A native of South Carolina, Sandy Rhodes now lives primarily in Bluffton, nestled along the beautiful May River. Her passion for art began early, and by age twelve, her parents had enrolled her in semi-private oil painting classes to nurture her talent.
After earning a B.A. in Art and Sociology from Winthrop College, Sandy went on to teach in both public and private schools for many years. Later, she opened her home studio to students of all ages, offering private art lessons to both children and adults.
Throughout her artistic journey, Sandy has explored a variety of mediums, but in recent years she has returned to her first love—oil painting. She finds that oils offer the greatest range for depth, texture, and emotional expression. While her early work was highly detailed and technical, she sought a freer approach, drawing inspiration from the impressionist techniques of the old masters. This looser style allows her to infuse each piece with movement, feeling, and texture.
As for subject matter, Sandy paints just about everything except portraits. “I know my limits,” she says with a smile, “and God did not give me that ability.” Lately, her work has focused on the rich culture of the Gullah people, as well as the birds, dogs, and marshes of the Lowcountry. Living by the May River provides endless inspiration, from its serene waters to the treasures found along its shore—crabs, shells, and all.
“There isn’t much I haven’t painted on over the years,” Sandy laughs. “As long as it would hold still!” From furniture and wood to pottery and clothing, she’s turned all kinds of surfaces into works of art. Over her 78 years, she has also created numerous murals and screen-dividers.
For Sandy, painting is more than a skill—it’s a joy. “It’s not a job,” she says. “It’s a form of relaxation and a way to enjoy being with yourself.”
