Local oil painter shares her experiences

Sarah Louise Exell creates intriguing, abstract paintings on canvas, using oil paints and pastels.

"My work is the result of a wonderful experimentation process in which I try new techniques, strokes, mediums, etc. My paintings mostly reflect an outcome of whatever hits my head, hands and heart at any given moment," she said.

Traveling, photography and other artists inspire Exell's creativity. Music festivals and living all over New York City continues to motivate Exell to paint expressively. Each painting is a focused piece of work with thematic color schemes and shapes.

Relatively new to the art scene in Charleston, one of Exell's goals is to get her work into an art gallery.

Until then, she throws private parties at her house where all of her artwork is displayed. Viewings are available by appointment.

"I don't think it was ever a conscious decision (to become an artist); it just happened. I picked up a brush one day and fell in love with the way it felt in my hand. The rest is still a blank canvas."

I asked Sarah about the direction her artwork was heading and she said, "People say it's not the destination that counts, but the journey. Search. Love. Experience."

Website: www.sarahexell.com.

Contact Info: sarah.louise.exell@gmail.com.

Birth date and place: Calgary, Alberta, Canada. June 1985.

Residence: Downtown, 3 years.

Family: Mother, Mary; father, Harry; brother, Chris.

Education: Bachelor of Science, International Business and Bachelor of Arts, French. College of Charleston, 2007.

Price Range: $100 to $1,000.

How long does it take you to complete a painting?: Anywhere from 1 hour to 3 weeks.

Goals: Have one of my pieces in a gallery by June 25, 2011 and be part of a live art auction by 2012.