Written by Hi, I’m Sandra Strait, aka molossus, aka rooibas, aka myfeetshowit, from Fairview, Oregon. When I first got into social media I thought it would help if I had a different name for the various forums that I was in. It didn’t. To this day, I have ‘new’ friends who suddenly realize they’ve known me for years. I’ve also been accused of stealing my own artwork several times.
Before I continue, I want to let you know I’m holding a giveaway of Stonehenge Aqua paper for the people who comment on this post. Details are at the end of this post!
I’ve never had a formal education in art, just my 10,000+ hours of practice. I started out with school notebook paper and a cheap Bic pen as soon as I could hold one. Over the years, the paper got finer and the pens got fancier and I started using other mediums as well.
When I was drawing, people would say that my work looked like a painting. When I did oil painting, I was told that my paintings looked drawn. When I did Artist Trading Cards, using marker and acrylics, I was told they looked like miniature oil paintings. You may sense a trend here.
It’s possible that my slightly different way of doing things started when I was a child. My father was a zookeeper. In those days, the zoo didn’t have a nursery so, if a mother abandoned her babies, a zoo employee would take them home to raise. While all the other children in my neighborhood had cats and dogs for pets, I had lions and tigers.
I’m a firm believer that there really aren’t any ‘bad’ art supplies. We’ve all seen amazing works of art done by someone using toothpicks or the cheapest pens and paints. When I try out a new product I try to destroy it. That is, I push past what I know to be good technique until I see the limitations in the product. Then I try to learn how to use that product to the best of its limitations and …wait, there’s more… then I try to think of ways that I can use the tool in unexpected ways. Mind you, I’m more likely to push a cheap tool to total destruction than an expensive one. I’m a bit strange, not crazy!
About five years ago, my mother became very ill and I was spending long hours at the hospital with her. I started doing Zentangle, a method that uses patterns, and only needs a pen or pencil and a three-inch piece of paper. I fell in love with the technique because I could surprise myself as much as the viewer. I’d start drawing my patterns, and then decide what the drawing would be – sort of like finding animal shapes in the clouds.
Unfortunately, I loved tangling so much that I messed up my wrist, drawing constantly, and that’s when I started using watercolor. When I first began, I was using my non-dominant hand (I’m slightly ambidextrous) and by the time my wrist was better, I’d abandoned my old love, Zentangle, and taken up full time with watercolor. I do have to confess – I’m a terrible cheat. I frequently return to my old loves – Zentangle, ballpoint pen drawing, and mixed media, but I always come back to watercolor.
I still try to surprise myself. Not as much by starting without a result in mind, but by constantly changing the products that I use and the style I paint in. Last year, I painted a bird every week. This year I’m alternating between the quality of light and stylized paintings in the vein of Eyvind Earle and Zoltan Szabo. Right now, I don’t care for painting people, but tomorrow I may wake up and decide I’m going to paint people in court costume from the French Revolution. I just never know, and I love that.
Because I use so many color schemes and try so many brands, I’m constantly creating DIY palettes. I could just buy the cheap plastic ones, but where is the fun in that? I scour the bargain and second-hand stores and yard sales for old tins. I convert ice trays and mini-ramekins and egg plates.
I have a blog, ‘Life Imitates Doodles’ where I share my work, post art supply reviews, and tutorials, and hold art supply giveaways. Three times a week I post a list of links to art and crafting tutorials, giveaways and reviews. If any of you post art-related reviews or giveaways on your blogs or in social media feel free to let me know and I’ll add them to my list.
Though I’ve been a member of the World Watercolor Group for some time, I’ve only been a member of Doodlewash for a short time. It’s been a delight jumping in, meeting fellow artists and discussing my favorite subjects – art and art supplies.
Thank you, Charlie, for all your hard work in setting up this community for your fellow artists.
GIVEAWAY has ended! Thanks for Entering!
Sandra Strait
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Love the multi-colored pebbles! The colors are fantastic and yet seem so organic. Thank you for sharing!
Hi! I really enjoyed this post! I haven’t been going at art as long as you have. I am now discovering my artistic self……………… I have been struggling with putting structure to how i do art on a daily basis but it doesn’t see to work with structure. The more i structure, the less i do. Everything else in my life is structured and ordered, can’t seem to order this one so i just do what i feel like doing! It’s encouraging to see i’m not the only one!
I’ll be glad to be part of the giveaway draw, I keep hearing about Stonehenge paper! Fingers crossed!
Thank you. I find that nothing kills my desire to create than trying to force it. One of the reasons I’ve never tried to make a living at it. It’s a paradox. The more you try to do, the less you want to. Decide you aren’t going to do anything and the art just pours out. If I decide to do a challenge like a painting every day, I limit what that requires. Smaller paintings, only allowing myself 1/2 hour or less to paint, limiting myself to 3 or 4 colors. Then I accept that the paintings might not be so good. But I figure that 5 ‘bad’ paintings is just practice for 1 ‘good’ one.
Good luck with the giveaway!
Indeed, an inspiring & exciting journey Sandra❤ Best wishes!!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Sooo, I will repeat my comment that I love your work and your approach. . .
Thank you. I can never hear that enough, lol. Good luck with the giveaway!
Watercolour has to be the most versatile medium out there and it can make a picture so vibrant and full of life, even in the darker hues.
I agree with that 100%. Good luck with the giveaway!
Sandra, your work is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your art journey!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Your art journey is fascinating. I’m going to subscribe to your blog and follow you on Instagram.
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Love your paintings. There is such a richness to them
Love your imaginative ways of finding new and unexpected ways to have fun with your art! You are never boring and your art brings a smile to my face!
Thanks Love your work Pl enter me for the giveaway would love to have the paper
Lovely work and journey to watercolor! Thanks for the giveaway.
