From Collage to Finished Painting: Studio Vlog 

I swear this is the best nativity painting ive ever seen. Its so whimsical and fun. Baby Jesus wearing a onesie 😂❤. A flying cat and the wise man with his foot in the air. I love the way your brain works. Such a fun and loose painting. So good to see your process too. So many pieces made before the final work. Making multiples is always a great way to create lots of possibilities and exploring materials and ideas. Inspiring and very cool Sandy. I love the way you work. ❤

This video is so well made. I love that it shows a process from beginning to end going through all the iterations, and all of them are really good. Also shows how hard working you are.

So much fun, Sandi!!! I love seeing the steps in the process and the joy you bring into your work.

I will undoubtedly watch this one 100 times. Perfectly love all this video and the wonderful art created here. Caught your message on the creative catch up podcast w Mel, Kriksis and Natashia. That podcast was perhaps the best recording I've ever listened to for a person starting out in the selling end especially. Sandi-- you are astonishing and always leave me feeling totally inspired and uplifted. Thx. Your nativities are treasures.

Love them! Please consider prints of the painting for next Christmas.

Thank you for sharing your thought process and creative process - even with all the studio "mess". It inspires me to shoot more videos with my studio without cleaning up first! gorgeous painting!

Always a delight to tune into your Vlog and see what you are up to. And wow, those sketches, paintings, collages and your huge painting are so wonderful! I love how you interpreted the Christmas story in such vivid and imaginative ways with such a joyful spirit. The finished mantel piece painting with the vibrant pink has me seeing a bit of Emily Powell's inspiration of color and her playfulness too, but still so uniquely yours. Lovely, lovely, lovely. Praying you are feeling better soon, and as always I look forward to your next video.

Sandi hope you fully recover soon,the final nativity painting is so vibrant and joyful,I love the winged horse and cat,the collages also work really well,great to see you evolving an idea into a final painting.A really rich and colourful celebration on the nativity for sure Sending healing energy your way,rest up and be good to yourself.(Matt)

I'm inspired to paint my own nativity in watercolor mixed media. Merry Christmas!! 🎉

Absolutely beautiful artwork on the wall good job Sandi hopefully you're feeling better too😘

The horse's teeth!!! 😂 oh my goodness...seriously this is such a fun painting. But those teeth are the best!

So glad to see Mary decked out in that beautiful vibrant red instead of the traditional light blue! For me your use of the red in the side curtains pointed up the dynamic character of Mother Mary which is so symbolically important! Makes me extra glad to have seen your final rendition! Be well soon!

I loved the last two nativities you showed from your sketchbook especially the one with the brown donkey. Whimsical yet serious.

I am loving your handmade sketchbooks, Sandi! I bought some large loose sheets of my favorite paper with the goal of making my own. Just need to find the time and the courage 😂. One quick note on the duck tape. I’m not sure if it’s a deal-breaker for you or not, but the book tape will age better than the duck tape or masking tape since these are not archival quality. Particularly the duck tape might affect the paper if it is resting directly on it. However, if it’s just attached to the cover, the inner pages should be fine. Nevertheless, the colorful tapes are adorable and definitely add personality to the sketchbooks!

