My greatest delight comes from painting stories suggested by the ordinary details of life. Whether the subject is a street scene, an interior, a figure or even a still life, I begin with a narrative in my head that the viewer is invited to continue. The thread of the story may be as literal as what is going on in this room? Or a little less directed, like there is the cup, left on the newspaper in the morning light.
The watercolor paintings I enjoy most are realistic, but often half-tamed. I try to allow the characteristic mark of this fluid medium to remain visible. I want to notice the uncanny way in which the strokes and dribbles echo the random patterns of nature. When I succeed, I feel I get the best of both worlds – a “real” subject, and an abstracted surface that reminds us of the act of painting.
Originally from New York City, I graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a B.A.in English, but I studied art in and around New York for many years with so many amazing painters, including Barkley Hendricks, Rackstraw Downes, Carmen Leahy, Marcy Rosenblatt, and most notably Burton Silverman.
When I moved to Northern Westchester in 1993, I finally found the space and time to turned my heart and hand to a full time painting career. For the last five or so years, I’ve had the privilege to teach at The Katonah Art Center. Recently, I originated Artist’s Coffee Break, a meet-up for emerging artists in my region.
My work has been printed by Art Resources International, The National Federation for the Preservation of Wildlife and has been licensed for tableware by Retroneu. My paintings appear in galleries, regional exhibitions and in corporate and private collections. I’ve been honored with the award for Best Watercolor in Westchester at WATERWORKS, Iona College, and with The Endicott Award for Excellence at NEWS, where I am is a signature member. I am also a member of the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club and The Gallery at Kent, CT. My work can be viewed at www.cindysacks.com.
These paintings are fantastic! They capture such a feeling of life! And beautiful too.
Beautiful work, Cindy, and a wonderful story of reaching toward your creative source. I recently juried an art show in South Brunswick, NJ, and was so impressed by the work being done by artists who have mixed that in with other life commitments.
C.