Meet the Teacher
Cindy Sarkady
For over four decades, I have been captivated by the magic of watercolor—watching as colors and light flow together in an organic dance, each stroke revealing something new and beautiful. My journey as an artist began in high school when my father encouraged me to take a formal art class instead of spending my time in study hall. It was there that I discovered my passion for detailed watercolor painting, a medium that has since become my favorite.
Though watercolors remain at the heart of my work, I also consider myself a mixed-media artist. I frequently incorporate pen and ink, as well as acrylics, to add depth and texture to my pieces. While I am particularly drawn to the movement of waves on water and the beauty of sunsets, my subjects are wide-ranging—from nature to nudes. Each painting is an exploration of light, color, and form.
In recent years, I’ve ventured into the world of children’s book illustration. This new direction has challenged me to adapt my techniques, transitioning from wet-on-wet watercolor methods to painting over dry paper. Pen and ink accents help bring the characters to life, and I’m constantly learning how to infuse emotion and expression into each illustration to match the stories I help tell.
Collage work has also recently become a new passion of mine. This medium has pushed me to slow down and think carefully about each element I add to the piece, as the process involves layering and arranging different materials to create texture, depth, and meaning. The tactile nature of collage has been both challenging and rewarding, as it demands precision, patience, and an openness to experimentation. I’m excited to continue exploring this new artistic territory and to see where it leads me.
