Art & Life with Sandy Combs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Combs.

Sandy, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Raised on the coast of California, I was able to have the freedom to swim in the ocean and ride my horse through the mountains when I could while working on ranches after graduating high school. My parents were first generation and newly immigrated Americans, so my mindset was still old country and being self-sufficient. Everything about me was creative in the sense that I wanted to make and give hand made items to all my friends and relatives. From being a gourmet cook to sewing children’s clothes and costumes for the theatre, knitting, weaving, and most exciting and enjoyable, painting in oils and watercolors.

I married young and had two beautiful daughters, now grown, who are my pride and joy and now several grandchildren. I was a single mother for quite a while and had to figure out how to make a living, so I went to college at 28 years old. Back in the day, women were still dependent on getting married and raising a family, and so that’s what I did. At this time I sowed a lot of wild oats and lived in the Tahoe National Forest and Dubois, Wyoming. I had a full on lesson in surviving with my brains and talent. It was a challenging period in my life, but it gave me the strength to accomplish many personal goals.

In 1987, I moved to the Prescott, Arizona area where I found the place I wanted to spend my life. I succeeded in my career and was able to buy my first house on my own. I then met my husband, Jay from South Dakota who also had kids, while working together on a construction project where he was superintendent. In that industry, he had to work out of town for many years, so I had a lot of time to spend painting, volunteering, and participating in my grandchildren’s lives. I have a great passion for art and history which brought me deep into learning and watching the local masters paint and sculpt.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a representational painter using oils and watercolors. I learned to paint about 20 years ago after spending a lot of time at museums and galleries studying the great master’s skill and inspiration. I took drawing classes and then went to painting in oils. They are very forgiving as you can paint over any stroke or color that isn’t harmonious. When I want to stand and express myself, turn up the music loud, I will paint in oils. I enjoy plein aire painting, an experience in itself and is a wonderful method for pushing yourself out of the box. You must embrace the elements whether it be rain, wind, bugs, heat, or people. On the other hand, when I am in a subtle mood, I paint in watercolors. I have different styles in these two mediums and also when I plein aire paint.

My inspiration comes from the natural in shapes, lights, darks, shadows, and color. My eyes see in those patterns now, and it is really a remarkable way to look at nature and the human or animal form. Someone said, “Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul, and you answer.” Keep answering that which makes you want to create something which brings joy to yourself and others.

How do you think about success, as an artist, and what quality do you feel is most helpful?
As an artist, I define success when I am inspired to get up in the morning and accomplish whatever I set out to do, and it actually comes out. That includes thoughts or ideas of new paintings or how I can finish one I’ve started. But to me, the bigger picture is how your actions affect those around you and what legacy you are leaving your family. As I study my own genealogy and help others with theirs, I see how important this becomes to their sense of well being and confidence.

The quality I feel essential to success are these words from the Golden Rule that go beyond what we imagine. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Remember to show kindness even to those who may not deserve it. We are all fighting some type of battle, but your sense of accomplishment and success will come from overcoming and perseverance. Find ways to help others achieve their goals and then achieve yours.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am represented at the Mountain Artists Gallery in Prescott, Arizona.

I have been accepted into the 12th Annual Prescott Area Artists Studio Tour the first weekend in October. You can find me in Williamson Valley, Arizona.

My website is www.sandycombs.com, and you can contact me through there. I produce greeting cards and art mugs in addition to paintings.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sandycombs.com
• Phone: 928.925.9557
• Email: sandyoutwest@gmail.com

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.