Beauty lies in the details we almost miss | Sarah Means

In this interview for the Arts to Hearts Project website, we get a closer look at the world of contemporary realist painter Sarah Means. Sarah shares not just her journey, from growing up on the East Coast to finding inspiration in the wide-open landscapes of the American West, but also the heart behind her art. Through quiet portraits and layered oil paintings, she explores the deeply personal and often hidden aspects of the human experience.

Throughout the conversation, Sarah opens up about what draws her to reflective moments, how symbolism and brushwork help tell stories beneath the surface, and why she finds beauty in simplicity. She also discusses the balance between technical skill and emotional storytelling, as well as how public exhibitions have prompted her to evolve as an artist. This interview invites us to slow down, look more closely, and appreciate the quiet power of a well-told visual narrative.

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Sarah Means (b. 1978, American) is a contemporary realist artist who studied at Rutgers and Salisbury University, earning a degree in fine arts and education. She worked for many years with interior designers, focusing on commissions of murals and custom paintings. During this time, she moved west and continued to work on her own body of work, finding inspiration in the people around her, the mountains, and the life in the West. She currently resides in Utah and CO and paints primarily in oil with a focus on winter adventures and portraits that convey a story. Her artwork has recently travelled across the country to exhibits in Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and California, as well as to Dublin. It has even been sent to the Moon on a nanofiche. Her work can currently be purchased by contacting the artist or on Artsy via 33 Contemporary.

1. Your paintings often explore hidden, reflective moments. What draws you to these quieter aspects of the human experience?  

As an introvert, I spent a lot of time reading and quietly watching as a child. I think I noticed a lot about people in that way and became fascinated by human nature and the beauty that each of us possesses. I believe that in our quiet, simple moments, we are most ourselves, and I strive to portray a bit about humanity by revealing more than just the surface.

Oil painting is a process of layers… I want [my brushstrokes] to reflect what we are as people—complex and abstracted.

2.   You mention layering brush strokes and symbolism—can you share how that process mirrors the inner stories you’re telling?  

Oil painting is a process of layers, but in my upper glazing layer, my brushstrokes are a reflection of bits of colour we may not see until we look closely. I want them to reflect what we are as people, complex and abstracted. I am using more symbols in my work to express what I am trying to portray in the painting, or perhaps the theme of the work. I enjoy the narrative and creativity of symbolism, and I hope to evoke thought from the viewer.

3.  The Western U.S. lifestyle and landscape inspire you. How do those surroundings shape the emotion and tone of your work?  

I was raised on the East Coast, so moving to the Western US was a significant change that had a profound impact on my work. The mountains have a constant presence that I am still impressed by daily, even after years living here. The colour of the landscape, whether it be the peaceful tones of snow or desert hues, has impacted my landscapes to the point of near tonalism. I believe this limited palette also influences my figurative work. I find the open space and big skies of the West peaceful, and that has become a consistent theme for me.

4. As a contemporary realist, how do you balance technical precision with storytelling in your portraits?

I think there is a challenge there. Working in realism, there is a line between the skill needed to paint accurately and losing the story by getting lost in the details. I think it’s essential to remember to find the emotional resonance of the story and to step back. Also being okay with taking a risk with a colour or brushstroke because it feels right to the narrative, even though it isn’t what you might see in a photo of the same scene. This is something I have to remind myself to do.

I realized in our quiet, simple moments we are most ourselves, and I seek to portray a bit about humanity through portraying more than just the surface.

Sarah Means

5.   You’ve exhibited widely. How has sharing your work publicly influenced how you view your creative journey?  

I think it has motivated me to work harder and inspired me to try new things. Some of the artists I have had the privilege of meeting or exhibiting with are incredibly skilled and encourage me to push myself.

6.  What do you hope viewers feel or discover when they spend time with one of your pieces up close?  

I hope they just think. I like the idea of providing a question or thought to ponder. It may be a question of what the piece is about as a whole, or why I chose a certain symbol. I also have hopes that someone notices the little bits of paint that you don’t see from far away.

Talking with Sarah Means feels like stepping into one of her paintings—calm, honest, and full of meaning if you take a moment to look. Through her stories, we learn about the beauty that exists in quiet moments and how art can convey its message without being loud. Sarah shows us that painting is not just about what we see, but how we feel and what we remember. Her love for storytelling, nature, and the little details reminds us to slow down, pay attention, and find meaning in the simple things. To learn more about Sarah, click the following links to visit her profile.

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