I wanted to mention that I followed your method (from the last video) to prep paper for sketchbooks, using the exact same paper and materials (and trying to match proportions of ingredients in the sizing mixture as best I could.) I definitely see the appeal and I am excited to use it beyond the small tests that I did. It does definitely “resist” watercolor paint to some extent, which you showed in this video, so it wouldn’t really be for a traditional watercolor artist, but it does result in some really interesting effects. I also like how the brushstrokes in the sizing mixture subtly show through sheer watercolor, and how you can move the watercolor paint around for a longer period of time, and leave marks which record the movement of the paint. It creates a lot of interest you can’t get from unprepped paper. The color is truly just like that of cream paper you can buy. I wanted to try this particular paper you recommend because I knew that printmaking paper is intentionally made to be very absorbent, with little, and sometimes no, sizing, which is not what you’re looking for in your end product. So, I wanted to see what other desirable characteristics the paper had. The “sizing” mixture works very well for that particular paper, which apparently has only internal sizing. I also learned that this paper, although made from wood-based cellulose, is made with high alpha cellulose, which is apparently stronger and more archival than is the alpha cellulose in most acid-free wood-based cellulose paper. This makes sense since printmaking paper is made to be strong to withstand the printing process, including a water bath. I definitely noticed the strength and I saw what you meant about the way it lays, and the “fabric-like” quality, which was only enhanced by the application of sizing which dries flexible. In fact, it reminded me some of Strathmore’s 500 series mixed media paper, which is 100% cotton, but fairly thin and smooth, and which I like to coat in Liquitex gesso, which is also very flexible (but much heavier.) To anyone who criticizes the use of (wood-based) cellulose paper, I would say this paper is actually pretty nice. One last thing - for whatever reason, the Matisse paint I used, a brand new tube, was much softer than yours appeared, and I was able to thoroughly mix the mixture by just swirling my container… no clumps at all despite being in a very cool house. I just put paint, matte medium, and a bit of water together, swirled, and then kept adding a bit of water and swirling until it was the right consistency and there was no sediment on the bottom of my container. I did use water which was slightly warmer than lukewarm, as my cold tap water was ice cold and I knew it might cause the paint to seize up.

Your painting looks so joyful! A beautiful addition to your gorgeous room!💚

Your studio looks amazing, its so inspiring ❤❤❤

Sandi, you are such an amazing inspiration ❤️

This is delightful! Your whole process produced so many wonderful small pieces of art. The large painting is definitely party time! I hope you are 100% over covid.

this last one was by far my favorite of yours. your genius was exploding!!! i loved the transformation, each one was amazing and you always inspire me so much, but this last piece truly just made me have to say in the comments, at least, sandi you are a genius!!!

So great! I can see how it ties back to the still lifes, which I love so much. 😍😍😍

I love your sketches, collages and paintings. I think they all turned out terrific. And, your home looks so cozy and festive with the decorations, but how are you going to have a fire in the fireplace?? Yes, I use duct tape, masking tape, bookbinding tape, gaffers tape - whichever works for the particular book. I've made them from 3 x 3 to 30 x 30. I hope you are re-gaining your energy and feeling better.

Thank you for sharing your joy and passion!

I just love this! Of course, cats and mice were there! Love the colors! Everything was so balanced. The pink background sure warmed it up. Merry Christmas to you and Grady.

Love your work, Sandi! I always look forward to your videos. Thank you for sharing your process and joy for creating!

Love your take on the nativity scene, Sandi and so happy applying tape to your sketchbook spines was a success!!

More teeth in 2024 please haha I LOVVVVED this painting, everything about it. The birthday circus theme is so smart, and love how all of your little creatures from the past years snuck into this painting. I'm glad baby Jesus is having such a fun birthday.

LOVE , LOVE Sandi !!!!

Hahah love Grady looked like he was electrocuted!!!!!! Hilarious annnnd the painting❤❤❤❤ thank you

In the beginning where you explained your thinking process jumping from painting to painting and why you have a messy room, I could just play that to my husband the next time he asks, "what are you thinking about right now???" 🤣🤣🤣

Beautiful, Bright and very Christmassy , absolutely love your Christmas artwork Sandi xx , hope you’re feeling lots better xx

Yeeee, a new videooo ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Just love your process Sandi ❤ what vibrant pieces

Huge inspo!

A delight! It is so fun to see how all the prepwork resulted in a wonderful happy and loose nativity scene! 💛 (Very impactful those two gardens..🙏)

What a fun, creative and overall inspiring video. Sandi you continue to amaze me with everything that you delve into. Your home looks great for the holiday's. I would love coming into your studio like a kid and just exploring and touching and trying everything you do. Sure hope you feel better woman. Thanks so much for so much joy today. I needed it and it feels great. God love you!!!

