Meet Sadie Pennell | Watercolor Miniaturist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sadie Pennell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sadie, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Being in the Fine Arts industry is tough, especially being a hyper-specific niche artist selling to the public. I specialize in a size rather than a subject, with all of my paintings never exceeding 2.4cm x 2.4cm (just shy of an inch). You might be surprised at how many people assume I paint my pieces on a large canvas, scan the piece, then create a shrunken print of it to sell. That, or viewers simply assume I’m selling frames, not realizing the painting within is indeed just that, an intricate and original hand-painted watercolor piece, not a Logo or stamp. It just isn’t something many people have been exposed to. I frequently run into the question, “Why would I pay so much for something so small?” I find that with my work being so small, the size of it is often equated with its perceived value with people thinking small means minimal time, effort, and cost of materials. As far as cost of materials goes, they are spot on – I use VERY little paint. But it’s not about how much my pieces cost to make. Those who purchase my work are paying for the art and the skill and the time. My pieces take hours of unbroken concentration, breath freezing brushstrokes, a ridiculous level of control over the watercolor medium, and is a very rare artform. I think a lot of outsiders are probably unaware of what exactly goes into the creation of a painting so tiny.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Absolutely. I own my own small business, Sweet Pea Paintings by Sadie Pennell LLC. Through my business, I sell my completed works as well as offer services to create custom fine art miniature watercolors for my clients. I love the idea of bridging the gap between fine art found in galleries and the idea of custom (commission) work. I approach every commissioned piece with the same mindset I approach all of my pieces, to create something worthy of a gallery, but for one’s home. I am known for and predominantly sell my signature size of 2.4cm x 2.4cm, occasionally taking the larger commission of up to 3” x 3” for those whose vision might not allow for the full enjoyment of my tiniest works.

I’m an artist all about finding joy in the little things then creating that joy through tiny imagery – the peacefulness of watching a mother sheep with her young, enjoying that nostalgic breakfast from childhood, being one of the millions in awe of a famous historical work of art, or just reminiscing over an object whose sentimental value is priceless. What brings us joy can be hard to appreciate sometimes. Life is hard. I wanted to create a brand that brings joy to the forefront, have my viewers take a tiny break from their hardships, and reconnect with those little things in life that give them that warm and fuzzy feeling. The spreading of joy is the accomplishment I am most proud of. Many of my clients gift my custom works to their loved ones, artwork designed to reflect and bring to life the recipient’s most beloved and cherished memories, moments, and memorabilia. My clients often write to me after gifting one of my pieces. They tell me about the recipient’s heartfelt reaction. Art is powerful and moving and personal. My brand is about personalizing fine art, making it more accessible, and also reminding myself of all the joys life has to offer, no matter how small they may be.

But getting to where I am today was not easy. It was very hard and full of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I got where I am today due to having a sense of humor, indomitable spirit, and a strong support system – my family. Many artists have horror stories from their Formal Arts Training and I am no exception. There is a certain level of brutality and ruthlessness that, at one point, I found more common than not in the art world, which often surprises people on the outside. When I was in art school, I can’t count how many times my work and I were called trash, pathetic, and a waste of space. This was art I was creating based on the guidance and personal preferences of the professors I was studying under, the complete and total opposite of the work I create today. I even wrote a blog piece currently on my website all about my time in art school, the challenges I faced, and how I came to create my first miniature. I was pushed hard, so hard there were times I held-up in my room petrified of picking up the paint brush again, let alone showing my work for the next critique. At one point I didn’t even want to make art anymore, a conversation I had with my family that I don’t even remember as I was so emotionally and mentally distraught. But when my will would waiver, my parents reinforced it. I, up to this moment right now, always attributed finding my niche and style to the vicious and tempestuous nature of a particular class and professor. I gave them credit for inciting my artistic self-discovery but it was really thanks to my family helping me pick myself up every single time and keep going. Because of them, I not only overcame, but found my passion and calling in art, started my own business, and am more ambitious than ever.

I think the biggest and most important lesson I’ve learned is to make personal connections. Life has not always been easy for me and the biggest things that have changed my life are the connections I made along the way. I am my own biggest obstacle. In the past, I have had severe confidence issues, deep seated fears, and questions of worthiness in both my art and personal life. These stumbling blocks have held me back in the past. But through connections I’ve made with people: fellow artists, friends, family, and loved ones, I’ve overcome them. They have taught me more about myself and what I’m really capable of as opposed to these imaginary constraints I’ve often placed on myself. I think the reason I’m so drawn to depicting joy stems from the love I have for the people that love me. I want to paint pieces that reflect how they make me feel, happy, light, and free. If there’s any piece of advice I can offer, it’s that you have an opportunity to grow and learn from everyone around you. Some people are literally sunshine for your soul. They heal you with every interaction. They give you room to truly be who you are and love you for exactly that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live out in Dahlonega, a breathtaking little Hallmark town nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was voted Georgia’s best small town last year and made it into the top ten vacation spots in Georgia for a reason. We only just moved here a couple months ago and really didn’t know what to expect coming from the hustle and bustle of Colorado. It may be small, but there are so many things to do. If my best friend was visiting, I’d start by taking them to the square downtown. It’s full of precious little shops, cafes, restaurants, antique stores, and art galleries. Just off the square is Canvas & Cork, a stunning gallery full of incredible local artist’s work, including my own. There, you can do wine tastings as you peruse the gallery, or even hop on over to their workshop building to paint with your group or take classes from the gallery’s professional artists. Next, I’d take them to Picnic Café and Dessertery for some fresh baked treats in the square. Dahlonega also has a number of breweries, distilleries, and award-winning wineries complete with picturesque mountain views. I’d definitely take a couple days for us to check out a few wineries and breweries then grab dinner at Spirits Tavern, an incredible local burger spot. As an artist living in town, I love the arts markets and festivals held out here. If I had a friend visiting, I’d recommend they come at a time when there is an event, market, or festival going on as the artisans out here are absolutely incredible, there’s always live music, and so much good food. If you haven’t made it out this way, I highly recommend you come explore! There’s truly something for everyone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people have given me the courage and confidence to pursue art throughout my journey. I was drawing from the time I could pick up a crayon, something my parents took notice of pretty early on and always encouraged in me. They were thrilled when I wanted to attend art school. But if it wasn’t for the support of my mother, father, and brother, and each of them being my iron spirit when I couldn’t bring myself to muster it, I may not have continued on that path. My husband has been a monumental pillar of support as well, and was even who first inspired me to create a business out of my artwork. He has believed in me every step of the way. I fondly named my small business after his nickname for me, Sweet Pea, which just so happens to also be both of our initials. I’ve met so many people along the way who have lifted me up and empowered me to continue creating, with one being Kim Costello – gallery owner, artist, and now friend. If you’re ever out in the Colorado Springs area, go see Kim at Academy Art and Frame Company. She is one of the sweetest human beings you will ever meet and is someone that helped bring my confidence back and gave me that last bit of courage I needed to move past all my lingering art world fears. I hope I go on to make her proud! And moving out here to Dahlonega, goodness, the talent out here is incredible. So shoutout to the Dahlonega Arts Alliance, an organization for artists and art lovers alike, who have already taken me in like family. If you haven’t been out to Dahlonega, I highly recommend it! Come see us!

Website: https://sweetpeapaintingsc.wixsite.com/sweetpea

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeapaintingsco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetpeapaintingsco

Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaPaintingsCo