About Me
I’m Cindy Bilbao, a coastal artist working in acrylic and watercolor. I enjoy painting both semi-abstract and fully abstract scenes inspired by the beauty of watery places. My creative life has taken many forms: as a photographer, author and artist, but my inspiration has always come from nature and the ever-changing seashore.
Born and raised in New York’s Hudson Valley, I’ve long been drawn to water, from the Hudson River to the shores of New England. Over the years, various coastlines such as Maine, Cape Cod, Cape May and others as far south as Florida have become deeply rooted in my imagination and continue to shape may art.
Currently, I’ve been working on a series of watercolor and mixed-media paintings after spending my summer traveling to the coast. I’ve been inspired to focus on waves and the movement of the surf and I’m exploring ways to capture motion and energy in my new work through expressive brushwork and more vibrant color palettes.
I’ve also been sketching more than ever before, taking time to slow down and truly appreciate the natural scenery around the coast. This renewed focus on observation and process has been deeply rewarding. I had the opportunity to lead a sketchbook retreat for a small group on Sedge Island, New Jersey in collaboration with NJDEP Fish and Wildlife staff, where we sketched the beautiful marshlands while learning about salt marsh ecology. I plan on continuing to seek out other experiences like this in the future because they combine my love of art, nature and sharing creativity with others.
About my paintings
In all my work, I strive to capture the feeling of a place rather than its literal appearance. Guided by my intuition, I use a loose, mixed-media approach to express emotion, movement and the peacefulness I find near the water.
About Beach Reads
One thing you may be interested to know about me is that I'm a regular contributor to Beachcombing Magazine. As an avid reader I gravitate to books that have something to do with the coast. When Beachcombing Magazine began (previously named Glassing Magazine), the editor needed someone to review beach books for a column in the magazine. I enthusiastically accepted the challenge. If you’re in the mood for a good Beach Read, click below for plenty of reading suggestions.
About The Sea Glass Searchers Club
I created SGSC in 2014 out of my love of beach combing, sea glass and the beach. I was always photographing the treasures that I'd find and there was such joy for me in doing so. Eventually, I was offered a publishing deal with Countryman Press for a book about sea glass. I then went on to publish two more books, which led me on the adventure of selling my books and other gift items at shows, festivals and online at the Sea Glass Searchers Club website. This time period was so much fun and I met so many wonderful people. It fit in well with my schedule while raising my family. As the years past and my kids grew older, I found myself spending more time in my studio painting. Painting was always my first love. I decided it was time to create Cindy Joy Studio and devote myself wholeheartedly to painting. Now, you'll find the products I sold on the SGSC website HERE now at Cindy Joy Studio with the addition of my artwork as well. Thanks so much for visiting!