Thiis was such a good video. I think I got a better understanding of how you approach your bigger paintings from start to finish. I really like all paintings and sketches. Loved the little unexpected animals at the manger scene. How would have expected an owl or a winged housecat or a mouse family? Very happy images loving and hopeful expression of faith in what can otherwise seem like a dark time. I'm not religious but the images were truly uplifting.

I LOVE this episode and also the sketchbook making one!! Thank you Sandi for all your amazing inspiration! You are a gift to us!! May you and Grady have a rich and meaningful Christmastide! ❤🎄🙏😍

Such a vibrant and joyful painting and all the sketches and collages too!

Awesome video Sandi, I’m glad you’re feeling better. Now, we have to wait for 2 more weeks…..grrrrrr. Lol. Love you kiddo

So blessed to see this. Such joy and happiness in your final piece- never seen such a fun Christmas painting! It reminds me of some Mexican nativity scene I’ve seen on a card. God bless you, I learn so much from your videos!

ADORRRRRRRRABLE❣️❣️

Love your working out, I think you included the Beatles in some of your pics, a bit of a yellow submarine feel to it wonderful work Sandi xx

Just saying: everytime I see a studio filled with works in progress, my heart beats faster ❤. I. love your studio!

the collage paintings are really nice, looks like a fun time in the manger 😜

It’s your happy dance that I resonate with. Yay you!

So sorry to hear you are sick....hope u feel better.. thanks for your latest video!

This video and all the art made my heart so happy! Capturing the joy of such a joyous thing, is no small thing! Love it all, Sandi! Sincerely, Paula

So, so beautiful, Sandi. No one could pull this off as well as you - happy, happy Birthday! Glad to see you getting over covid. It's a weird one - I was down for over 4 weeks. See you in 2 and thanks for this lovely video.

Love all the colors in the nativity!! Happy paintings!! Have a wonderful Christmas and hope you feel better soon!!!🤗🌲

Beautiful Sandi!!!

I loved watching your art process Sandi! 😊

The painting is beautiful! It looks wonderful with the colors of your Christmas tree. Hope you feel better soon. 😊

Extra Joyful ☺️💗

So glorious! What a fun video. Thanks.

Come One come all!

Also I laughed out loud at your perfect editing when you went to hang up your art above your mantle and you just knocked stuff over. You crack me up.

Joyful!

What a delightful painting!

This was so joyful to watch! 😊

So childlike and joyful! And magical! Merry Christmas, Sandi and Grady!

Great work Sandi. Thank you for sharing. Please take care of yourself!

Sandi, your gifts are magical

Ypur style is fantastic..love the painting!!! God Bless❤

I am your 1000th like! Happy Merry Christmas, Sandi! 🎄

Your nativity makes me so HAPPY!

Luv luv luv, this video...crazy canvas, fabulous 😊😊

Your painting has a Howard Finster vibe to it... like his paintings Find The Four Horses Of The Revelation... or House Divided Cannot Stand.

Sandi just had a weird sideways thought. Your theme is He is here. So that was at the beginning of His life so cant wait to see you Passiver series start... He is Not Here!…. He as risen as He said… then cracking myself up… and this this is why your channel speaks to me. I watch your videos like a painting friend just over your shoulder mumbling agreement, giggling at your little antics, thank you over and over for just being so real the watcher feels like you invited them in the studio and lets chat and explore art together messy in the process of creating. Love these bits of an artist life… Father bless you with healing and strength to continue this great work...

Sandi, hope you got over your bout with Covid....it's nasty. Your Christmas artwork is wonderland so joy filled. May you have a wonderful Christmas season celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus.

Omgoodness, I hope you heal soon we all need your ideas and joy!

