FEATURED ARTIST - SALLY WESTER
How long have you been a member of the GCWS and why did you join?
About 8 years. I joined because I wanted to learn more about watercolors and to develop my skills.
Have you held any positions with the GCWS; if so, what positions?
Right now I am treasurer.
Describe your usual procedures for creating a painting.
I like to paint at my kitchen table. I often set up a still life of flowers or fruit, then sketch and paint what I see. Recently I have taken photographs of a still life, then do sketches, referring to the photograph, then work on a painting. During the past year I have especially grown from Susan Grogan’s lessons at Hobby Lobby at Eastgate.
How long have you been painting.
About 9 years.
In what medium, other than watercolor or acrylic, do you work?
Just watercolor at present.
Where do you get your inspiration for paintings?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature – flowers, fruit, animals, landscapes. Recently I have gotten several ideas and techniques from GCWS meetings, from speakers and teachers like Susan Grogan, Deb Ward, Marilyn Bishop, Marlene Steele, Trish McKinney, Marybeth Martin, Chris Leeper and others.
Are you a teacher?
I am a retired elementary school teacher.
Where do you see yourself in the future? (ie., is painting a hobby; will you enter shows; do you see yourself teaching?)
I will continue painting as a hobby and will perhaps enter some juried shows. At some point, I might enjoy teaching watercolors to beginners. I may take some art classes at the Art Academy.
Is there anything else you would like for us to know about you and your art?
Since I was a young child, I was inspired by my Aunt June White who painted wonderful watercolors. Also, my grandmother, Lily Henninger, started painting in oil in her 60’s. I always wondered if I had some of their talent. Since I retired, I discovered that I inherited enough of their talent to really enjoy watercolors and to grow as an artist.
