Today, we are excited to introduce you to Sandra, the creative force behind 330art. Sandra is an accomplished abstract painter whose work beautifully captures the essence of seascapes and landscapes. Her journey as an artist is as captivating as her paintings. Formally trained in Interior Design, Sandra made the leap to full-time artist and loves every minute of it. Through a series of questions, we got to know more about her and her art.
Tell us about yourself:
I am originally from Germany and grew up in the Washington, D.C., area. I always liked to paint, so I got a Bachelor’s degree in Interior design. The first several years after graduating, I professionally painted murals and decorative paint finishes in clients’ homes.
I then began a long career designing model condos for real estate developers in the greater DC—Northern Virginia area, but I always wanted to return to painting. In 2019, I did just that and have been painting and selling my art ever since. My husband and I moved to the coastal area of Delaware in 2022, where the nearby beaches constantly inspire me.
What do specialize in?
Original hand-painted abstract seascape and landscape paintings.
Where do you find inspiration?
Having lived near the beautiful Potomac River most of my life and now near the Delaware beaches, the calming influence of water has always inspired me.
Is this your full-time job?
Yes, I paint full-time after leaving my previous career in interior design.
Walk us through a typical day as a full-time artist:
I wake up, have coffee with my husband, and then head downstairs to my studio, where I work for most of the day.
Can you describe your creative process?
As a solely visual person, I collect visual information by taking photos of the beaches and countryside, often stopping the car when I see scenery that inspires me. Hours walking on the beach, even scenes in movies or TV shows. I often stop the show and rewind to a particular beautiful landscape to study it or the light.
Once I start painting, I do it right from my photos or sketches, usually changing colors or composition as I go along. As soon as one is finished, I run upstairs and get my husband’s opinion since he is my muse and biggest fan, with a good eye for art.
What is one tool you can’t live without?:
Canvas, brushes, and paint—I really can’t finish it without all three. I prefer acrylic paints.
Where do you create?
I have a full studio at the ground level of our home. It’s a townhome so the living areas are above. It is a 13×13 area with two windows, lined with two long work tables, a large easel, and lots of floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with art and packing supplies ( I sell quite a bit in my Etsy shop and local art shows, so I am constantly buying and hoarding materials ). The walls are covered with many of my smaller paintings.
How has your work evolved since you began?
I began painting more abstractly, then leaned into abstract seascapes and landscapes, moving from very shaded and blended to recently leaving more brush strokes showing. The texture of the paint adds to the composition.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your craft?
Ai generated “art” selling as hand painted, and large overseas “painting factories” pretending to be independent artists.
How do you ensure quality and uniqueness in your creations?
I hand-paint each painting and install it into its frame. Once I sell, I take time before packing to go over every inch and edge and make last-minute touch-ups when needed. Then, I take at least an hour to pack each one safely. I have a hand in every aspect from creation to delivery of the finished piece to the customer.
When did you decide to turn your passion into a business?
I made the transition to a full-time artist just before Covid hit. My work in interior design just wasn’t giving me joy anymore. I became more ready to move on from many years of furnishing model homes; it’s very hard physical work and not as fun as it sounds. Compare it to moving and unpacking five days a week but on a deadline. Painting has always been a passion for me, so it was a natural switch.
What is one thing you wish you knew when starting?
Work on your craft every day on a schedule. Not just when inspiration strikes. When you work, inspiration will find itself. If you wait for it, it just breeds anxiety
How do you balance creativity with the business side of your work?
I was used to the business side from my previous design business, so I was prepared with business licensing, tax implications, etc. That’s part of why I love selling on marketplaces. It more of a business partnership that’s allows me to spend more time creating than dealing with paperwork.
What are your future goals?
Increasing my presence on Goimagine over the next couple of months and attending more in-person shows.
What is the best piece of advice for other handmade business owners?
Get the business part set and look at it as a long haul. Find your original niche and work every day; it will improve your ability to perform immensely.
Why did you choose to sell on goimagine?:
This is a beautiful platform that offers creators the ability to have their own branded website and a marketplace experience. It is based in the United States and only features handmade products.
Where can we find 330art?
Shop online at: goimagine.com/330art
Shop in person at: West Side Creative Art Market in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Follow on Instagram at: @330art
Stephanie is naturally creative and is passionate about art, design, and everything handmade. She has always enjoyed exploring new techniques and trends in the handmade industry and has channeled this into her role as the Creative Director and co-founder of goimagine. Through her love for creating, she has successfully sold her unique wares, which range from fine art to simple crafts, in both online and in-person markets.