I like your aproch to exp. and diff. styles of painting. This group gives us the opportunity to learn more of the person behind their art.
Thank you. It is interesting to learn more about the people one meets online. One of the reasons I love groups like this. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love your style and how you always push yourself. You are amazing.
I’ve followed you a long time and I love your work. I’m also one who goes from one medium to another and watercolor is a favorite!
Thank you. We have known each other for a few years, haven’t we. How time flies. Good luck with the giveaway!
Love your work! I began working in watercolor about 5 years ago (I was a printmaker in college), and have absolutely fallen in love with the medium. Cheers!
Thank you. I know some people are intimidated by watercolor. They don’t know what they are missing! Good luck with the giveaway!
Lovely work! The sheep are adorable, and I love how she did the sky!
Thank you. I do like mixing patterns with my watercolors. I actually created those sheep using a Zentangle-style pattern that I came up with called ‘Use’. I tend to use it a lot. Good luck with the giveaway!
I was thrilled so see you as the featured artist! Great exposure and it’s just a matter of time before you write your first art book!
Thank you. I am working on a book to go with my Fun & Easy Landscapes. Writing books is so structured, though. Really hard for me to put up with, lol. Good luck with the giveaway!
Want to thank Doodlewashed “Charlie ” for uniting artist from around the world. I find daily inspiration viewing the beautiful artwork and reading from guest. Makes me excited to paint and create. 💛
I can’t say enough about Charlie’s good deeds. He does an amazing job with this community. Good luck with the giveaway!
This is so interesting because I have been one of those that has followed your various ‘aka’ personalities. And loved them all. Now I really get to know the ‘real’ you.
Thank you. We have known each other for a long time. Didn’t we meet on one of the Yahoo Groups? Good luck with the giveaway!
You have different style for each painting Sandra!It is amazing 🙂 In my opinion,you have strong sense of patterns and design,may be due to zentangle :).BTW,you had a very wonderful childhood and I do admire your practicing hours ! ( Not for giveaway Sandra,for your friendship 🙂 ) I look forward to your future creations of patterns and design ( of course the sheep also ).
Thank you. There will definitely be more sheep, lol. I’ve enjoyed all your beautiful work. You have a wonderful loose style. Good luck with the giveaway!
Oooh, I love the sheep especially. And yes, I prefer smaller sheets of paper. Thanks.
Thank you. Those sheep came from a tangle pattern that I created called Use. It makes the sheep very easy to draw. I tend to ‘use’ it a lot. Good luck with the giveaway!
Hi, just popping in to say that your guest appearance really caught my eye with your style and colors. Very different which I like a lot. Your words regarding pushing supplies to the limit was refreshing to say the least and being self taught hit home. Zen Tangles are the bomb and how you create the finished product is amazing. Glad Charlie had you as a guest.
Thank you. I’m very honored that Charlie had me as guest and so glad I decided to join this community. It has such interesting people and wonderful artists. Good luck with the giveaway!
Love your work! Thanks for a chance to win.
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Wow, I love your work. The swirling sky and textures on that first painting brings smiles to my face. I love all the different styles your painting show. Amazing work.
Thank you. More and more, I’m leaning toward paintings like that, that come entirely form my imagination. For now, anyway. Good luck with the giveaway!
Good morning, I am in love with your small cottage. I can imagine it by the sea and spending the summer there painting. So alive, I really admire your work. Please enter me in the giveaway. Haven’t tried Stonehenge yet.
Thank you. That cottage was one I photographed when in Clovelly, Devon, England, which is small seaside village. No cars are allowed in Clovelly. You have to park a way above, and either walk down, ride donkeys or ride in a horse-drawn cart. A place of enchantment! Good luck with the giveaway!
Beautiful paintings, and great granulation. Please include me in the give-away.
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Loved reading about your journey! I have a similar way of thinking about “bad” art supplies, sometimes they’re the only way someone can practice their medium of preferrence and there’s no point in disencouraging these people! I’ve seen wonderful artworks created with cheap materials too. And I thought it was so funny that you’d been accused of stealing your own work, hah!
I’d like to enter the giveaway, since Stonehenge Paper is not at all avaliable in Brazil. Thanks for the opportunity!
Thank you. It’s too bad that people don’t retain that child-like feeling toward creativity, where you are happy with whatever you have and just start drawing, or whatever. We’d all be better artists if we did. Good luck with the giveaway!
Finding out your background with all the different mediums you do was a great discovery. You are one very talented and busy lady. I love M, W and Sat. It’s the first thing I open on my iPad. Thanks for all the work you put into those.
Thank you. I love doing those link lists. They’re a very good excuse to spend time on the internet reading things of interest to me. And then I get to share them with everyone. It doesn’t get much better than that. Good luck with the giveaway!
Love your work and learning how your work evolved. What a great idea to share. Thank you for the fun read and giveaway.
Thank you. I had fun writing the post, and going through my artwork to decide which ones to share. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love you art work but, even more so, I love your attitude towards your creativity and the evolution of your artwork. Both are inspirational. Thank you for the blog post and for the giveaway.
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Thank you for sharing these interviews I always find them inspiring! Please enter me in the giveaway!
Thank you. I love that Charlie has come up with this way for us to learn more about each other. Good luck with the giveaway!
Love the negative painting technique of the dancers.
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Goodness! Such enthusiasm for…life in multi-faceted colour. You are inspiring.
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Beautiful, I love your work
Rich and creative work! Thanks for sharing ..
I am a crazy art supply collector too! I may die broke, but I’ll have a new pen in my hand. 😂
Thank you. Lol! I think it’s an unexplored addiction. Art supply-itis. Good luck with the giveaway!
