Innovative artist Sandy Bricel Miller has dedicated her life to her own art as well as providing inspiration to others through art education.
Sandy was born in Vancouver B.C. and has lived most of her life in the Pacific Northwest. She studied art at the University of Washington where she pursued a degree in art education, leading to a rich career teaching art in public and private schools from the elementary to university level over forty years. During college, she studied art in Provence France along with 23 other young artists. This experience inspired a deep passion for painting, art history and a desire to pursue her own artistic journey.
Watercolor
Sandy’s watercolor paintings focus on landscape and the natural world. Her love of the outdoors and adventurous spirit inspires work that is fresh and engaging. Sandy works “en plein air” from the coastal waters of the San Juans to mountain scapes in the North Cascades and the villages of France. She uses plein air studies for the foundation of larger works that she develops in her studio “Red Ochre Art Studio” in Magnuson Park. Sandy also teaches classes in watercolor and printmaking to adults and leads customized art retreats in France and the Southwest. “For me, watercolor is an event that requires deep focus, advance planning and letting go. My goal is to express the essence of my subject through layering of transparent pigments, bold brushwork and preservation of light.”
Printmaking
Sandy also works in two different printmaking techniques: paper lithography and lino-cut. Her work in lithography involves the transformation of her photographs on a press where she manipulates light, shadow and texture on her image. Recent series include “The Lost Arts of Communication,” “Hand Portraits” and “Matisse’s Window.” Her work in lino-cut is focused on landscape and marine life. She applies watercolor or pastel onto the surface of the some of the prints to create subtle layers of color.
Public Art
From 1980 – 2022 Sandy served as the designer and director of numerous public art murals. Her most recent public art commissions completed in 2021-2022 include two murals created with youth at Magnuson Park in Seattle: The “History of Flight Murals” depict the history of aviation at Sand Point Magnuson from 1918- 1970. The “All Are Welcome Murals” include both painted and ceramic tile murals inspired by the natural world of the Pacific NW. These creations involved over 120 children and are displayed in the Magnuson Children’s Garden. Sandy believes the arts play an integral part in shaping a healthy and creative society.