"Sidewalk Sale at the Strand" - A Quick Color Study

Here's a quick color study for a possible larger studio piece. 

The Strand Book Store in New York is one of the last great bookstores in the United States. It's an excellent place to browse, both inside and along the sidewalk. 

I've been working on some larger detailed portrait paintings, and it's nice to go a lot looser in a smaller piece as a kind of relief. I've included some in progress images as well to show how quickly this came together. No stress, just straight fun.

"Sidewalk Sale at the Strand" • Oil on Panel • 9"x12" • 1 Hour • Available at www.patricksaunders.com

The initial couple of minutes. A quick wash in of color.

Fifteen minutes into the painting.

Half an hour into the painting.

Forty-five minutes into the painting.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

"Santa with Drawers" - Salvador Dalí

A #ThrowbackThursday to the Christmas holidays I spent working at Hallmark. Every year, this Salvador Dalí painting would be displayed in one of the hallways. 

When Dalí presented this piece to Hallmark's founder, J.C. Hall, in 1948, Hall purchased the painting for the company's permanent collection, but promptly locked it away in a vault where it remained hidden for decades. I guess he found it creepy. 

I always felt fortunate to be able to see the original, but I do have questions. Why are Santa and the holly leaf so gigantic? Why is Santa breaking through the ice? I'll just chalk it up to the bizarre sensibilities of Dalí.

"Santa with Drawers" • Salvador Dalí • 1948 • Watercolor on Paper • 13"x10"

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

December 2019 Newsletter - Looking Back and Moving Forward

“… the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work.” - Ira Glass

 

Read my latest newsletter to learn two things you need to become a better painter, and no, they don’t involve any secrets, tricks, or short cuts, because those don’t work.

Click here to sign up:
http://bit.ly/PSFA-Newsletter-Sign-up

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

War Dancer - 2nd Place, Signature Division, OPA Fall Online Showcase Competition

I'm honored to learn that one of my paintings received Second Place in the Signature Division of the Fall 2019 Oil Painters of America Online Showcase Competition.

My thanks to judge Steve Atkinson and congratulations to all of the entrants for submitting a great body of work.

"War Dancer" • Oil on Linen • 20"x24" • Available at www.patricksaunders.com

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Floral Workshop - 2020 First Brush of Spring, New Harmony, Indiana

Indiana artist friends, just a reminder that my First Brush of Spring floral painting workshop next year is already half full.

Join me April 14th - 16th in New Harmony, Indiana at the Hoosier Salon New Harmony Gallery to learn how the painted floral is a perfect subject to practice for adding energy to all of your paintings, because it requires a balance of spontaneity and accuracy.

Register now to secure your spot:
http://bit.ly/patrick-saunders-floral-workshop-April-2020

This workshop is sponsored by the Hoosier Salon Patrons Association and Fine Art Galleries.

"Coneflower" • Oil on Linen • 6"x8" • Private Collection

"Fireworks"  • Oil on Linen • 12"x12" • Private Collection

"Aglow"  • Oil on Linen • 9"x12" • Private Collection

"Renee Michelle Azaleas" • Oil on Linen • 6"x8" • Available at www.patricksaunders.com

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

War Dancer - Full Figure Portrait Painting Detail - Session Three

With all of the to-dos for the holidays, my progress has been slow, but I'm continuing to move forward on this portrait. The complicated clothing makes it almost like assembling a puzzle. I've included the previous in progress shots as well. The final piece will be 60"x30" and will include the full figure.

In Progress Portrait Painting Detail - Session Three

In Progress Portrait Painting Detail - Session Two

In Progress Portrait Painting Detail - Session One

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
  

Pet Portrait Demonstration - Museum of the Dog, New York

Anyone who follows me knows that pets are my favorite subject to paint, so I'm really excited to announce a pet portrait demonstration at the American Kennel Club's Museum of the Dog next summer.

If you're in the New York area on June 3rd, join me at this great museum, which has moved from my hometown of Saint Louis, Missouri to Midtown Manhattan.

The public is invited to watch my dog portrait demonstration from noon to 2 p.m. Admission to my demo is free with the purchase of a museum ticket. 

If you haven't yet been to the Museum of the Dog, you're missing out - hope to see you there!

"Webster"  • Oil on Canvas • 18"x24" • Private Collection
Southwest Art Magazine, September 2018

"Chester"  • Oil on Linen • 12"x12" • Available at www.patricksaunders.com

"Angel" • Oil on Linen • 16"x20" • Available at www.patricksaunders.com

"Anticipation" • Oil on Canvas • 22"x18" • Private Collection

"Gracie Portrait Demo" • 12"x16" • Oil on Linen • Private Collection

"Jasper"  • Oil on Canvas • 16"x20" • Private Collection

"Bentley & Dudley" • Oil on canvas • 12"x36" • Private Collection

"Bob, Lizzy & Sabrina"  • Oil on Canvas • 34"x36" • Private Collection

"Millie" • Oil on Linen • 9"x12" • Private Collection

"Zoe" • Oil on Canvas • 24"x18" • Private Collection

"Perry" • Oil on Linen • 12"x16" • Private Collection

"Puggle the Pug and His Kerchief of Cadmium Colors" • Oil on Linen • 9"x12" • Private Collection

"Lou" • Oil on Canvas • 12"x16" • Private Collection

"Mia" • Oil on linen • 9"x12" • Private Collection

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

"An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump" - Joseph Wright Derby, National Gallery, London, England

Kimberly and I viewed this impressive work by Joseph Wright of Derby while visiting the National Gallery in London, England last summer.

