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Artist Profile: Sandra Barwick Story by Dickie Anderson • Photos by Charles Litrico 
Where does a life of creative work start? For Amelia Island artist Sandra Pinchback Barwick, it began as a child. She describes the small watercolor sketches of Bruges, Brussels, that hung over her grandmother's sofa. The sketches captured the beautifully detailed medieval architecture that has made Bruges such a popular place for artists. The sketches were of inviting arches, doorways and architectural details all rendered in seeming less effortless strokes. It looked so easy, yet beautiful and intriguing. Barwick knew then that she wanted to be an artist. These special sketches that inspired Barwick as a child hang in her Amelia Island home today.
These three watercolor sketches that hang over her grandmother's Atlanta born, Barwick visited Amelia Island for many years. Her artist's eye appreciated the vast beaches, ever-changing tidal marshes and the quiet charm of Fernandina's harbor town. When she decided to open a studio, Amelia Island called. Her parents already lived on the island, and she would be able to combine her business with living in a place she has always loved. In 2003, Barwick opened her studio in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. Located on 2nd Street, just off Centre and across from the Palace Saloon, the studio enjoys a convenient location near the shops of Centre Street and the scenic harbor. The petite blond smiles as she looks around the space she so clearly loves. She is surrounded by her art. The cleverly designed space consists of a gallery, a small painting studio and framing area. The gallery not only offers Barwick's watercolors, but also a potpourri of items that caught her eye. Among those things on display are clothing, silk scarves, handcrafted baskets and pillows. She has long been intrigued with fashion design and considered that as a career path.
Sandra is pictured here with a painting which Like many artists, Barwick's talent has evolved through study and attending workshops with nationally known artists. When she had an opportunity to spend two years in Paris, she took every advantage of her time there. Looking around the gallery, one can tell the artist, Barwick, is a traveler. One can spot scenes from Italy, France and many from her recent trip to Venice. Barwick captures the charm of the island she has chosen for her home. She offers a wide selection of her own lovely interpretations of the island's beaches, marshes and historic homes. Her website showcases such familiar landmarks as Villa Las Palmas, the Pippi House, the post office, the courthouse, St. Peter's Episcopal Church as well as marsh and beach scenes. She has become a master of giclee, which is a form of printmaking technology that lends itself to various surfaces, including fabric. The term comes from the French word "giclee" which means spray or spurt of liquid.
Though known mostly for watercolors, Sandra also works in acrylic
(above) and oils. Like many artists, Barwick is very particular about how her work is framed. Clients can choose the frame that suits the piece of art selected and their own décor. Her subjects come from the natural beauty around her. She uses materials and techniques that best illustrate her stories such as oil, acrylic and giclees. For more information on Sandra and her artwork, visit her studio at 4 North 2nd Street (321-0833) or her website at www.barwickstudio.com.
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