BLOG – Sarah Mckendry

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It feels like only yesterday that I first picked u

It feels like only yesterday that I first picked up a paintbrush and hesitantly dove into the rather terrifying world of self expression. Fast forward through the past fifteen years of creative release and here I am now a mother to two incredible little boys, a wife to the most wonderful man in the world, and living out the dreams that had carried me through the endless sleepless nights and emotionally depleting days of early motherhood. I have always been a dreamer of the biggest dreams, but I have also always poured every ounce of my being into all that I do. I wake up knowing that the two little boys that come crashing onto my bed before the sun edges itself above the horizon are the most important things in the world. I also know that in order to be the best version of myself - a truly connected, present, and nurturing mother - I need to honour my need for stillness and allow myself the time to pour my soul onto canvas after my world goes to sleep every night. I knew from the moment when I first held a paintbrush in my hand that I had found an extension of my very being, and I vowed to always honour that and never let it slip out of reach. My need for creative release to balance out my beautifully chaotic role as a mother has now turned itself into a thriving, successful business that fills my heart up to near bursting. When you make it your mission to find space within your world to stay connected to the things that stoke the creative embers deep within you, you’ll find that those once distant dreams keep drawing ever closer until one day you wake up and realize that they have actually come true.

#sarahmckendryfineart #mountainscape #alpscape #folkscenery #pnwlife #westcoast #tofino #pacificrim #misty #canadianart #pnw #pnwonderland #folkscenery #beautifulbc #yegartist #oilpainting #yegarts

My Print Shop is officially open until this Friday

My Print Shop is officially open until this Friday! I have specially curated a beautiful Collection of both Archival Paper and Stretched Canvas Prints for you to choose from, and if you use the code AUTUMN10 at checkout you will receive a 10% discount on your entire order! Every single Fine Art Print for this Collection is created by a team of wonderful humans that work out of a Small Print House on Vancouver Island. They are masters at their craft and pour their heart and soul into every aspect of the print-making process. Visit the link in my bio to view this new Collection!

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pnwonderland #pnw #bestcoast #tofino #yegartist #pacificrim #discoverbc #oilpainting #gonorthisland #mistyforest #contemporaryart #canadianart #yegart

While I was working in my studio a week ago, I rec

While I was working in my studio a week ago, I received a call from my husband’s phone but on the other end of the line was a complete stranger to me. My two brave boys had run to find her when they found my husband unconscious on the ground beside his bike on top of some rocks. When he regained consciousness she put him on the phone and he knew my name but he had no idea that he was two hours away from home or where his home even was. He was completely blank and absolutely terrified. This incredible stranger immediately jumped into action and called an ambulance while also making sure that our two sweet boys were safe and that our youngest had all of his T1D supplies with him. A dear friend raced over to pick me up and drove me the two hours to the hospital where they had all been taken. My body was absolutely shaking and with this being his fourth major concussion, I knew that this one could lead to severe brain damage. There are no words to describe how excruciatingly long every single second of that drive was for me. He slowly began regaining his memory while we were in the hospital, and it was quickly noted by the doctors that the helmet we had bought for him just last month had literally saved his life. After the results came back from his CT scan the doctors decided that he would recover better at home given that I knew what to expect from when a distracted driver totaled his truck two years ago. Just knowing that he was beginning to remember things and that our boys were both OK allowed me to finally exhale after feeling as though I had been holding my breath for an eternity. He is doing much better every day but his mind is still quite hazy and he feels super tired most of the time. It’s safe to say that this has been one of the scariest weeks of my life, but being able to escape into my studio and pour my emotions onto my canvases has been such a saving grace for me. I was planning on releasing a new collection of work this week but I have decided to give myself some more time. I will share the official launch date for this beautiful new collection very soon, but until then please stay safe out there and be sure to wear your helmets.

I have a brand new Collection of 25 Original Paint

Painting the mist as it silently weaves itself thr

Painting the mist as it silently weaves itself through the boughs of ancient sleeping giants always brings me such indescribable peace. I love how @beckyhemsleypoetry captures those feelings with her words...