I am a stark amateur, but I would LOVE to get my hands on that paper. And now I’ve discovered your blog and the doodlewash forums!! Score either way!
Thank you. If you haven’t already joined, you should. It’s a fun place to hang out. Good luck with the giveaway!
Your paintings have a distinctive “mood” is this due to granulation of watercolor pigments chosen and or the ink lines of the drawing? Very expressive and interesting to look at.
Thank you. The granulation comes from a number of factors. Sometimes it is the paint. One that use a lot – especially for those dark stormy skies – is Daniel’s Smith’s Lunar Blue. It not only granulates but changes color according to how much water you are using, going from almost black to a robin’s egg blue in places. The other factor is the paper. I’m always using a different kind, but I go back to Strathmore Aquarius II (and it has to be the Aquarius II, because the other Strathmore papers don’t have the same texture). It’s a synthetic/cotton blend, only 80# but it hardly buckles at all even with really wet washes. I also use lots of ‘rough’ paper, as with the bird. Good luck with the giveaway!
Love your work! Thank you for the opportunity and thank you for sharing!
Absolutely stunning post and work! I love your approach and attitude – and how fascinating – lions and tigers for temporary companion pets! Fascinating – and although this may not seem related to what I just said, there is such a delightful fluidity in your work – and a playfulness – and yet, beyond that immediate layer, there is something more – an essence that is captured, but released – and it defies words. What a refreshing eye opener this day – delightful!
And no, I’m not interested in the give-away – but that’s a lovely idea and very generous – nothing like playing it forward 🙂
Thank you for the amazing compliment! Good luck with the giveaway!
Thanks for the post. I have such a difficult time focusing on one medium or subject long enough to truly master anything.
There’s a saying ‘Jack of all trades, master of none.’ But there’s a competency that comes from knowing a little bit about many things. I often feel that if I’m getting too good at something, I’m getting stale. Good luck with the giveaway!
Beautiful work and message. I have enjoyed reading your posts on Doodlewash as well. You are one talented lady. Thank you for sharing your artwork and your paper.
Thank you. I’ve enjoyed seeing your the pages of your journal one by one. Good luck with the giveaway!
I like your attitude about painting and subject matter. I think anyone can paint and develop their own style. Years ago when I started painting there were rules about not using any tools in painting paintinNo wonder people didn’t take up painting and draw from the heart. Now it seems that rules were meant to be broken. Amen to that. I do believe in using good paint and using good paper now that I’ve progressed as a painter, but like to deviate occasionally to painting on Yupo and clayboard, and I love to play with splattering. acrylics, collage and appendages. If my number comes up I’d love to share in your bounty of paper giveaway too. I might just learn something new.
Thank you. You sound like one creative person! I think rules are helpful to guide and give some structure. But they should just be the trampoline that helps you soar, and the net you fall into when you miss your goal. Too often, they are used like ropes that bind you. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love how you combined your love of zentangle with watercolour in the first photo. I love both art forms as well and need to do more of both. Thank you for sharing your work with us and so generously giving away some of your art paper. Carol
Thank you. I should use Zentangle and watercolor together more often. I love the look. Good luck with the giveaway!
Sandra, your watercolors are like what I try to do, but your work is free and easy. The constant motion in “the country scene with sheep” is wonderful! Your creative applications turned it from a quiet pastoral into rich activity. The rock and leaves I’m drawn to because of the penwork. Have you thought of doing a video tutorial; I, for one, would be fascinated to watch you through some of your techniques. Thank you for sharing with us here.
Please include my name, Cynthia Hintz, in the Stonehenge Aqua giveaway drawing. Thanks
Thank you. I’ve avoided video. I hate the sound of my voice in a recording. Gives me the heebie jeebies, lol.
I don’t really have a good place to make them. My studio is the living room, and hubby would be annoyed if he had to turn off the TV. Good luck with the giveaway!
Thank you for the oppurtunity, would Love to try that paper ❤️ love your work 👍🏻
Thank you for sharing your story and your art. I know you through LifeImitatesDoodles tri-weekly newsletter (which has lead me to some wonderful links!) so seeing your paintings is very interesting. I am at the very beginning of my watercolour adventure and I have learned two things – good paper and good paints make a whole lot of difference! I was lucky enough to be given a huge number of Daniel Smith watercolors – I’d love to have good paper to learn on! Thanks for the opportunity!
Thank you. You are correct about good paper and good paints. They make painting easier. That said, I like playing with the other stuff sometimes. It makes you pay more attention to composition, color mixing and so forth. But it’s a paradox. ‘Student’ paper should really only be used by someone with experience, instead of the people it is marketed for, lol. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love the sheep illustration! So whimsical! I have heard so much good stuff about Stonehenge paper and would love to try it myself!
Thank you. Those sheep were drawn using a tangle pattern I created called Use. It makes them very easy to draw, so I ‘use’ it a lot. Good luck with the giveaway!
Hi, I already follow you on Life Imitates Doodles and look forward to seeing what you are up to each day. Thank you for thinking of us regarding the Stonehenge paper – here’s hoping I can be lucky in a draw for once!
Best Regards
Thank you. I’ve been blessed to have so many people find my blog. It amazes me that people do with all the internet to search through. Good luck with the giveaway!
Wow, what lovely things you do! I appreciate the ‘no formal education’ and being self taught. Seems that way you really develop your own style and talents. And thanks to Charlie for introducing us to you, I just signed up for your emails.
Stonehenge paper, oo la la!
Thank you for the give-away.
Thank you. I can’t say enough about the good things that Charlie does with this community. He’s really made a fantastic site for like-minded people. Good luck with the giveaway!
Beautiful work! Especially love the whimsical sheep! Your use of bright colors is fun in that one especially. I have never tried Stonehenge paper, so I am interested in seeing how it compares to the paper and watercolor board I have tried. Crossing fingers for a chance to sample it! Take care.
