Explore the vibrant world of Art by Sanda Steele
Explore the vibrant world of Art by Sanda Steele
Requests for commissions can be made at sandasteele1@gmail.com
Artist Statement:
A resident of Wisconsin for nearly four decades, 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, Steele transitioned to the United States, where American culture integrated with her identity, offering new inspirations.
As a first-generation immigrant, Steele 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, painting, and embroidering 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, Steele draws from her past while fully embracing the present moment here in Wisconsin. She listens to her inner voice, allowing the beauty that surrounds her to guide her creations. Her work is deeply rooted in the present Wisconsin landscape while embedded with 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.
Orchid Series
Orchids inspire my art with their vibrant presence, unusual 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.
Large Lady Slipper Orchid Diptych
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 36” x 18” $2100 diptych
Triptych, Lady Slipper Orchid
“Untitled” Lady Slipper Orchid
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 18” x 13”, $900
Moth Orchid
Lady Slipper Orchid
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 17” x 12”, $400
Triptych, Lady Slipper Orchid
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 17” x 12”, $900 each
Dendrobium Orchid
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 12” x 17”, $900
“Untitled” Lady Slipper Orchid Small Diptych
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 36” x 18”, $450
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 11” x 8”, $450 each
“Untitled” Lady Slipper Orchid
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 14” x 11”, $400
Peering Eyes Series
Peering Eyes
oil on canvas 17” x 24”, $1100
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
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 18” x 12”, $900
Peering Eyes #3
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 18” x 12”, $900
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 18” x 12”, $900
Peering Eyes #2
Peering Eyes #4
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 18” x 12”, $900
Peering Eyes #5
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 18” x 12”, $900
The Reclining Figure series emerged as a reflection of my immediate surroundings, capturing the essence of daily life here in Wisconsin, 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 as life unfolds. 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.
pen and ink, graphite, and marker on paper 15” x 21”, $975
Reclining Figure Series
oil on board 9” x 24”, $1000
Reclining Figure #1
Reclining Figure #3
oil on board 9” x 24”, $1000
Reclining Figure #4
oil on board 9” x 24”, $1000
Reclining Figure #5
oil on board 9” x 24”, $1000
oil on board 9” x 24”, $1000
Reclining Figure #7
oil on board 9” x 24”, $1000
color pencil, pen and ink, graphite, and marker on paper 10” x 16”, $900
Reclining Figures Drawing #2
color pencil, pen and ink, graphite, and marker on paper 10” x 16”, $900
Reclining Figures Drawing #1
pen and ink, graphite, and marker on paper 15” x 21”, $975
Reclining Figure Drawing #6
color pencil, pen and ink, graphite, and marker on paper 10” x 16”, $900
Reclining Figures Drawing #5
Reclining Figures Drawing #3
Reclining Figure #6
color pencil, pen and ink, graphite, and marker on paper 10” x 16”, $900
Reclining Figure Drawing #7
Drawings
Post Family, Family
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 23” x 17”, $950
Thoughts of JJ
color pencil, and marker on paper 20” x 15”, $350
First House
color pencil, pen and ink, and marker on paper 20” x 15” in private collection
Phillip
red and blue crayon on paper 23” x 18” in artist’s private collection
Pen & Ink Drawings
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.
Cat Drawing #1
Cat Drawing #1
pen and ink on Paper 8” x 5”, $50
Macaw
pen and ink on paper 8” x 5”, $50
Olga’s Cat
pen and ink on paper 11” x 9” in private collection
pen and ink on paper 8” x 5”, $90
Plants Galore
Butterfly
pen and ink on paper 11” x 8”, $75
pen and ink on paper 12” x 18”, $90
pen and ink on paper 8” x 5”, $50
Three Scottish Terriers In The Drivers Window
Georgie on the Windowsill
pen and ink on paper 8” x 5”, $50
Photo of Olga’s Cat
pen and ink on paper 8” x 5”, $50
3 Scotties on a Walk
Pet Portraits
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.
Zeus Photo
Zeus Portrait
watercolor painting on paper 10” x 8”, $350
Christina’s Cats Photo
Christina’s Cats
Apollo Photo
Bruiser
watercolor on paper 10” x 8”, $350
Apollo Portrait
watercolor painting on paper 10” x 8”, $350
Mac
acrylic paint on paper 10” x 8” in private collection
watercolor on paper 10” x 8” in private collection