About Me
My name is Cindy Bilbao and I am a semi abstract and total abstract painter working in acrylic & watercolor.
Over the years my creativity has surfaced in different ways: as photographer, as author, and as an artist. But no matter how it comes about, being outside in nature and around water has always been the theme for me.
Watery places are my inspiration.
I was born and raised in the Hudson Valley of New York State near the Hudson River. While not coastal, I did gravitate to bodies of water around my house and the New Jersey beaches. After marrying, my husband and I moved to a small town in the Berkshires of Massachusetts that I thoroughly loved. It was during this time that I really discovered what coastal New England had to offer!
Maine, Cape Ann and Cape Cod and it’s islands became my favorite destinations. I fell in love with the gray, weathered shingles on the houses, the quaint harbors and fishing villages along the coast. These images are what triggered my desire to get back to the painting that I’d loved when I was younger. Eventually, we’d pack up and move to Southeastern Pennsylvania. From that vantage point, I was back to visiting the beaches of New Jersey, Delaware, and the Outer Banks. All of these coastal locations became locked into my subconscious as places of importance for me.
Although I don’t currently live very close to the coast, it’s always in my soul and the place that feels most like home. That’s why I’m always making coastal artwork.
There’s a peacefulness at the coast that’s unmatched anywhere else for me.
I love immersing myself in nature and just loosing all track of time. I gravitate to watery places and try to always bring a sketchbook. These sketches will be inspiration for future paintings.
About my paintings
I often paint the sky in expressive strokes and layered techniques that I hope will give viewers the enveloping sensation of being in the midst of the dynamic coastal scenes I paint. I enjoy painting in semi abstract and totally abstract style because this allows me to be more expressive and intuitive in my approach. I’m more interested in painting with emotion rather than painting a realistic looking scene.
I also enjoy using watercolor to create soft, tranquil beach scenes.
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!