Thank you. I definitely feel freer to go wild with color when I’m just using my imagination for reference. Lots of colors swirling around in my brain lol. Good luck with the giveaway!
Beautiful work and I really enjoyed reading about your art journey! I too enjoy trying new mediums and new ways to use them! I would love to try the paper you are giving away; it’s one that I haven’t tried yet.
Thank you! I’ve been so lucky (and a bit pushy) in convincing companies to send me product. I still buy too much as well, lol. Good luck with the giveaway!
Loved your discussion of how you grow into watercolor painting. I am fairly new at this wonderful art experience. Enjoying retirement and learning new things. I too have enjoyed Zentangle, and finding animals and faces in the clouds. Love how that right side of our brain works. Your art is beautiful and I hope I get to that free flowing style someday. Thank you Sandra, for sharing your gift of watercolor painting with us and your generous offer of gifting some Stonehenge Aqua paper. Will check out your website.
Thank you! More and more, I’ve been painting from my imagination. It really helps with the free flowing style because you paint what you know rather than what you think you see. I recommend it highly for practice, if nothing else. Good luck with the giveaway!
Sandra, I love your creativity! It gives me hope that I, too, may someday color outside of the lines. 😁
Sandy Rogers
Love your work and the story behind it all!
As we do not have access to Stonehenge paper in The Netherlands I would like to take part in the giveaway
Thanks!
Thank you! Good luck with the giveaway!
I follow Sandra’s blog and her work is so impressive. I enjoy her reviews and am following her wonderful doodling! Thank you for this read and for the chance to wiN!
Sandra, you are an inspiration! Love your art and your sense of humour!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
So much fun and variety. That’s what I am loving about watercolor. It is so much fun to see and experiment with new techniques, colors, styles, etc.
Thank you. I think that watercolor will always remain my favorite medium, just because it is so flexible. Good luck with the giveaway!
Hi Sandra, how generous not only the giveaway but also sharing your story with us. I love bold colours and the different styles you show here. But strangely enough, my favourite one of yours is the little house – although its colours are not as bold.
Love your work, thanks for sharing.
Tina
Thank you. One of the reasons that Zentangle is so popular is that patterns have a real power to them. People like my tangled work, and they like my watercolors, but when I combine the two, I always get the most response.
Good luck with the giveaway!
Sandra, I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you a little more. I love your work, your passion and your curiosity! Thank you for sharing all of it with us through this blog and in the groups and forums at Doodlewash! ❤️
Thank you. I’ve really enjoyed discussing one of my favorite things with like-minded people! Good luck with the giveaway!
Thank you for sharing your art and your story and yes I would love to win the give away.
Hey Sandra! Great artist spotlight. I have to say, I love your bird in blue the best. Although the sheep as the first pic was hilarious. You so captured they’re adorableness. It must have been amazing to raise zoo animals! Officially enter me into your giveaway please, I’d love to try some of that paper! I’m so like you, love to try new product! Hugs.
Thank you. Those sheep are something I came up with as a tangle pattern, and then recently used for my Fun & Easy Landscapes. I think they’ve been one of the most popular step-outs I’ve ever done. Hard to beat a crazy sheep,lol! Good luck with the giveaway!
Sandra! I was so surprised when I saw you name as the guest artist! Love your work especially the Zentangle aspect. I’ve been following your blog for a couple of years and always enjoy seeing what you are doing and sharing with the rest of the world. You rock!
Thank you. It always amazes me how often you meet the same people in different places. My brother says that some people are ‘like-minded’. I think that accounts for it. Good luck with the giveaway!
I enjoyed reading about your art journey, and the different types of art you pursue. Variety adds to the enjoyment, I think. How nice of you to share some of your watercolor paper. I’ve not yet tried Stonehenge, so I thank you for the opportunity to win some. I’m off to check out your blog!
Thank you. I always feel when I win or get a large haul of goodies for a giveaway that I should share the luck.
It benefits the company, benefits the readers and it’s good karma for me. Good luck with the giveaway!
MOre comments than any other! Your work is eclectic – and I love the patterns on the sheep – the zentangle influence I guess? Thanks for friending me – and since I’m not yet home from my adventure I’m really not bothered if I win (nice though it would be!).
Thank you. Well, if you win while you’re away, it might help the sadness when your adventures are over, if you have a package of paper goodness waiting. Good luck with the giveaway!
It will be very strange getting home – I’ve been travelling for 16months! Thanks for your generosity.
Sandra – loved all your paintings with the beautiful colors, both soft and bold, and all the textures in your rock painting. I think I will give that a “go”. Enjoyed reading about your painting journey!
Thank you. The secret behind that rock painting is that I used gel pen over watercolor. I wrote up a tutorial for it –
https://lifeimitatesdoodles.wordpress.com/2015/12/06/rockin-mixed-media-how-to-watercolor-strathmore-sakura/ Good luck with the giveaway!
I recently found doodlewash as well..Looks like a great place…thanks for sharing your story..I love zentangle, recently became CZT and also teaching myself watercolors!! Great story !
Thank you. Congratulations on becoming a CZT! Zentangle and watercolor are great together. Good luck with the giveaway.
Hi Sandra! When I started looking at your paintings all I was saying to myself was, wow, beautiful! I love your style, it’s all your own. And I really enjoyed reading about your artistic journey. Thanks for sharing it with us, and also thanks for being so generous with a chance to win some paper, too! Hugs from me in Florida. There’s a bad hurricane headed our way, so please everybody who reads this, say a prayer for us all.
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway! I’m praying that Irma decides to stay at sea, at least until she’s used up all her energy. I feel so bad about who have already been hit.