"An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump" 
• Joseph Wright Derby 
• 1768 
• Oil on Canvas 
• 72"x94.5"

I was immediately struck by the similarity between this work and the works of many 20th Century illustrators. The dramatic lighting, which Derby is known for, became very popular as a storytelling tool for a number of well known artists like Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth and the Brothers Hildebrandt, of which I have included an example.

Photo by Kimberly at Saunders Fine Arts.

The Brothers Hildebrandt employ a similar sense of drama in this illustration depicting Bilbo and the Dwarves from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. An interesting difference from Derby's work is that the color temperatures are much more exaggerated here, adding more of a fantasy atmosphere.

"The Unexpected Party" • Tim and Greg Hildebrandt

I have no way of knowing if there is any of Derby's direct influence in this work, but the similarities across centuries are fascinating.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

War Dancer - Full Figure Portrait Painting Detail - Session Two

Here's another round of progress on this larger painting I'm working on. The final piece will be 60"x30" and will include the full figure.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Painting Workshop - The Woman's Club of Fort Worth, Texas

Artist friends, there are only three spots left in my painting workshop at The Woman's Club of Fort Worth next year.

Join me February 19th - 21st in Fort Worth, Texas to explore the essential techniques for painting from direct observation and photography. This oil and acrylics class is open to beginners as well as more advanced artists.

Call Carolyn Watson at (214) 850-4926 to register.

"First Rays at Badlands" • Oil on Linen • 16"x20" • Private Collection

"Aglow" • Oil on Linen • 9"x12" • Private Collection

"Kobe" • Oil on Linen • 12"x16" • Private Collection

"The Farm On York" • Oil on Linen • 14"x18" • Private Collection

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Pet Portrait - "Study of Opal"

Here's a quick study for today of one of our cats. The surface is a very slick panel which forced me to work with thicker paint than I normally do from the very start. I've included a couple of in progress images with comments. 

Opal passed away from cancer 6 years ago. We miss her dearly.

"Study of Opal" • Oil on Panel • 9"x12" • 1.5 Hours • Available at www.patricksaunders.com

About 10 minutes in. I started with thicker paint than normal. Almost no medium (mineral spirits) at all - any more and it would not cover the board.

This is at about 30 minutes in. At this point, I'm using paint straight out of the tube.
 

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

War Dancer - Full Figure Portrait Painting Detail - Session One

Here's a work in progress of a new piece I've started. I've painted this subject before, but this piece will be a larger, full figure painting.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Pet Portrait - Chester the English Bulldog

I finally revisited an old painting that I started a year ago. 

We met Chester the English Bulldog in Missouri during one of my plein air workshops. Kimberly was able to get some great photos of him, but more pressing paintings kept getting in the way. 

I was so happy to finally be able to finish this portrait of a really cool dog who waves hello on command.

"Chester" • Oil on Linen • 12"x12" • Available at www.patricksaunders.com

Reference and painting photos by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

Fine Art Prints & Cards for the Holidays

It's #BlackFriday2019, and if you are struggling with gift ideas this year, considering making a present of art. 

If you missed your chance to buy a painting of mine that you had your eye on, you can gift yourself, a friend, or a loved one with a fine art print of the piece, or a set of greeting cards.

Click here to see my complete gallery of available prints and cards:
http://bit.ly/Patrick-Saunders-Fine-Art-Prints-And-Cards

"Holiday Poinsettias" • Oil on Canvas • 16"x12" • Private Collection

"Warm & Bright • Oil on Linen • 9"x12" • Private Collection

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

"The Sun On the Sill" Floral Painting

Here's one last memory of summer, before the next winter storm blankets much of the country for the holidays.

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

"The Sun On the Sill" • Oil on Linen • 10"x10" • Available at patricksaunders.com

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Floral Workshop - Winslow Art Center, Bainbridge Island, Washington

Artist friends, I’m teaching my first studio workshop in the Pacific Northwest region next summer at the Winslow Art Center Studio & Gallery.

Join me August 17th - 19th on Bainbridge Island, Washington for a floral workshop. The Art Center website lists a variety of accommodations you can book for your stay on this beautiful island.

Click here to register: http://bit.ly/PSFA-Floral-Workshop-Bainbridge-Island

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

November Newsletter - The Influence of the Unfamiliar

Click on the link below to receive my latest newsletter, and find out why this 25-year-old watercolor still influences my oil painting today.

http://bit.ly/PSFA-Newsletter-Sign-up

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

2020 Floral Painting Workshop - First Brush of Spring

Indiana artist friends, my April painting workshop sponsored by the Hoosier Salon at their 2020 First Brush of Spring event in New Harmony, Indiana is already half full.

Join me April 14th - 16th at the Hoosier Salon New Harmony Gallery to learn how the painted floral is a perfect subject to practice for adding energy to all of your paintings, because it requires a balance of spontaneity and accuracy. 

Register now to secure your spot:
http://bit.ly/patrick-saunders-floral-workshop-April-2020

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s authors/owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patrick Saunders for painted works, or to Kimberly Saunders for photographs and/or videos, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.