Married to a Navy man, Sally devoted many years to supporting her family, leaving little time for art while her children were young. Later, she embraced her passion for watercolor, drawn to its surprises and expressive qualities. Largely self-taught, she learned from online instructors, books, and workshops with leading watercolorists including Anne Abgott and Fred Graff. Her subjects range from nature to architectural beauty. Sally is a member of the Southern Arizona Arts Guild and Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild, with past affiliations in Virginia, Ohio, and Chesapeake Bay. Her work has appeared in numerous venues, including the Springfield Museum of Art.

She is currently attending classes at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Art Institute with the goal of earning their Nature Art Certification.

Her online gallery can be found at www.watercolorsbysallee.com. This month she is showing her art in the Blues and Vines Festival at the Medella Vina Ranch on October 19, 2025.

We had the chance to visit with Sally and talk about her art.

Q: Tell us about your journey as an artist. How did you first get started?

A: As a teenager, I took several art classes during summer breaks from high school.When I attended college, art did not figure into my curriculum. But that gnawing desire to create never quite left me. About 20 years ago my son’s school had a book fair as a fundraiser, and I happened upon a book about watercolor that came with a little starter kit. As I moved through the projects in the book, I rediscovered that long-ago desire I had nearly forgotten. That was when I decided that the love of painting, especially in watercolor, was something I wanted to continue to foster. I have since taken a number of workshops, classes, and online seminars as a way to develop this craft.

Q: How do you decide on the themes or subjects of your pieces? Is there a particular message you aim to convey? 

A: I draw upon the magnificence of nature, but I also find a great deal of meaning in the world created by mankind, whether in the realm of architecture, or in the simple objects of our day-to-day existence. Recreating a still life challenges me to work toward developing an eye for shape, color, value, and composition. But I love the grandeur of a landscape, seascape, or cityscape. Surrounding ourselves with beauty in all its forms is good for the soul.

Q: How do you stay motivated and find inspiration, especially during creative blocks?

A: I find that simply spending time with other artists is motivational and inspirational. Attending classes or demonstrations always renews my desire to get back into the studio. And sometimes, simply walking into my studio, where I’m reminded of all the fun toys I have to play with, is enough to make me want to go to work (uh, I mean, play?).

Q: What is the greatest reward of your work?

A: When someone tells me that they want to step inside my painting and spend a lovely afternoon therein, I feel I have been successful at my intended purpose.

Q: What are your future goals with your work?

A: I have been I have enjoyed discovering new art media, such as scratchboard and colored pencils. Although I love watercolor, I think I might enjoy experimenting with some of these other art media for a time.

Q: How long have you been a SAAG member and how has your membership benefited you? 

A: Having belonged to art societies in Ohio and Virginia, I looked forward to joining Tucson’s art community when we moved here four years ago. That was when I became a member of SAAG. Membership has kept me informed about opportunities to show my art, not only at SAAG venues such as The Overlook, but also in Tucson galleries including the Stevens Art Gallery at Salpointe High School and the Steinfeld Gallery downtown. Most importantly, however, being a member of SAAG has enriched me by giving me the opportunity to get to know, and spend time with others who share my joy in art.

Q: Any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers?

A: With apologies to the producers of the movie, “Dead Poets Society,” creating art is not a way to make a living, as much as it is something that we live for. Whether we are creating art, viewing art, or simply passing by a mural while riding a bike, we are sharing something fundamental to our very nature. Maintaining that connection with my fellow human beings is why I seek to create art.