I love your art so much, I love the pink christmas paiting! Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤✨

I just love this so much! Thank you for your generosity in sharing your process and excitement. You’re so inspiring! A shining light. Merry Christmas! 🎄 💚❤️⭐️

I would love to see more asmr of you painting. I love to see you work and hear the paint brush scratches.

I love your vision. Fun piece. Baby Jesus is adorable.

I LOVE the pink with all the greens and blues and reds on top. This with the green wall is also just so good. I'm gushing over it!!

How wonderful ! when you were placing it over the mantle piece I had a huge smile on my face.! It looks amazingly fun and festive ❤ how inspiring I’m off to make a Christmas canvas for my home now . Thxs Sandi Merry Christmas and God bless xx

Love the old timey circus vibe! That would be such a great theme for paintings

That self-portrait for you, leaning against the wall!! Oh my word…please tell me I can afford it?

Loved seeing the process! Have you thought about scanning in your work and making cards? I think Christmas cards of some of these sketches would sell well.

Your nativity scene painting makes me feel so HaPpY.🎉❤🌲✝️🎉🎉🎉

Teeth on the owl 🦉 yesssss! I was thinking that too 😂. I made my own sketchbook using your last video too and lurvvve it! Used cougar paper; great for the flashe paints and acryla gouache! The garden 🍎 painting is my favourite ❤. Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas 🎄

I loved this video. I was looking forward to your Christmas video, because I want to do Christmas themed paintings but can't seem to find the composition I want.. Anyway, I like the tape over the binding idea for home made sketchbooks. thanks! Merry Christmas!

Thank you ☺️ for another gorgeous video Sandhi, especially as you’ve been so unwell. Praying 🙏🏻 you are fully recovered by now and thank you for sharing such joy filled interpretations of the real meaning of Christmas ⭐️🎄⭐️🎄⭐️ x x

Love the big and little paintings. I wish I could let go and paint that way, but I don't see it happening any time soon - I'm too OC about fixing edges, etc. Merry Christmas!

I really like your house it is so cool🥰

Bellissimo grazie😊

Top❤😂 you are ilarous, love your humor and all skecth and the graet paint, taraaaaaaa😅^

I so love how this turned out, and I love the horse and kitty angels! I'm a bit biased towards them as I'm a 50+ years of horse woman and crazy cat lady! 😂 I'd go insane without horses and cats (and dogs and chickens) lol! I feel for you so much about suffering through the big C virus... I had it seriously bad in January, I literally don't remember 2 days. I somehow managed to get the horses and other critters fed despite it. Be good to yourself through recovering, the breathing issue seems to linger forever! Also, what did you prep your surface with in your two gardens painting? I love the super rough texture! Your final painting looks awesome over the mantle 😊😊

I like it 😊❤👍

was wondering if yoiu could do a video on the LeFranc Bourgeis paints and liquidtex softbody paints and finally the gamblin oil paints... i see you using them in your work and it looks exciting.. new to art and just purchtased these paints but not sure how to get started.. thanks Sandie!😊

Those would make a beautiful set of Christmas cards, just saying

Hope you're feeling better. You gotta try Holbein Mat paint. So full of pigment and no smell.

your pink christmas painting is absolutely gorgeous - do you ever sell prints?? your work makes me so happy id love to put it on my wall

💖🎄💖🎄💖

Thank you for sharing this process from first sketches over collages to finished awesome painting ! It’s so pretty! There was a book on your floor ‘farm animals’, sadly couldn’t figure out the name. Do you have the autor or the isbn number ?

This message is for Grady because you are too busy painting to worry about the business end. I’ve asked my husband for Emily Powell’s book for Xmas because there isn’t a Sandi Hester book!

Love your work and spirits! A question, do the sketchbooks still open flat with the tape on them?

It would be so cool if you could offer a nice print of this image!

how fun Sandi, thanks for posting, will you be having the scary doll?