Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Long.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, I began drawing at a young age and received early formal training at a high school specializing in the visual arts, where I studied under sculptor Marie Henderson.
I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art and Design and a Master of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she was awarded a graduate fellowship.
After college I went to work, painting portraits and landscapes. I taught private lessons and college art history. Soon after getting married, my husband and I began adopting children.
For the next 15 years I would be raising 6 children (4 are still at home). I went back to creating artwork full-time about 3 years ago when my youngest started a full day of school.
I started attending art fairs, drawing and painting live, and taking commissions. I also teach group and private art lessons all over SAV- Wilmington island, Isle of Hope and Pooler.
My favorite creating oil paintings for my series “Sehnsucht in Savannah: Our Heavenly City” inspired by the city’s architecture and landscape that is on display at historic Foley House Inn downtown.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Adopting and raising children has been a rewarding struggle. The last adoption took 3 years from start to finish. I learned how to pray for sure…Each child has their own story.
Moving off of Wilmingington Island after living there for 25 years (Covid)…Watching my kids face their own struggles.
Now, it’s learning to work and juggle a large family. Returning to the art world after a 15 year hiatus. I like to tell my art students that “struggle is good”, it means you’re growing!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve lived in Savannah most of my life. And my art reflects this in landscapes, portraits, and teaching. My work centers on Lowcountry scenes, usually between dusk and dawn, where I play with light, atmosphere, and a quiet narrative. I also create commissioned portraits in black and white and color and I teach drawing and painting to both adults and children. Ive learned how to muti-task and handle chaos from having a lot of kids (5 boys, one girl)
My ongoing series, Sehnsucht in Savannah: Our Heavenly City, focuses on a German word for “longing”, especially in golden hour or nocturne pieces. I capture familiar Savannah locations in a more illustrative way and like to hide symbolism or tip my hat to art history in my work.
I’m most proud of building a career that blends fine art, helping students grow and drawing/painting on location. More importantly, my children accompany me to many art events and I love having them learning firsthand how to be an entrepreneur. My youngest is known to sell his Pokemon cards next to me at art fairs. He does pretty well.
What sets me apart is a combination of strong draftsmanship, narrative thinking from my illustration background, and a focus on light out of darkness. I also prioritize making original art approachable, whether through live painting, classes, or commissioned work, without lowering the quality or intent of the work itself.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Being around people/artitsts from all diff backgrounds. I love teaching and being in groups of artists weekly. Having group critiques in my painting classes is essential to growing as an artist and being well-rounded. One of my closest friends has her MBA, runs her own business and she is a constant source of inspiration.
Pricing:
- Black and white portraits start at 50
- Color starts at 150
- Oil paintings start at 500
- Art lessons $25/hour for group
- Paint parties and live wedding painting
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahlong.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownportraits.sarahlong/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahlanelong/
