Testimonials

Letter from a student

I have known Sandy McDermott for at least 15 years, beginning with some of the first classes in nature drawing she taught under the auspices of Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Since then, I have explored art and nature with her in a variety of media (drawing, watercolor, acrylic), subjects (landscapes, birds, flora large and small) and instructional contexts (beginner, all-level, “advanced” classes; intensive workshops; private lessons; and informal sketching events).

Classes with Sandy are opportunities for exploration, of a particular medium and of nature. She plans her lessons with care from her extensive knowledge and experience.

She presents these lessons with obvious affection for the topic(s) while always maintaining an openness and sensitivity to her students’ expectations and abilities. Students invariably feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and seeking guidance.

One of Sandy’s endearing qualities is her open acknowledgement (even as an accomplished artist) that art is a process, that it takes work, and that each individual has his or her own objective, approach and pace.

Over the years I have known and studied with Sandy, she has embarked on her own artistic journey, from natural science illustration, with its emphasis on accuracy, to accomplished and expressive use of watercolor, and even now is working toward something incorporating both.

I think that sharing steps in her journey – including the setbacks – offers students a special kind of encouragement in pursuit of their own artistic goals.

I am not the only student who keeps coming back to Sandy’s classes.

Every time I attend one of her classes, I join people I’ve not met before but also a few (sometimes more than a few) individuals who have been with me in one or another of Sandy’s classes in the past.

We come to explore tools of artistic expression and how to use them; we come also to further explore and experience the pleasures of observing the natural world. Invariably, we leave satisfied.

Marty Bowers Newburyport, MA February 2018

“The class is more than an art course. The skills that we have practiced through exercises and lessons have helped to improve nature drawing and journaling.

But what I most appreciate about this class is that I am more observant of the nature around me, whether it is in my backyard, on my commute to work or out in nature.

I also enjoy the process of learning more about the trees, flowers, plants and animals around through my drawings and observations in my journal.”
- Amy

Field Sketching: A Year of Mindfulness student

“Great introduction to exploring the natural world with sketching and watercolors.

In-class instruction about accurate and realistic drawing and use of watercolors is solidified with flexible homework assignments and group review.

Fosters observation and learning about the natural world, and has enhanced my enjoyment of nature.”

~Marian

Field Sketching: A Year of Mindfulness student

“DO IT! Sandy is amazingly talented and superbly supportive and encouraging no matter what your skill level is.”
~Angela

Field Sketching: A Year of Mindfulness student

An Afternoon by the Sea was written with the hope of finding an artist who could capture the meaning of each sentence through illustrations. Sandy McDermott was that artist who brought each sentence in my book to life.

She made each and every word come alive on the page in the form of watercolors. Sandy was so wonderful to work with. She was patient, understanding and always willing to talk through ideas.

When I think of Sandy, I am reminded of a sentence in my book;  Creativity is a gift that many possess, but one only a few can truly express in moments of time.

~Laurie Nikopoulos
Author, “An Afternoon by the Sea”

Illustration Client