Sara Bardin’s vivid acrylic paintings seem to leap off the canvas and draw the viewer deep into the detail of the subject. Visit Sara’s website to see more of her work.
I remember drawing the same images over and over as a child. It was either a sailboat on the ocean or a sultry eye. When I became a high school student, I was able to experiment with different drawing techniques; photography, acrylic and oil paints, etc.
It was at that point I realized I had a passion for art. I would continually draw the “Can You Draw Me?” turtle or duck that they used to advertise for Art Instruction School, thinking that it would be the start to my career path.
Instead, I ended up studying interior design in college, which allowed me to take several art courses, but did not serve as the focus of my studies. Unfortunately, after leaving college, I left my creativity behind for 16 years to pursue my career and to start a family.
In 2009, as daily stressors began to mount, I picked up the paintbrush and began to paint as a means of “getting away.” I found immersing myself in painting to be therapeutic and rewarding at the same time. It kindled a burning passion to continue creating art.
Portraits of my family members were my favorite subject matter at the time. Then, on a trip with my family to the United States National Botanical Gardens in 2010, I became inspired to paint flowers.
I now primarily paint objects found in nature, including flowers, insects and stones. Occasionally, I am commissioned to paint portraits of people and pets.
I use acrylic paints because I am sensitive to chemicals. I love the brilliant color that is achievable and strive to make my subject matter pop from the canvas visually.
Various media assist me in working with acrylics to facilitate their blending and drying times, making it easier for me to blend and create believable and fabulous textures. Each painting is a step forward in my learning process and a way for me to practice new techniques and to experiment further.
I have just embarked on a new series of painting of nature, which all co-star water. I have a fascination with the way water plays off objects.
Whether it reflects an image of a flower or glistens off a rock, I find that even though it is seemingly a supporting actor, it actually becomes the star.
Sara Bardin invites you to follow her on Facebook.
Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!
Great work, Sara! Love the quote about water becoming the star. And it’s amazing that this work is all done in acrylics!
Thank you Glen. You have been so instrumental in the way my art has progressed this year. Thank you!
My favorites is Rock Pool. It almost looks abstract. Lovely colors.
Thank you!
Great art !!!!!
Thanks
LOVE your use of color and the movement your paints reflect. Water lilies is my favorite.