Sarah Warda is an American realist painter from Connecticut. She received her formal education from the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, as well as the Art Students league of New York with Harvey Dinnerstein and workshops with Aaron Shikler. Her work has been displayed in notable venues such as, the National Arts Club of New York, New Britain Museum of American Art, and the Zhou B Art Center Chicago. She has participated in numerous exhibitions including Connecticut Women Artists, Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Arts Club NY, and PoetsArtists. She has been commissioned for numerous illustrations, murals and portraits for public, private and corporate collections.
1.-What is different from your art work than other artists working in contemporary realism?
Having been told that I am “so sensitive” most of my life, I’ve found a place in my art for this sensitivity that has become my superpower. I think I harness and embrace vulnerability, empathy, and a sense of hope into my art. I’m sure other artists can relate.
2- How important is process versus the end result?
My process is hugely important to the end result. I used to wish that I was one of those highly organized painters who pre planned everything perfectly- a perfect drawing, premix all the colors, and put on the gloves. Although I really admire this approach, I came to the realization that it not how I work best. I tend to make order out of chaos, and this allows me to really feel the subject and make room for instincts and edits along the way.
3- What is your ultimate goal when creating contemporary realism?
It might seem lofty, but my goal is to break through the veil of our perceived reality in some sacred way. In a world where we are connected to everything but ourselves, I would like to bridge this gap with my art.
4 -What do you like best about your work?
Honesty and vulnerability
5- What do you do you like least about your work?
My tortured approach
6 -Why contemporary realism?
It’s a great time to express our reality
7- Which are your greatest influences?
Right now, Velazquez, Barkley Hendricks, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Kathe Kollwitz
8- What is your background?
I studied with Deane Keller and Dan Gheno at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, The Art Students League of NY under Harvey Dinnerstein, and portraiture workshops with Aron Shikler.
9- Name three artists you'd like to be compared to in history books.
As if- Leonardo Davinci, Andrew Wyeth, Turner
10- Which is your favorite contemporary realism artwork today?
I am very moved by the painting, Star of the Sea by Patricia Schappler