As a life-long animal lover, Sandra Sonksen has finally embraced her full artistic potential. Having been told that she should not pursue any kind of a career in art during her middle school years by an unkind and obviously clueless teacher, she has danced around many art mediums despite that teacher’s opinion, finally leading her to this new career after her retirement as a general contractor.

Fondly Remembered started as a way for Sandra to follow her passion in watercolors. She enjoys the softness of the colors and also how layering hues can add up to become something entirely different than it was when she started. Fondly Remembered was named after her late sister’s antique store, she felt the name perfectly encompassed the tribute or current pet portraits she was focusing on. 

Her painted treasures have been known to incite a tear or two (or more) on delivery, her knack of capturing the essence and spirit of those furry friends who are loved and missed is just one of her talents. 

Cats, dogs, birds, and all of Mother Nature’s creatures are of interest to her. She is currently working on a series of Africa’s Big Five. The Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino, she loves to challenge herself with new subjects. 

A forever learner, Sandra takes classes at Oregon Society of Artists and also shows some of her work at their events. She is often online, learning new techniques in workshops to hone her skills. OSA website here for latest https://www.osartists.org/

She is also a member and exhibitor with the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society- for info and event schedule see https://www.swwswatercolor.org/  

Sandra is available for commissioned pieces of pets or people, she offers cards for sale in local shops in Vancouver WA and hopes to add to her distribution locations over time.

Currently her greeting cards showcasing some landscapes and animal portraits are available at:

• Eryngium Papeterie– a magical paper and stationery emporium at 1006 Main St, Vancouver WA 
• White Oak Books– A fantastic local bookstore and gift shop with something for everyone, located at 1700 Main St, Suite D, Vancouver WA

She is excitedly looking forward to an Art Compressive adventure to the south of France in 2025!

Sandra has two grown children and two grown granddaughters, all of whom share her inspired love of all things art. At eighty two, she shows no sign of slowing down, what will she be painting next? 

It is a joy to bring photos to life with the stroke of a brush

Sandy Sonksen