Sarah Otts
Artist and writer, Sarah Otts, creates with the wonder and beauty of the natural world. Within her expressive and vibrant oil paintings you will find horizon lines, clouds, light rays, birds, shells, botanicals— all aiming to inspire viewers to look up to the natural beauty and spiritual presence in everyday moments.
Sarah has worked as a full time painter since graduating college from Ole Miss in 2007 where she earned a BFA in painting. She now lives and works in Mobile, Alabama where Sarah and her husband Robert raise their 3 children. Sarah has shown in galleries throughout the US, first joining Blue Print in 2013.
In 2018 Sarah wrote and illustrated her first book, To Be a Line — a children’s book about courage and creativity, purpose and potential. In 2022, Looking Up landed on coffee tables containing the paintings from her “Looking Up” series of art, as well as, Sarah’s written inspirations for finding perspective through the many season of life.
I like to say, “Celebrate everything!”, and that even applies to my work as an artist. My work is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of creation. My process begins outside of the studio, looking up and taking notice. I take my perceptions to the quietness of my studio, which I call “The Garden”. In my studio, I’m learning how to paint, not only pretty paintings, but a colorful life of purpose.
I prefer oil paint for its leniency and willingness to move and build with intentionality. Within the painting’s composition I focus on developing a comfortable balance between motion and stillness. Typically, a large amount of the canvas is given to negative space creating an area for the eyes to rest. I am striving to create a painted retreat from the chaos and hustle of a modern day lifestyle; art that promotes peace, and also, the courage to claim it.
Art inspires us to see with honest eyes; to look up and notice true beauty; to discover the wonder and artistry all around us. I use my art to honor the Creator and His work, and I hope it’s inspiring others to ‘look up’ and ‘celebrate everything’, too.