Alexandra (Sandie) Gardner is without doubt one of Scotland's most successful and well known living artists. Unquestionably one of the country's biggest personalities in the Scottish art world. Born in 1945 in Glasgow, Sandie is fiercely proud of her working-class roots. Showing extraordinary artistic talent from the age of 5, Sandie was accepted to study at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art in 1963. She worked hard and was closely under the tutelage of the Head of School, David Donaldson. Almost unbelievably, as soon as she qualified, Sandie was offered a lecturing position at the Art School, she was 22 years old. Sandie had a highly successful teaching career and throughout these years she was able to paint for several prestigious galleries in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London and had several highly acclaimed solo shows. After some 21 years at GSA , Sandie retired from teaching in 1988 to become a full-time professional artist, she never looked back.
Sandie's success and skill is widely recognised and her work is often admired as collectors see so much ' life, feeling and experience ' in her paintings. Sandie's paintings undoubtedly show superb observational skills of everyday life, but they also convey her own experience of life - 3 marriages, renal failure and 2 kidney transplants are just a few hiccups in Sandie's life, and her admirable fortitude and joie de vivre are unquestionably evoked in her fabulous paintings.
Widely recognised as one of Scotland's most accomplished painters, Sandie's work is hugely sought after by galleries and collectors alike. Her work is included in many important corporate, private and public collections including Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, The Fine Art Society, Royal College of Physicians , Royal Bank and many more. With a huge following, Sandie is especially popular with private collectors throughout the world but particularly the USA, Japan, Italy, Sweden & Holland.
Gallerist comment - ' I first met Sandie around 20 years ago in Glasgow. Despite all of her own challenges in life, she worked tirelessly for Darlinda's Charity and I remember vividly when the auction at the famous Dynasty Ball began, all eyes were on the Alexandra Gardner painting. Everyone wanted it and it exceeded financial expectations. Honestly, it's a thrill and personal pleasure to now have Sandie exhibiting in Ballater.'