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

Hi Sinclair, what makes you happy? Why?
COLOR! I find myself inspired, entertained, energized, and in awe by the colors I see around me in day-to-day life. Painting is a way for me to play with all these colors to my heart’s desire.

Secondly, I also feel happy being around animals. Painting animals is a fun and very satisfying way to combine these two loves! When I am painting an animal, I am celebrating that specific individual (not for instance, just a breed). I love knowing about how loved the subject of my art is, especially when I am creating a memorial piece for a client. I know from personal experience how important our little furry family members become to us and the richness they contribute to our worlds.

Lastly, the feeling of signing a new painting I just completed makes me feel joyous!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I took one watercolor painting class when I was 21 and only because it fit into my schedule at the time. I had no idea just how life-changing that one class would be for me. I had tried to take an oil painting class and both times the class got canceled. Funny thing, it’s over three decades later, and I have never stopped painting in watercolor, and still have not painted in oil! I fell crazy deep head over heels in love with watercolor from that one class and I never looked back. I remember my teacher saying that the only way to really learn how to paint is to make 100 paintings. Just do it, that’s how we learn. Over time I can control the pigmented water the way I choose, and can even feel how much water is in my brush just from the weight of it in my hands. My advice to people starting out is JUST DO THE THING YOU LOVE, even if it’s only on limited free time. Do what makes you feel happy and never stop, it will take on a life of its own! And don’t be afraid of rejection, not everyone is going to love your work, but if you love it, there are people out there who will too. When I see that my art is bringing joy to other people, it is just a bonus for me. The real joy is in the creation of it.

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.
San Diego has beautiful weather and fantastic hikes and beaches. It is also a mecca for an amazing selection of delicious vegan restaurants. It is also known for authentic Mexican fast food, and there are vegan versions of that available as well! I would take them hiking at Mission Trails Park in the morning and then lunch at Donna Jean and then end on a walk along the shore in Ocean Beach or Torrey Pines. Also we would visit the mountain town of Julian which is famous for apple pie and old mining shafts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is to Bobbi Brink, the founder of exotic and wild animal rescue and sanctuary “Lions, Tigers, and Bears” located in Alpine, California. She is doing great work taking care of animals who need a safe place to live out their lives not being abused or forced to perform. ” To animals born in captivity and fated to be ignored and abused, I’ve dedicated this organization.” – Bobbi Brink, Founder For more info visit, www.lionstigersandbears.org.

Website: www.sinclairstratton.com

Instagram: @sinclairstratton

Twitter: @sinclairstrttn

Facebook: Sinclair Stratton Animal Artist

Youtube: Sinclair Stratton Artist

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