Explore the vibrant world of Art by Sanda Steele

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Artist Statement

Sanda Steele’s art serves as a vivid narrative of her journey through various cultural landscapes. Born in Romania and enriched by the influences of friends and family from Greece and surrounding regions, her creative expression reflects a tapestry woven from her diverse heritage. At the age of seven, Sanda transitioned to the United States, where American culture integrated with her identity, offering new inspirations.

As a first-generation immigrant, Sanda and her family faced the challenges of establishing a sense of belonging in a new world. In these moments, art provided her with solace and resilience. Drawing, embroidering, and crocheting became early outlets for her emotions and reflections on life. These practices evolved into the vibrant artistic expressions we see today.

As an adult artist, Sanda draws from her past while fully embracing the present moment. She listens to her inner voice, allowing the beauty that surrounds her to guide her creations. Her work is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of Greek antiquities, with flowing line drawings that evoke historical elegance. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns reminiscent of traditional embroidery and folk art infuse her pieces with life and energy.

Exploring her online portfolio reveals her versatility across a range of mediums, including oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, color pencils, ink, and graphite. Each composition reflects her adept rendering skills and commitment to creating vibrant, harmonious visuals. Sanda skillfully juxtaposes contrasting elements in her art, echoing the observation that life, much like her work, contains opposing forces. Just as clouds may veil the sun, a silver lining can always be found if one perseveres through challenges.

Ultimately, Sanda Steele’s art aims to inspire hope and perseverance. It serves as a reminder that beauty exists in the interplay of colors, patterns, and experiences, encouraging others to find their own silver linings amid life's complexities.

I am an artist of life. Each moment, each experience, adds to the vibrant palette of my existence. Just as I blend colors on a canvas, I intertwine emotions, memories, and connections into a rich tapestry that reflects my journey. I find inspiration in the smallest details— the way sunlight dances through the leaves, the rhythm of laughter shared with friends, or the soothing sound of rain against the window.

As I create, I invite others to see the beauty in their own lives, to discover the artistry that resides within their daily experiences. Every heartbeat, every thought, is a brushstroke on the grand canvas of humanity. Together, we are crafting a masterpiece filled with stories, dreams, and unfiltered emotions.

In this ever-evolving artwork, we become co-creators, celebrating the colors of joy, the lines of struggle, and the patterns of growth. Life, in all its complexity, is the ultimate canvas, and I am grateful to wield my brush, creating and sharing in the exquisite journey we call living.

Peering Eyes Series

Peering Eyes, 2018 - Oil painting on canvas - © Sanda Steele

The "Peering Eyes" series captures those fleeting instances that often go unnoticed in our daily lives. Each piece invites viewers to take a closer look, revealing the beauty that exists in the simplest of moments. Inspired by the textures, colors, and patterns that surround us, this collection reflects an ongoing fascination with how we perceive our environment and the transient nature of existence.

Through the interplay of line and color, the "Peering Eyes" series evokes a sense of wonder. Each painting or drawing acts as a window into an intimate yet universal experience, encouraging us to pause, observe, and appreciate the intricate details of the world. As viewers engage with the work, they may find themselves exploring their own memories and moments of beauty, fostering a connection between the art and their personal experiences.

In this series, I strive to communicate the idea that art can serve as a reminder to be present and to celebrate the ephemeral. The vibrant hues and delicate lines are not just aesthetic choices; they represent a deeper understanding of life's fleeting nature. "Peering Eyes" ultimately invites us to look beyond the surface, to embrace the now, and to recognize the beauty that surrounds us, however brief it may be.

Peering Eyes #1, 2018 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Peering Eyes #3, 2019 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Peering Eyes #2, 2018 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Peering Eyes #4, 2019 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Peering Eyes #5, 2019 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

The Reclining Figure series emerged as a reflection of my immediate surroundings, capturing the essence of daily life and the emotions intertwined within it. Each piece serves as a visual dialogue, where line, shape, color, and pattern converge to portray my experiences. The figures and objects within this series are not merely representations; they encapsulate stories and moments that resonate deeply. Through these elements, I aim to create a connection between my art and the viewer, inviting them to explore their own interpretations and emotions. The interplay of color and texture enhances this dialogue, making each artwork a unique narrative of life as it unfolds around us.

