The creative urge has been a moving factor for her life beginning

with crayons, water color, and designing clothes. Saving her prize

money from the County Fair, Velma ordered a small oil painting

set from the Sears Roebuck Christmas catalog. Recognizing

her talent and desire to paint, her parents one summer arranged

private lessons with Ethel Laughead in Topeka, Kansas, 60 miles

away. Fresh eggs and young chickens were exchanged for the lessons.

Marriage postponed Velma's painting as she and five children moved

with her husband during his years in the military. The travel gave her

an opportunity to visit museums filled with classical art. The image of

great artists taught Velma the expression of mood and feelings through

their use of color.

After her children left home, and a successful career as District Manager

in sales, she returned to painting, her first love. For 25 years she has

been active in the Stillwater Art Guild and several other art organizations.

She is primarily self taught but influenced by George Kountoupis, John

Potoschnik, Gay Faulkenberry, and Curt Walters. She has exhibitied in

Oklahoma through galleries, one-person and group shows, and earned

numerous awards. Her paintings are in private collections throughout the United

States, Europe, and China.

“Scenes move me and I get so excited. Sunsets and sunrises, each one is

so different. God's creation is so exciting and full of joy. I am learning how

to express this excitement, joy, and the inner peace of His creation. I feel

my desire and talent is a God-given gift that must be developed to the best

of my ability through hard work and study.” -Velma Sanders

© 2009 Countryside Studio & Gallery