Thank you for sharing your art journey. I have enjoyed Life Imitates Doodles for a long time.
Thank you. I feel blessed to have so many followers at my blog. You’ve all brought a great deal of joy to my life. Good luck with the giveaway!
Next week is my birthday! Here’s hoping. Your blog here was so interesting and entertaining. Can’t wait to flip over to your blog and check it out…B!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway, but if you don’t win, I hope you still have the greatest birthday ever!
I love that you have such diversity in the method and subject of your paintings. I aspire.
Thank you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. I figure 5 paintings that don’t work out so well, equals one painting that is excellent – it takes your mind a while to figure things out. Good luck with the giveaway!
This was amazing!
Thank you. It’s nice to be back in class with you. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love reading all the tips and video tutorials. I am a very very beginner in watercolor. I find this site encouraging! Thank you
Thank you. If you ever have any questions about watercolor don’t hesitate to ask. I’m certainly not the expert in watercolor excellence, but I’ve made all the mistakes. I might be able to help you with yours. Good luck with the giveaway!
Amazing work!! Thanks for taking the time to give us your perspective and wisdom. 😀
Thank you. It’s been my pleasure. Good luck with the giveaway!
When I started spending a lot of time taking care of beloved elders, I spent most of my time darning socks. I have family living in the Pacific Northwest, so there is an unending supply of socks. But last year I realized I wanted more to show from my time, so I decided to concentrate on art that I would keep and look at.
Taking care of someone is hard, and you definitely need something to help you relax. Good luck with the giveaway!
What a great post! I really enjoyed seeing your art and reading about your journey. Your joy for life shows in your paintings. Thank you for sharing your bounty with others, whether it be your art, your story, or extra supplies. That’s what is really nice about this community- the kindness and generosity.
Thank you. This is a great community. So many helpful people, and Charlie does a fantastic job of keeping things going. Good luck with the giveaway!
Beautiful work. I especially like the stones. You are a natural talent.
Thank you! If you are interested I did a tutorial show how I did that piece.http://lifeimitatesdoodles.blogspot.com/2015/12/rockin-mixed-media-how-to-watercolor.html
Enjoyed the ballerinas and especially the sheep. Bird was nice – the little house was mysterious and right out of a fairy tale. Was looking for some z entangle- you made it interesting. Also curious as to why Residents of Taiwan, South Korea, Portugal, Italy, Austria, China, Russia, Hong Kong, Greece, France, Japan, Spain, and Czech Republic can’t participate. Something about mailing? Curious also about how oil painting could look like drawing – Interesting Blog. All the best to you.
Thank you! That house was one that I photographed in Clovelly, Devon, England. It’s a little place by the sea where cars aren’t allowed. You have to walk in or ride donkeys or go in a horse-drawn cart. The whole village is a bit like a fairy tale. I did have a little Zentangle in the painting with the sheep, but I figured since this was a watercolor site I’d focus more on that. I didn’t realize how many of the people here are also into Zentangle or I might have rethought that. When the World Watercolor Month giveaways were going, the prize contributors had the restriction for those countries. It isn’t just the mailing, but also the laws about giveaways. I decided to go the route of better safe than sorry. I used to oil painting using tiny brushes. I’d paint a whole 18 x 24 painting with a 00 round, using it like it was a pencil. It gave it a distinctive look. People liked it, but always said it looked like a drawing – in essence because I did draw it. Strangely enough, I didn’t stay with oil painting for very long, lol.
I love your work. I seem to get pulled between watercolour and ink drawing and am always chopping and changing. I just thought I was nuts, but maybe not.
Thank you. Definitely not nuts. I think the best artists are drawn to more than one medium. Good luck with the giveaway!
Thank you for the opportunity to enter this draw. It would be awesome to try some new paper. Your work is beautiful. Thank you again
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
You’ve had an interesting journey in art so far, I wonder where the future will take you! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I wonder that sometimes myself. But I don’t want to know. It would spoil the surprise, lol! Good luck with the giveaway!
Sandra, I had such fun reading this article and looking at your delightful art. You are so inventive, and I both laughed and “oohed” throughout. Even your alternate names are funny. You try many styles, it’s as if you see the world anew in each artwork. And I think it’s really hilarious that you’ve stolen your own art. You’re proof that the 10,000 hours of practice make the artist. Thank you for the suggestion about Zentangles, something I’m going to do the next time I have to wait. And I’m always waiting.
Thank you. I do recommend Zentangle. Even if you don’t stay with the ‘traditional’ method (I don’t usually), it’s easy, relaxing and creative and you only need paper and pen or pencil. You can find lots of patterns and information at either http://tanglepatterns.com/ or http://pattern-collections.com/. Good luck with the giveaway.
Your work is on a great-create continuum-Thank you for sharing. You seem as eclectic as myself!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Beautiful work. Love how Zentangle altered your art path. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you. I owe much to Zentangle. It’s a form I’ll always go back to from time to time because it’s just so relaxing and requires so little in terms of tools. Good luck with the giveaway!
Thanks for an interesting article Sandra. I too love the sheep but was intrigued with the idea of using coloured gell pens to enhance watercolours. I plan to give that a try. I do use micron pens to add a little something. Would love to try the Stonehenge paper. (I used to live up the road from its name sake.) Which has no relevance to the discussion. My sympathy to all who are struggling with the floods, here on the prairies we are so dry we have mass evacuations from forest fires. Sigh, loving thoughts to you all.
You had me with the sheep! Such characters. Thanks for being such a generous, interesting arty soul too. 😊
Thank you! Those sheep are drawn using a tangle pattern I created called Use. It makes them very easy to draw, so I ‘use’ it a lot. Good luck with the giveaway!
