Savannah artist Sandy Branam is a grandmother but no Grandma Moses, known for her primitive art style.

Instead, at age 65, the accomplished and sophisticated Branam continues to study, grow and experiment. Currently her experiments include paintings based on color theory, mixed-media works using Thai paper and ceramic sculptures. Her work can be seen at her website, www.sandybranamart.com.

A number of paintings based on color theory, plus other new work, can also be seen at The Gallery in Savannah's City Market, where Branam is featured artist for November and December. The paintings grew out of a class on color theory that she taught for the Savannah Art Association at Armstrong Atlantic State University in September.

She spent months researching color theory for the class, reading numerous books, surfing the Internet, and analyzing works by many artists. In creating assignments for her students, she first tried them out on herself.

One assignment was to break down the palette used in a great work of art and then to create a work using the same palette. For instance, Branam herself did a painting using the palette in Georgia O'Keeffe's "Lilies."

"The idea," said Branam, "was to study a limited palette and to learn its possibilities in some depth. The idea also was to learn the use of color from a master."

This procedure should not involve unthinking imitation or copying, stressed Branam, nor is it guaranteed to produce another masterpiece. But it does use color that worked in the masterpiece.

"Looking at my painting of pigs on Ossabaw Island, you wouldn't recognize any relationship to O'Keeffe's lilies. Nor would you be aware of the theorizing that went into the painting," stated Branam.

In another recent group of experimental works, Branam used Thai paper, one of whose components is dried elephant dung. "Nor would you be aware of the elephant dung that went into these!" laughed Branam.

Illa Schola, a friend and fellow artist, visited Thailand and brought the paper back for Branam. The paper's distinct texture gives a mosaic effect, which Branam enhances by sketching and by pasting bits of the paper onto a work. Most of these mixed-media works have already sold.

A third experiment currently for Branam - new to her - is working in ceramic sculpture. For this work she has taken classes at Savannah's Department of Cultural Affairs and is now taking a class at Armstrong Atlantic taught by John Jensen.

"Working in clay so that it doesn't crack is challenging and sometimes frustrating," says Branam, "but I love it. It gives me a chance to continue learning."

Examples of Branam's ceramic sculptures on exhibit at The Gallery and Savannah's Third Floor Gallery hardly seem like the work of a beginner. But her attitude toward learning is refreshing.

"At age 65," says Branam, "I feel like my life as an artist has just begun."

The Gallery is located at 20 Jefferson St. in City Market. Hours are Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 11a.m.-5 p.m. (912) 231-2025.