Check Out Sandra Jessop’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Jessop. 

Hi Sandra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began with a lot of pencil drawings of trees, something I saw a lot of growing up in New Hampshire. Later I explored oil paints and watercolor, printmaking, ceramics, and fiber arts earning a BA in Studio Arts degree. I wanted to illustrate children’s books, but after graduating, I ended up working at a pottery, painting flowers and birds on dinnerware and bath items. I loved being able to create art that people could enjoy every day. Occasionally we would get photos from clients showing off their hand-painted pottery in their homes. 

On my own time, I continued to work on watercolors and ink drawings to sell at art fairs. Talking with art buyers helped me understand that just as people are all different, their taste in art would be too. Over the years I’ve become more confident in expressing my view of the world with watercolor, a medium I struggled with at first. In school, I loved painting with oils. I could blend and mix and it would stay where I put it. Watercolor takes on a life of its own and once I realized what it could do it was thrilling! It is very expressive and can be used in so many ways. 

As an artist, I am constantly evolving and experimenting, but watercolor is the one thing I return to. I also like to use watercolor pencils, pen and ink, or ink pencils. I have recently discovered something called Gelatos by Faber-Castell that are so fun to play with! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For me, one of the difficulties has been staying true to who I am as an artist. When I look back on paintings and illustrations, the ones that have had the best response were the ones that I really put myself into. It’s those times when I was inspired by some little moment. It meant something to me and decided to put it on paper the way that I thought it would work the best. I know that is not always possible when working for someone else, and in that case, I have to be able to step back, take the suggestion, and see it a new way. The more time I spend with an idea, the more I get to know it. That’s when professionalism and experience kicks in and I can trust that I will produce what is needed. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for watercolor paintings that are soft and happy – scenes of nature, children, and animals. Quail and hummingbirds are always a favorite of mine, as are children interacting with pets. I am an observer of life and find inspiration every day wherever I am. Sometimes those ideas remain doodles on the back of an envelope, or turn into pages in a sketchbook, becoming a jumping-off point for a children’s book. I am open to the wonder that surrounds me. While each day has the potential to be challenging and full of trouble or bad news, I can choose to focus on things that lift my spirits, and share that with others. 

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love to learn new things and working with others is a great way to do that. If people want to collaborate with me, they can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram or visit my Etsy shop. 

SandraJessop.com 

@sandra_jessop 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AzureViewArt 

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.sandrajessop.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra_jessop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AzureViewArt

Image Credits
SandraJessop