Thank you! Here in Oregon we’re having massive fires as well. The last few days we’ve had ash falling everywhere, and evacuations within 15 miles of us. 30,000+ acres burning. The fire was started by kids who were throwing smoke bombs off a cliff along a nature trail. *sigh* Good luck with the giveaway!
Your artwork is so gorgeous! I especially love the one with the house, and the blue tinged flower. Thank you for running a giveaway, as well!
Thank you. I took a photo of that house in a seaside village in Clovelly, Devon, England. You can’t drive into the village. You have to park about 15 minutes away and walk or ride donkeys or ride in a horse-drawn cart to get the rest of the way. An enchanted place. Good luck with the giveaway!
Gorgeous work especially that first one! Love it!
Thanks for the giveaway!
You have awesome work love your style
I think I used to know you as molossus – I was into tangling for a while. Anyway, your watercolors are lovely, with quite a distinctive style. Count me in on the giveaway. Thanks.
Thank you. I think I do recognize your name. I was a member of a few Yahoo Zentangle groups and have a lot of friends on Flickr, so I might have known you there. Good luck with the giveaway!
Sharon, Congratulations! You are the winner of the Stonehenge Aqua paper! You have 72 hours to respond with your mailing information – you can send it too me via private message at Doodlewash or at my email LifeImitatesDoodles [at] gmail [dot] com.
Hi Sandra, love your work, especially the unique atmosphere you create in each piece! Hope you’re doing okay down in Oregon, I know we’re feeling the effects of the wildfires in Seattle (everything is covered in ash!) and you’re very close to some terrible fires. I’m hoping for the rain to come soon so we get back to a mossy northwest, and for the safety of our firefighters and citizen 🙂 Thanks for doing the giveaway!!
Thank you. Rain, yes! We surely need it. I’m about 15 miles from where the Eagle Creek fire started. About 5 blocks from last places put on alert. Good luck with the giveaway!
Glad to hear you’re outside the alert area. Hopefully it stays that way. On the west side we can see some blue sky for the first time this week. (It’s a gray blue, but I’m not complaining)
Oh – the paintings are quite nice as well 😛
Loved your guest blog post and was enchanted by your little grey bird…so much detail. Thank you for the chance to win this paper…I am new to watercolor and am amazed how papers can affect the results you want or don’t want! 😀 …then, when all the variables match up…it’s like Magic! (I am such a Novice but am fascinated by this journey of discovery!)
Thank you. The paper definitely makes a difference. I wish it were easier for everyone to get samples of paper. I like playing with them all, but for some finding the paper that matches their style makes life so much easier. Good luck with the giveaway!
Must have been a lot of tangling to wreck your wrist!
It was! I was doing 8 x 10 drawings with .005 pens every day. Trying to do Christmas gifts for everyone. Good luck with the giveaway.
I like the nature inspired work.
Thank you. While I do change subject matter often, landscapes are what I keep coming back to. Good luck with the giveaway!
Love reading your story of coloring!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love that you bounce around with your art. You have such a wide range!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
ALO)(A keep the great posts coming!
Good morning, I was so excited to see you were here Sandra. I have been following your blog for a few years too. I get so much from it, I love the links emails you send. I have found so many other books, artists and blogs that way. I love your Zentangle work. I have learned from you in that area too. I think most of all I love your watercolor. They inspire me. I did the rocks project when you first put the tutorial out there. It is still one of my favorite pieces of art work that I have ever done. I would love to be entered in the giveaway. Thank you for sharing your haul! Nancy Kvorka
Thank you. Did you ever post a photo of the rocks you did? I’d love to see it. Good luck with the giveaway!
Hi Sandra I never did post it. If I do post it, what hash tag so you can check for it? I will get it on Instagram or Facebook if you have a preference. I only post artwork in the online FB groups I belong to. I am on Instagram as @nancykart and FB as my full name above. If I have not already followed you in Instagram I will do so now. Thank you!
Hi Sandra, I posted the rock picture on Instagram yesterday.
What fun to read more about you, Sandra, and see you share some of your beautiful pieces with a larger audience. I also injured myself (trigger finger) by doing too much Zentangle and found myself picking up different coloring mediums that were easier on the hand. Being, even more than you, an “ohh shiny” person who is distracted by each new thing I discover, I can’t decide which is my favorite yet. Maybe I just love them all (except oils, they take too much time to dry for someone with a very short attention span, LOL!).
Thank you. Oils smell icky, too! Maybe there needs to be a warning on Zentangle posts – tangling may be dangerous to your hand health,lol. I love seeing your work on Facebook and Flickr, though I don’t comment nearly as often as I should. Good luck with the giveaway!
I’m a member of “Life Imitates Doodles” as well and as always I read one of your articles and finish, I am amused, more educated and my fingers are already wrapped around some kind of writing or drawing implement, itching to attempt what I’ve taken in! It took me a while to realize that my favourite molossus patterns, the step-by-step fantasy stepouts , the beautiful Sandra Strait’s zentangles and these beautiful watercolour birds I was seeing we’re all done by the same person. My brain hadn’t put it all together until very recently. Thank you for willingly showcasing all your creativity and sharing your windfalls.
Thank you. I did confuse a lot of people with my many aliases lol. Good luck with the giveaway!
I really enjoyed reading about your journey with your art. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love your inspiration. I struggle to awake my creative genie, so artists like you are much appreciated by people like me. Thanks for sharing all you do!
Thank you! It’s hard in today’s society to tap into you creative side. Very little emphasis is put on and we lose track of it. I hope yours begins to flow! Good luck with the giveaway.
Beautiful! I love how you practice and practice. It’s my favorite way of learning to do things!
Thank you! Practice doesn’t really make perfect, but it sure helps! Good luck with the giveaway!