Orchids inspire my art with their vibrant shapes and intricate details, steering my journey into the realms of color and texture. Their mesmerizing beauty shapes the emotions I express, while their unique forms encourage me to explore themes of balance and movement, capturing the interplay of life's abstract realities. In my work, I strive to embody the delicate yet resilient spirit of orchids, inviting viewers to partake in the awe and wonder that these extraordinary flowers invoke in me.

Lady Slipper Orchid - 2024, marker on paper - © Sanda Steele

Ink pen drawings on paper blend precision and creativity, showcasing the artist’s skill in line and shade to create striking visual effects. The fluidity of ink allows for intricate details and bold contrasts, capturing imaginative scenes, abstract patterns, or detailed portraits. Techniques like hatching and cross-hatching add depth, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork. As the pen moves across the paper, the piece evolves, reflecting spontaneity and commitment. Pen and ink art resonates with immediacy, encouraging personal interpretations and emotional connections, with each drawing telling a unique story.

Zeus - Photo - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure Series

Reclining Figure 1, 2019 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure 2, 2019 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure 3, 2020 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure 4, 2020 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure 5, 2020 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure 6, 2020 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure 7, 2021 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure 8, 2021 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure 9, 2021 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure 10, 2021 - Oil painting on board - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure #1, 2021 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure #2, 2021 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure #3, 2022 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure #4, 2022 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure #5, 2022 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure #6, 2022 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure #7, 2023 - Mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure #1, 2023 - Oil painting on canvas - © Sanda Steele

Reclining Figure #2, 2023 - Oil painting on canvas - © Sanda Steele

Post Family, Family - 2021 mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

3 Scotties on a Walk, 2023 - Ink Pen on Paper - © Sanda Steele

Orchid  Series

Framed Triptych, Lady Slipper Orchid © Sanda Steele

Moth Orchid, 2019 Mixed media on paper © Sanda Steele

Triptych, Lady Slipper Orchid, 2021 * Mixed media on paper * © Sanda Steele

Lady Slipper Orchid - 2021, mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Drawings

First House, 2020 - mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Pen & Ink Drawings

Thoughts of J.J., 2019 - mixed media on paper - © Sanda Steele

Cat Drawing 1, 2024 - Ink Pen on Paper © Sanda Steele

Flowers Drawing, 2024 - Ink Pen on Paper - © Sanda Steele

Faces, 2024 - Ink Pen on paper - © Sanda Steele

Working in watercolor for the first time, I decided to create a series of pet portraits to test my control over the painting process. The liquid medium presented both challenges and opportunities, pushing me to explore the delicate balance between precision and spontaneity. Each portrait became a unique study, blending the softness of the watercolor with the playful expressions of the pets I aimed to capture.

I found myself captivated by how the colors mixed on the paper, creating unexpected textures and vibrant interactions. The layering technique allowed me to build depth, adding richness to the fur or the glint in an eye. Throughout this journey, I learned to embrace the unpredictability of watercolor—each brushstroke was a dance between intent and chance.

As I completed each piece, I felt a growing confidence in my ability to wield this beautiful medium. The portraits not only showcased the personalities of the beloved pets but also marked a significant step in my artistic evolution. I look forward to continuing my exploration in watercolor, seeing where this newfound skill will lead me next.

Pet Portraits

Crochet Pieces

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Welcome to a vibrant journey filled with creativity and inspiration. As a visual artist and educator based in Madison, Wisconsin, I am here to guide you through the beauty of art. Let's explore the world of paintings, drawings, and mixed media on paper together. Dive into a universe of color, line, pattern, and texture - all waiting for you to discover!

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Explore the vibrant world of Art by Sanda Steele

Explore the vibrant world of Art by Sanda Steele

Peering Eyes Series

Reclining Figure Series

Drawings

Pen & Ink Drawings

Pet Portraits

Crochet Pieces

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* * This area in currently unavailable.* *

Art by Sanda Steele

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