“..so she walked to the forest ⁣
and stood with the trees⁣
she heard the wind whisper ⁣
and dance with the leaves⁣
⁣
she spoke to the willow⁣
the elm and the pine⁣
and she told them what she’d ⁣
been told time after time⁣
⁣
she told them she never ⁣
felt she was enough⁣
she was either too little ⁣
or far far too much⁣
⁣
too loud or too quiet⁣
too fierce or too weak⁣
too wise or too foolish⁣
too bold or too meek⁣
⁣
then she found a small clearing surrounded by firs⁣
and she stopped and she heard⁣
what the trees said to her⁣
⁣
and she sat there for hours ⁣
not wanting to leave⁣
for the forest said nothing⁣
it just let her breathe”⁣
⁣
- a beautiful poem by @beckyhemsleypoetry

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pnwonderland #pnw #bestcoast #oilpainting #tofino #mistyforest #canadianart #forest #mist #poetry

My favourite season is nearly upon us and I can’

My favourite season is nearly upon us and I can’t wait to capture it with brush strokes on canvas…

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pacificcoast #bestcoast #tofino #pnw #studioscenes #oilpainting #tourismtofino #womenartists #pacificcoast #landscapeart #oilpainting#tofino #canadianart #pnwonderland #autumnleaves #autumn #autumnvibes

I can’t wait to dive into my next collection of

I can’t wait to dive into my next collection of original paintings. Stay tuned for some massive and exciting new pieces!

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pnwonderland #pnw #bestcoast #tofino #yegartist #pacificrim #discoverbc #oilpainting #gonorthisland #mistyforest #contemporaryart #canadianart #yegart

When I first began teaching myself how to paint I

When I first began teaching myself how to paint I was fixated on the end result before my brush would even touch the canvas. I had every single step mapped out in my brain and I thought that if I didn’t stray from that initial vision then a captivating and souldeep painting would be waiting for me when I put my brushes down at the end of the night. The amount of times that I left my easel disheartened, frustrated, and even more unsure of myself as an artist was more often than not, and it really forced me to take pause and reevaluate every aspect of my creative journey. If you narrow your vision and fixate your gaze upon an unmoving end goal, then you stifle the transcendent beauty of getting lost in the process. By allowing yourself to truly let go and lean into the push and pull of your creative flow as it weaves itself through your very bones, the most honest and sincere version of yourself will begin to emerge. It is there that your greatest works of art lay waiting to be discovered.

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pacificcoast #bestcoast #tofino #pnw #studioscenes #oilpainting #tourismtofino #womenartists #pacificcoast #landscapeart #oilpainting#tofino #canadianart #pnwonderland

To all of you brave souls out there trying to find

To all of you brave souls out there trying to find a rhythm within your craft in those early stages, go easy on yourself. Self expression in any form is a terrifying journey, but I am here on the other side of self doubt and fear telling you that there is no greater gift that you can give yourself than getting comfortable with those quiet and powerful moments of self reflection...

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pnwonderland #pnw #bestcoast #tofino #yegartist #pacificrim #discoverbc #oilpainting #gonorthisland #mistyforest #contemporaryart #canadianart #yegart

In my eyes, I believe that every single canvas tha

In my eyes, I believe that every single canvas that I have painted and every other work of art that I have ever laid my eyes upon has taken an entire lifetime to come to fruition. Every single memory and experience that has drifted down into the depths of an artist’s soul plays a pivotal part in each and every aspect of what is being created. Time ceases to exist for me when I pick up a brush and stand before a blank canvas - it feels like only a mere blink of an eye when I fade back into reality and realize that dawn is not far from the horizon, and that what’s sitting there in front of me has come from some far off place that transcends all concepts of the here and now. Because of this, when someone asks how long a painting has taken me to complete, the only answer that I can give is ‘my whole life’. I don’t know where my mind escapes to when I am in front of my easel, but it is somewhere far beyond the measure of hours, months and years and far above the reach of a fixed construct that has no place in the true understanding of the magic found within one’s creative process...

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pacificcoast #bestcoast #tofino #pnw #studioscenes #oilpainting #tourismtofino #pacificrim #pacificcoast #landscapeart #oilpainting #tofino #canadianart #pnwonderland

I absolutely love trying to capture the power and

I absolutely love trying to capture the power and force of the ocean with my oil paint and brushes. This dreamy 40”x60” painting now resides with a wonderful Collector in Hawaii.