I’ve wanted to try Stonehenge, but the little scraps they sent out as trials just weren’t up to the task.
It is hard to really get a feel for a paper with just a small piece. There are so many things to try doing with it. Good luck with the giveaway!
Love me some Doodlewash
Good luck with the giveaway!
I love the idea of using one medium so well.. folks think you are doing something else..I also believe in practice pratice pratice.. and not sleeping on the art you can create from bic pens and other super inexpensive art supplies….
Exactly! People miss out when they think they must have the newest and the best. Good luck with the giveaway.
A great article!
I started doing zentangle in 2012 and soon got fed up with the restrictions, the groupie thing and the tiny paper format and decided to do my own thing.
One name stuck in my mind and that was Molossus!!! I looked at your designs, drawings, samplers etc and was really fascinated -. and challenged, of course. I even have you on my list of “friends” at facebook, from that beginner time. I came from painting large canvases to drawing because I moved and no longer have the space to paint in comfort. I have no talent for watercolouring, but you certainly have and I am full of praise for all you do.
I live in Germany, so I assume that I’m ineligble for the paper even if selected. No matter. I just want to compliment you on being focussed at Doodlewash and for inspiring me to get on with the job.
Thank you! I love Zentangle, but never wanted to beome a CZT because I never wanted to stay with the traditional format, so I know what you mean. You are eligible for the giveaway! If you win you might want to take up watercoloring – talent comes with the trying, lol. The paper is a little rough for pen drawing (though I’ve used it for line and wash) but is great for mixed media.
I would love to try out this paper. Great article and I especially love the first image with the sheep. I will be visiting your blog right after I leave this post.
Hi,
This is my first time on Doodlewash and I tried to read every section of the Blog. I really liked your article and how you learned your craft. Beautiful design and range of subjects. Also I like you you put new art supplies to the test, we should all try it! Thank you for your article, I learned many new techniques and ideas for my art from looking at your creations.
Thank you;
Moureen Ballard
Thank you. Doodlewash is a great place to find articles and discuss art. I love it! Good luck with the giveaway.
Hi Sandra – thanks for sharing your story. I love your cocky little sparrow in monotone. I work mostly in brush and brown ink on toned paper, but I’d love to try the Stonehenge.
Thank you. I love monochromatic painting. I don’t know why I don’t do it more often – probably because I’m trying to do too many things, lol. Good luck with the giveaway.
I am impressed with your variety of materials and styles of painting. I would like to experiment with a number of these….Go Ducks and Beavers!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love receiving your emails and I love the doodlewash site. I would really like to win this paper. I have been working on my watercolor painting and I think this paper really sounds like it would be nice to work on.
Thank you. The Doodlewash site is a great place for all artists, but I think especially for beginners. The Beginners Forum is always posting information. Good luck with the giveaway!
Thanks for share your story and the giveaway! I alwyas love trying new material.
Thanks for the inspiration. Looking forward to visiting your blog
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the blog. Good luck with the giveaway.
Relatively new to watercolor and very new to Doodlewash, I’m enjoying reading the artist’s histories and yours is certainly inspirational. I’m enjoying the whimsy in your work. I’ve just signed up to follow your blog for ongoing motivation. Thank you!
Thank you! I hope you find much to enjoy at my blog. Goodl luck with the giveaway!
This sounds like a great product. I would love to try it!
Thank you! Good luck with the giveaway!
I am I am new to this page and love the concept. Lots of interesting reading. The give away is so generous!
Thank you! Good luck with the giveaway!
I would love to try this paper! So generous of you to share!
Thank you! Goodl luck with the giveaway!
Hi Sandra! I’ll admit to a gasp of surprise to learn you are Mollosus! I’ve spent happy hours trying out your patterns! The watercolors in this post are stunning! I’ve been Charlie’s follower for a year and a half at Doodlewash and world watercolor group. Thanks for the giveaway! I’d love to tryout the paper.
Lol! The secret’s out. Good luck with the giveaway!
I’ve followed your work for quite some time on Flickr. It’s always been entertaining and educational. I’d love an opportunity to try the Stonehenge papers.
Thank you! It always makes my day when I hear that. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love your paintings!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Hi Sandra, Love your blog and was a regular follower when you were doing zentangle. Still check in to see your comments on art products. I also keep coming back to watercolour whenever I get the time and often just make backgrounds for tangling on just so I can get those paints out. Just bought my first sheet of high quality water colour paper. Makes a difference! Love your watercolour painting in this post.
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Thanks for this opportunity! I love Doodlewash! I’m learning so much from you and being so inspired!! Now if I can quiet the inner critic of mine…
Thank you. That inner critic may be loud but he’s not very truthful. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love the fact that you’ve been accused of stealing your own art! Must be a funny situation, at least! Lol
I’d like to be entered on the giveaway, mainly because Stonehenge is not a brand of materials we see around here (I live in Brazil 🙂 )
Thank you! I do get a laugh when someone accuses me of stealing my own work, but I appreciate it as well. If someone else does steal my work, I’ll probably hear about it. Good luck with the giveaway.
Would love to try out the Stonehenge Aqua watercolor paper. Awesome watercolor paintings Sandra
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Sandra,
You’re a real inspiration! I never had formal art training but fell in love with Zentangle and became a CZT. Last year I got guillain barre where my antibodies attacked my nerves and lost use of my arms, legs and had double vision. I was lucky enough to get better in 6 months where most people it took 1+ years. Unfortunately I’ve had artist block since and have been intimidated by what I see posted. Your fantasy landscapes have given me inspiration to start all over again. Thank you!
Thank you. I can certainly understand why you have artist block. I can’t imagine how frightening and stressful that disease must be. I think it does take some pressure off to use your imagination for inspiration rather than a reference photo, but it’s still hard to start over. Good luck with your art and with the giveaway!
