2026
Sandy Whitby
"Under the Ice" by Sandy Whitby
Sandy Whitby
Striking a balance between unexpected accidents and deliberate intention.
Her Background
Sandy Whitby is a San Antonio–based abstract artist whose work reflects decades of creative dedication and evolution. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she studied fine art and graphic design at the Ivy School of Professional Art and LaRoche College before building a professional career in graphic design and illustration. Her early experience included advertising, window design, and television work — a strong visual foundation that later informed her fine art practice. After relocating to Texas more than forty years ago, she became an active and respected presence in the San Antonio arts community.
Sandy Whitby in her studio.
Whitby’s painting style is rooted in bold abstraction, characterized by dynamic composition, expressive gesture, and richly textured surfaces. Her work often emphasizes rhythm, movement, and an intuitive sense of geometry. Rather than focusing on representation, she creates immersive visual experiences that evoke emotion and invite contemplation. Layering, color interplay, and tactile surfaces are central to her process, giving her paintings both physical depth and energetic presence.
"As a process driven painter, I work towards a balance between unexpected accidents and deliberate intention. Using tar, metals, enamel paints, oil stick, and other mixed media materials, I create gritty and tactile surfaces from which organic abstract forms appear above and below the surface. My non-objective work is not about a 'thing', but more about a sense of what I'm feeling on that particular time and day. My background in graphic design upholds a certain sense of discipline and thereby creates the tension between order and disorder. In the end, I hope my work leaves questions that the viewer can interpret in their own way."
A pivotal influence in her artistic development was her study with Alberto Mijangos at the Southwest School of Art. Mijangos encouraged expressive freedom and large-scale abstraction, reinforcing Whitby’s confidence in her own visual language. His mentorship helped guide her transition from commercial design into a more personal, intuitive fine art practice.
Over the years, Whitby has exhibited throughout the San Antonio area and has earned recognition for her sustained contribution to the region’s artistic landscape. Being named Artist of the Year by the Art League honors not only her compelling abstract work, but also her longstanding commitment to creative exploration and the vitality of the local arts community.
the aoy program
Each year, the San Antonio Art League + Museum honors one exceptional artist with its prestigious Artist of the Year award. Open to artists throughout the region, the rigorous selection process spans several months. A member committee narrows nominees to three finalists, and an unbiased panel of out-of-state jurors selects the winner.
Announced each December at the Art League's Christmas party, the honoree receives a three-month solo exhibition and catalog the following year.