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pnwonderland #pnw #bestcoast #tofino #yegartist #pacificrim #discoverbc #oilpainting #gonorthisland #mistyforest #contemporaryart #canadianart #yegart

Amidst the beautiful chaos of raising my two sweet

Amidst the beautiful chaos of raising my two sweet little boys over the past eight years, I made myself an unwavering pact to continually make time for what sets my soul on fire beyond the realm of being a great mother, a great wife, and a great friend. Night after night I quietly unravel my thoughts and emotions in the peaceful calm of my little studio, and allow the whirlwind rush of my days to settle into soft and purposeful brushstrokes on the canvas in front of me. I have absolutely no idea where these moments of creative release will take me, but I am honouring myself in the most meaningful way imaginable and that to me is all that truly matters. The incredible thing about leaning into your souls’ calling, is that slowly this all too big universe begins to take notice of your small but constant light, and others begin to seek the same peace and comfort within those brushstrokes that you do. Every single day I am so deeply moved that the paintings I create resonate with so many wonderful people, and I can’t possibly thank each and everyone of you enough for all of the ways in which you support this big dream of mine.

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pnwonderland #pnw #bestcoast #skillshare #oilpainting #tofino #mistyforest #contemporaryart #canadianart #autumn #forest #mist #landscapeart

I will be launching my biggest Fine Art Print Sale

I will be launching my biggest Fine Art Print Sale of the year on June 29th (today) at 7:00 pm MDT. Members of my mailing list will receive a 20% discount code for my entire Print Shop as my way of saying thank you for all of your kindness and support so far this year! This will be the very last time that many of the paintings that are featured in this video will ever be available as Stretched Canvas or Archival Paper Prints so if you have had your eye on a special piece be sure to take advantage of this Sale over the next few days. Thank you so much everyone!

#sarahmckendryfineart #mountainscape #alpscape #folkscenery #pnwlife #westcoast #tofino #pacificrim #misty #canadianart #pnw #pnwonderland #folkscenery #beautifulbc #yegartist #oilpainting #yegarts

A little glimpse at the process for this new misty

A little glimpse at the process for this new misty dreamscape…

I have had to move the date of my Collection Launch to Tuesday June 27th so that I have a little bit more time to put the finishing touches on some of the huge wildlife and landscape pieces that I have in the works. This launch will once again be through one of my signature Online Silent Auctions where each of the 22 paintings will have opening bids of just $500. You will receive your special access link to the Silent Auction at 7pm MDT on Tuesday the 27th.

I also had to move my big Fine Art Print Sale to Thursday June 29th for those who have been anxiously waiting! Members of my mailing list will be receiving a 20% discount code for the entire shop on the day of the release, so be sure to sign up through the link in my bio if you’re interested. Many of my older prints will be retired forever after this launch so be sure not to miss out!

  #pnwonderland #oilpainting #westcoast #femaleartist #canadianartist #pnw #pacificcoast #sarahmckendryfineart #artistsarahmckendry #autumn #discoveralberta #tofino #discoverbc #beautifulbc #oilpainting

A sneak peak at a current work in progress for my

A sneak peak at a current work in progress for my New Collection that will be launching this week! Once these layers dry I will be able to dive into the final detail work and really start bringing this beautiful bear to life. Be sure to sign up through the link in my bio if you would like access to this new series of original paintings!

A massive thank you to the incredibly talented @brookelittlebear for graciously allowing me to use her stunning imagery for two big pieces in this upcoming Collection.
#sarahmckendryfineart #folkscenery #pnwlife #westcoast #tofino #pacificrim #misty #canadianart #pnw #pnwonderland #folkscenery #beautifulbc #yegartist #oilpainting #yegarts #brownbear #grizzly #blackbear #alaska #bellacoola

On June 23rd I will be launching my biggest Print

On June 23rd I will be launching my biggest Print Collection to date with a 20% discount code for all of my email subscribers! I have never offered such a substantial discount on any of my Archival Paper and Stretched Canvas prints before, but I wanted to show my gratitude for all of your love and support that you have shown me so this is what I have come up with. This will be the very last time that quite a few of these prints will be available to purchase as they will be retired forever after this big sale, so be sure not to miss out if you have had your eye on a special piece for a while! You can sign up for my mailing list through the link in my bio. Thanks for everyone!

Also a massive thank you to the insanely talented @kevin.meynier for providing me with the inspiration for this magnificent piece!