Sandra, I would love to win some Stonehenge Aqua! I am currently working in watercolor, and I have been experimenting with different papers. This would be a perfect opportunity to try another new product for me!
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful art and your giveaway. I especially like the sheep in the fanciful scene and the pebbles.
Thank you. I do love painting sheep! Good luck with the giveaway!
Love your paintings so much!!
Thank you! Good luck with the giveaway!
Love your article and your style! I joined your blog email list to see more of your work 🙂
I would love to try the stonehenge paper :))
Cheers
Thank you! Good luck with the giveaway!
Great story! Thanks for sharing and please put me in the running for the paper.
I hope to be brave enough soon to post some of my watercolours.
Thank you! I look forward to seeing what you paint. Good luck with the giveaway.
What a great giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity 😊. Nice to learn about you as well. Great article.
Thank you! Good luck with the giveaway!
I would love to try this paper. I found my Mom’s watercolor paints and have been trying them out. Thank you for sharing your talents and supplies❤️
Thank you! Good luck with the giveaway!
Thanks for the giveaway!
My pleasure. Good luck with the giveaway!
I want to try this paper! I love the bird.
Thank you. The bird is one of my favorites, as well. Good luck with the giveaway!
Sandra, when I look at your art, I like that I cannot say it is just one style. I like the different emotions each piece brings out as well. Your story is so interesting as well. I have always wanted to learn how to watercolor masterfully, and it looks like you have done just that. Please enter me in your more than generous giveaway.
Thank you! Watercolor is a fantastic medium for those who like to play with styles. It can be used in soooo many ways! Good luck with the giveaway!
You are not the only “cheater” i am a notorious one. I study a certain subject such as how Charles Reid does faces and when i get really into it, i am suddenly draen to botanicals. Why? Donno. But i find its besf to just go with the flow. More fun too!
Exactly! The inner muse wants what the inner muse wants, lol. Good luck with the giveaway.
Man I too, tried to do something with those little samples they had but could not find much use to them but then again I too have artists block, it has been a bit of a bad year for me and I am trying to get back in it. I love all of your artwork, simply amazing.
Thank you! Artist block can be so frustrating. I usually just start slapping color on paper until something shows itself to me and perks up my interest. Sometimes, it takes a while. I hope your block goes away soon. Good luck with the giveaway!
Ooh, stonehenge!
Good luck with the giveaway!
I’ve enjoyed this sight very much ! I joined only a few weeks ago or so BUT find it so much more involved and goes much deeper into our art process . I am a watercolor ist the last couple of years do to health . Always have been moved by making my own art except when I would get irritated by the deadlines as a free lancer AND being with art minded folks . We seem to have a different walk us artists 😉 would love to have win the paper to work with too . That brand of paper is new to me . GOD bless you
Thank you. I agree that artists seem to view the world differently than others do. Or perhaps we just have a better way to express it. Good luck with the giveaway!
I liked your post telling how you started in your art. I also am self taught and started out pencil and paper drawing and when older in oil painting landscapes. There was a period when I no longer drew or painted. I love having found Zentangle and getting back into the art of drawing, am into water color painting right now along with tangling. I just love your site and your style of drawing and painting and telling about yourself. You are a very interesting and likable person, glad I found your site.
Thank you. I’ve had dry spells where it was hard to create, so I know how frustrating that can be. Zentangle is a good way to get back into it because there are no expectations. Good luck with the giveaway!
I’ve only started with water color so I’m eager to test out various papers to find one that works for me. I’ve never even heard of Stonehenge Aqua Paper. It would be interesting to play with it.
Good luck with the giveaway!
You inspire me to try more all the time
Thank you! Good luck with the giveaway!
love your post many of the things you talk about sound just like my thoughts.
Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway!
I’m so excited to have found you Sandra, especially your blog and your Facebook group Fun and Easy Landscapes. Thank you Charlie for continuesly introducing is to these amazing artists and inspirations!
Thank you. Charlie does an amazing job with this community. Good luck with the giveaway!
Sandra as usuaI your work never fails to inspire and make me pick up a pen. I was smiten by your soulfull bird and dreamy landscape. You’re such a multi-talented artist – always inspiring and always so generous with info and techniques. And now a giveaway! Thank you…..you’ve made me reconsider watercolor.
…I was dismayed to hear about your wrist. Please take good care of it. You have so much art to produce!
Thank you too for inspiring me with your take on Zentangles — back in 2012 after surgery, that was all I did for months. And it was your site that kept me up til 3 am, trying out your complex designs.
Just as I was tiring of the restrictions and rules around Zentangles, I discovered your work, which inspired me to keep going and just have fun with pens, inks and lines. It changed my life.
Nina
Nina, thank you! You’ve made my day with your compliments. Good luck with the giveaway!
Oh, Sandra. Lady, I just LOVE what you’re doing. LOVE.
I kind of want to be you when I grow up. (Which, considering I’m already in my late forties, better happen quick or it’s not likely to happen at all.)
When you and Kate and me all have a chance to get together finally, I’m seriously thinking we need a Break All The Supplies party, just to see what happens. 😀
Growing up is over-rated! I jumped straight from childhood to second childhood, and I’m positive it is so much more fun that way!
How fun to read you now that I know you a bit!
One of these days we’ll make it for a get-together!
Hi Sandra,I really enjoyed this story,,,your paintings are wonderful. Thank you…
Thank you, Pamela. Sorry for the late reply. I try to remember and check this thread in case I don’t get notified of a comment, but me and remembering aren’t very close these days, lol.
Lovely read. Wow what an interesting life and art journey. Growing up with a zoo is a dream, you must have fabulous memories love all the different art techniques and styles you have explored. You pictures are beautiful.