, I would describe my work as classically refined with a wild side! 

Which other artists most inspired you?  

I am inspired by artists who are skilled in realism, specifically those who master chiaroscuro and light like Caravaggio, Rembrandt and John Singer Sargent. I am also captivated by Impressionists who convey their messaging using color and atmospheric dexterity like Monet and Cassatt.  

Where do you find your best sources for inspiration?  

Inspiration often comes to me in simple, but profound things that I enjoy…faith, family, friends, bird watching, people watching, sky watching, music, nature, gardening, and reading. Activities that draw me away from busyness and familiarity are a wellspring for endless messaging that inspires my paintings.  

What is the greatest compliment you’ve received about your work?  

Every compliment is a reward, but it is extra special when there is a genuine heart connection. One memorable highlight was when my painting, Covered in Red, spoke to the hearts of a couple who had suffered three miscarriages. The landscape depicts a large field of poppies sweeping the countryside of France that were planted as a memorial for those that died in WW1. The painting captures the visual story of redemption of life after death, of beauty from ashes. This husband and wife were overwhelmed with its messaging that spoke healing to their own hearts, and they bought it to celebrate their anniversary. Art has a way of speaking beyond words.

What are you working on now that you are excited about?

I am excited about pushing my expression through the elements of LIGHT and COLOR as seen in my recent heron painting, Love Is in The Air. North Carolina’s coast is home to flourishing egret and heron rookeries, and herons have a sentimental meaning for me and my husband since our first date. They always inspire a sense of awe, but the drama of this great heron with his full display of plumage really caught my heart. His unbridled joy speaks to me of freedom, and freedom is something this world longs for more of. A paintbrush full of extravagant color creating light out of darkness can be a powerful messenger.  

What is one piece of creative advice you wish you had learned sooner?  

No doubt I would be kinder to my younger self, have more fun and be less of a perfectionist. Though the drive towards perfectionism served me well in training my eye, it also resulted in insecurity, overworking pieces, and limited my presence in the public arena. My advice to all creatives today is GO FOR IT. Enjoy the journey, trust the process and press into fear. 

Where can our readers learn more about you and see some more examples of your work?  

I invite you to visit my website at www.vinedressercollection.com, and follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/sandragittleman_art/, and on Facebook at Vinedresser Collection.  

Locally, my work can be seen at Juelerye Artisan Gallery, 112 S Main St, Mooresville and at Sandra’s ART Studio, at 19837 South Main Street in Cornelius.

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