#sarahmckendryfineart #mountainscape #alpscape #folkscenery #pnwlife #westcoast #tofino #pacificrim #misty #canadianart #pnw #pnwonderland #folkscenery #beautifulbc #yegartist #oilpainting #yegarts

I remember sitting cross legged on the floor of my

I remember sitting cross legged on the floor of my cozy little studio apartment in Toronto holding a paintbrush in my hand for the first time, and being absolutely terrified about messing up the small blank canvas that was leaning on the wall in front of me. I had no idea what it was that drew me into that tiny art store on Yonge Street and made me ask what I needed to paint a picture, but at that moment in my life I knew that I had to find something meaningful to pour my soul into or that concrete jungle was going to swallow me whole. Fifteen years later I still find myself thinking about that night and the overwhelming sense of relief that washed over me as I dipped my brush into the paint for the first time. The fluidity of the medium felt like an extension of my very being and I instantly felt as though I had finally found a way to tell the world my story without ever having to speak a word. Painting is a profoundly personal journey and every single day I am left in complete awe that my pieces of soul have found their way into homes all over the world. No greater compliment can be given to an artist, and no words can convey the depth of gratitude that I have for all of you wonderful humans that support this big dream of mine.

#pnwonderland #oilpainting #westcoast #femaleartist #canadianartist #pnw #pacificcoast #sarahmckendryfineart #artistsarahmckendry #autumn #discoveralberta #tofino #discoverbc #beautifulbc #oilpainting #reflections

When things begin to feel overwhelming for me ther

When things begin to feel overwhelming for me there is no greater gift that I can give myself than time in front of my easel with a paintbrush in hand. This is where my soul exhales and my mind slowly unwinds into a beautiful state of flow. This is where I allow myself the freedom to slow down and to paint to life the scenes that I long to explore. This is where I honour my need for silence, for softness, and for time away from the beautiful chaos of being a mother, a wife, and a friend. This is my sanctuary and I am so deeply grateful for every moment that I get to spend within it.

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pacificcoast #bestcoast #tofino #pnw #studioscenes #oilpainting #tourismtofino #womenartists #pacificcoast #landscapeart #oilpainting #tofino #canadianart #pnwonderland

I walked away from gallery representation ten year

I walked away from gallery representation ten years ago because almost every aspect of it did not sit right with my soul. The distance between myself and the person who connected with my work and wanted it in their home, the price points that set my work on a level that I myself couldn’t afford if I wanted to, and the removal of the art from the space in which it came to life in the first place all left me feeling quite empty and unfulfilled. My mantra as an artist is to only create paintings that speak to the depths of my soul and to make my work as accessible as possible for as many people as I can. I did not set out on this creative journey in search of fame and fortune, I didn’t even set out to sell my work and put it out into the universe for all to see. I did it because it made me feel whole, it made me feel calm, and it made me feel like I could finally make sense of the world around me in a way that sparked joy within my heart. When others began reaching out to purchase my paintings because they too felt the same connection to them that I did, that is when I decided to shift away from the conventional way of selling my work and to create my own meaningful path that allowed me to spread a little bit of joy and happiness as I went along. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you wonderful humans that continually support this big dream of mine through purchases, comments, shares and likes. Each and every one of you put a smile on my face and keep me burning the midnight oil with a paintbrush in hand and gratitude in my heart.

The inspiration behind this painting is from the wonderful @elfriedejasmine

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #artflowsessions #beautifulbc #pnwonderland #tofino #tofinobc #gonorthisland #vancouverisland #explorevancouverisland #pnw #bestcoast #oilpainting

I am feeling inspired to get back in front of the

I am feeling inspired to get back in front of the camera and to start the exciting journey of filming some Wildlife Oil Painting Tutorials for all of my students. With the Worldwide Launch of my exciting new Oil Painting Landscapes Book only 18 days away and with 11 full length Landscape Tutorials already up on my website, I feel as though it’s finally time to begin pouring my heart and soul into showing those who are interested the techniques that I use to create my realistic wildlife pieces. This is going to be so much fun to dive into and I can’t wait to share them with you once they are complete!

#sarahmckendryfineart #misty #beautifulbc #pnwonderland #pnw #bestcoast #tofino #yegartist #pacificrim #discoverbc #oilpainting #gonorthisland #mistyforest #contemporaryart #canadianart #yegart

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Sarah Mckendry Canadian Realist Painter