Atelier by Sandra

Realism Artist

Art inspired by life

A collection of small originals, large paintings, art prints, postcards, bookmarks, and handwritten moments sent through the Snail Mail Club.

About the Artist

Hello, and welcome.I'm Sandra, an artist based in the Netherlands. I create original paintings in Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylic, and Oil, with a focus on realism. My work includes landscapes, waterscapes, botanical and food illustrations, as well as human and pet portraits. In addition to original paintings, a selection of my work is available as fine art prints, allowing these pieces to find homes in different corners of the world.People often ask why I choose realism when a photograph can capture a scene instantly. For me, the answer lies in the process.
A painting asks for something that a photograph doesn't. It asks for time. It asks for careful observation, patience, and hundreds of deliberate brushstrokes. When I paint, I spend hours with a subject - studying the light, the colours, the textures, and the feeling it evokes. In many ways, realism is my way of slowing down and paying attention.I'm interested in preserving the emotions of a moment and not just recreating the photograph. The time spent painting becomes part of the artwork itself. Every brushstroke is a small act of noticing, and every finished piece is my attempt to hold on to a feeling that might otherwise pass by unnoticed.Whether I am painting a quiet landscape, a beloved pet, a bowl of fresh fruit, or a portrait of someone special, my goal remains the same: to create work that feels honest, timeless, and deeply personal.Alongside my painting practice, I create Fragments of Life, an ongoing series inspired by the details, textures, colours, and emotions that shape everyday life.Many of the ideas, observations, and moments that inspire this series are shared through Fragments by Post, my monthly snail mail club. Through it, I send artwork, sketches, handwritten notes, and reflections from my studio to a community of fellow art lovers and kindred spirits who appreciate a slower, more intentional way of connecting with art.I hope you find something here that speaks to you.

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Shop the Collection

Browse original artworks and hand-painted pieces created in small batches. Each item is made with care, whether it is a tiny collectible painting, a thoughtful paper piece, or a larger original artwork for a special space.

Fragments by Post

Hello and welcome 🤍Fragments by Post is a monthly snail mail club inspired by my ongoing series, Fragments of Life.Through my paintings, I explore the quiet moments that often pass unnoticed - the softness of an evening sky, shifting shadows, changing seasons, and the small details that make everyday life feel meaningful.Each month, I send a thoughtfully curated envelope from my studio containing artwork, sketches, handwritten notes, and other small pieces inspired by the world behind the paintings. It is a slower, more personal way of sharing my creative process and the moments that inspire it.I hope that each envelope feels like a small gift from my studio to your mailbox - a collection of art, stories, and reflections that invite you to slow down and notice the beauty of the present moment.What you'll receive• Mini art prints from the Fragments of Life series
• Handwritten notes and reflections
• Occasional seasonal surprisesShipping• Physical mailings are sent during the first week of each month.• If you join during a given month, your first envelope will be posted at the beginning of the following month.• All mail is sent as standard letter post. Delivery times vary by location and typically take between 1–4 weeks.Join Fragments by PostIf you'd like to receive a little piece of my creative world in your mailbox each month, I'd be delighted to welcome you.

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COMMISSIONS

Some moments deserve to be preserved.Whether it's a beloved pet, a meaningful place, a treasured photograph, or a memory you'd like to hold onto, I would be honoured to create a painting that is personal to you.I work primarily in watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil, creating realistic artwork with a focus on atmosphere, emotion, and detail. Every commission is approached with care and attention, allowing me to create a piece that not only captures the subject itself but also the feeling behind it.If you're interested in commissioning a painting, please complete the form below and tell me a little about what you have in mind. The more details you can share, the better I can understand your vision.Once I receive your inquiry, I'll review the details and get back to you with availability, pricing, timelines, and any additional information needed to bring your idea to life.I look forward to hearing your story and creating something meaningful together.

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Contact

For painting inquiries, commissions, collaborations, or thoughtful notes, please get in touch.