We recently connected with Sabine Kay and have shared our conversation below.

Sabine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The story behind my mission as a professional artist began in 2017/18, after significant challenges arose in my life, including my own cancer diagnosis and the later death of my beloved father. These profound experiences taught me to live life to the fullest and pursue my passion for art more seriously. Although I wasn’t always creatively inclined, I discovered a strong desire to express my connection to nature in a new way.

For me, painting is not only a form of expression; it’s also a means to communicate and build relationships with clients. Sometimes, it helps me pause the world around me and find calm. I want my abstract landscapes and flowers to spread joy and encourage an appreciation for the beauty of nature. I believe there are many ways to discuss nature and its protection, and my way is art.

This mission is meaningful to me because it allows me to share emotions and connect people with the natural world. Witnessing how my art resonates with others brings me immense joy and reinforces my mission. Each piece reflects this connection and carries the hope that viewers will become more aware of the beauty around them. Ultimately, I aspire to inspire others to cherish and protect the natural world.

Sabine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In 2017/18, after navigating a series of life-altering events, I committed to building my career as a professional artist. My experiences taught me not only the preciousness of time but also the importance of dedicating myself to what brings me fulfillment. For me, that was painting, specifically abstract representations of nature that connect deeply to my love for the natural world and my desire to share its beauty with others.
Though I came to professional art later in life, without formal training, my passion has driven me to learn, grow, and find my own style. I’ve taken numerous workshops over the years to deepen my skills, but ultimately, I’ve always been an autodidact at heart. Art became a language for me to express complex emotions, draw on nature’s peace, and share that sense of calm and joy with others. This journey has been challenging yet rewarding—art is not always an easy path, and selling art as a self-made artist without academic credentials presented its own set of hurdles. But through perseverance and the incredible support of my clients and followers, I’ve been able to make a name for myself.
I work predominantly with oils because they allow me to build layers slowly, creating depth and emotion in my pieces. My abstract landscapes, cityscapes, and florals invite viewers into a vibrant and imaginative natural world. The process is almost meditative; with palette knives, brushes, sponges, and even my hands, I create textures that add a tactile experience to my work. I often incorporate blues, which, for me, evoke tranquility, depth, and timelessness, like the sky or the sea.
One aspect of my work that clients appreciate is the custom commission process, where we co-create a piece tailored to their personal vision and space. Clients can suggest colors, shapes, or moods that they love, and I offer guidance on how these ideas can come to life. Sometimes, they share photos of their homes to help us imagine how the artwork will fit. This collaboration has been especially meaningful because it connects me with clients on a personal level, allowing them to have a hand in creating art that truly belongs in their lives.
Instagram has also played a huge role in my journey. When I posted my first painting in 2018, I didn’t expect that I, an artist who came into this profession later in life, would build such a supportive audience. Through Instagram, I’ve been able to connect with people globally, sharing not just my art but also the message behind it. Social media requires constant dedication and a lot of time, but the encouragement from followers, clients, and other artists has been invaluable. The platform has helped me expand my reach, connect with potential clients, and showcase my works internationally, including exhibitions in Basel, London, Berlin, and at art fairs in Luxembourg.
Ultimately, my goal is to create art that offers an experience of nature’s beauty and tranquility. I hope my paintings inspire viewers to appreciate and care for the natural world, while also finding a space of calm and joy in their own lives. I am proud of what I’ve achieved so far, and each piece I create reflects the journey that brought me here.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Art was always a passion of mine, long before it became my profession. I loved looking at art, visiting museums, and of course, painting myself. It all started as a personal interest and hobby. But in 2017/18, after the sad experiences I mentioned earlier, I decided to make art my full-time career. These experiences changed my perspective and pushed me to devote myself to something that brings me fulfillment. Painting became not only my work but also my sanctuary- a place of calm and satisfaction in a way that nothing else could be.

Even before this shift, I had taken art courses to deepen my understanding of various techniques, though I remain largely self-taught. For me, art has always been both a challenge and a joy. One of the biggest misconceptions people have, both about me and artists in general, is that art is “just a hobby.” The reality is that it requires an enormous amount of time, commitment, and resilience to grow a professional art career, especially as a self-made artist. But this journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of the milestones I’ve reached along the way.

Interestingly, my transition to full-time art coincided with the onset of the COVID pandemic, making my first exhibitions rather unique experiences. Some key milestones include my first major exhibitions, like my shows in London and later in Basel, where I could finally connect personally with other artists and share my work with a larger audience. Selling my first large paintings in 2020 was another significant moment, as it affirmed that my art was resonating with people.

Building my career has also meant embracing the digital world, especially through online galleries and platforms like Instagram. My presence on Instagram has grown, allowing me to reach a wider audience, showcase my work, and connect with collectors and other art lovers globally. Online galleries have also been crucial for building my career, as they allow me to display my work internationally even if I can’t be there in person.

Today, my work involves not only creating new paintings but also actively seeking exhibition opportunities, managing my social media, and staying engaged with online galleries. It’s time-intensive, but I believe it has brought me to a place I never would have imagined. I’m truly proud of how far this passion has taken me, and I look forward to seeing where it will go next.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first posted on social media on December 26, 2018, I was a complete beginner. I had only a basic understanding of Facebook and little idea of how to approach social media as an artist. It was challenging at first to post regularly and stay active, but I quickly learned that consistency is key. I started posting routinely, even though it felt uncomfortable at times, especially with the idea of showing more of myself and my life. Anyway, I gradually realized that people interested in my work also wanted to know more about me as an artist. Today, I regularly share more personal posts, which has helped me connect with my audience on a deeper level.

Building an audience also meant connecting with other artists, engaging with their posts, liking and commenting to build real connections. I also was in a group of artists, who were regularly posting works of each other. All these interactions have helped me grow not only my follower base but also a supportive community. One of my first big steps was setting up an account on Saatchi Art, an online gallery, a totally new experience for me, which also helped. Nowadays I’m on several different online galleries. While social media takes time and effort, it has been incredibly rewarding. I now have a loyal base of followers, many of whom are fellow artists. We support each other, give feedback, and even help each other out when needed.

For anyone just starting on social media, I would emphasize the importance of relationship-building. Following other accounts, interacting with posts, and creating genuine connections with people can make all the difference. This support network is valuable, and it’s one of the things that has kept me going. Staying active and consistent is key, even though it can be time-consuming. I spend a considerable amount of time preparing posts, and while I know reels can help increase reach, I’m still working on getting more comfortable with them! For newcomers, my advice is to stay consistent, keep posting, and engage with others- it’s a bit of an effort, but with time, it pays off.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Sabinekay.com
• Instagram: Sabinekay3

Image Credits

Philipp Kay
Sarah Kay