Art Review - "Smiling Girl" by Abram Arkhipov - National Art Museum of Belarus

Today's #museumtourtuesday painting is a piece by Russian artist Abram Arkhipov that I absolutely love. This one is a part of the collection at the National Art Museum of Belarus.

I've been a huge fan of Arkhipov's work for decades, and this is one of my favorites. Not only is it a painting filled with joy and energy with its simplicity of brushwork, but I am especially drawn to the play between the model's face and the flowers within her clothing. With the red surrounding her face, she almost becomes another flower in the arrangement. 

 

Also of note, from a compositional standpoint, all of the lines of the garment lead perfectly to her head, which is surrounded by the brightness of the window behind her. One can't help but be drawn into her joyful expression.

 

"Smiling Girl" • Abram Arkhipov • 1920s • Oil on Canvas

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

June 2021 Art Newsletter - Bringing It Into Focus

Identifying the focal point of a painting should happen before the first brush stroke, and it must remain the center of attention throughout your process.

Sign up for my latest art newsletter on the importance of beginning and ending with your focal point.

 

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

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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 Painting - "Ben" the Poo-Ton

This is Ben, a Poo-Ton (a Poodle and Coton de Tulear mix).

Ben is the perfect dog, and he's never met a stranger. When we first met Ben, he followed us home. His hobbies are destroying plush toys, riding in golf carts, chasing lizards, and playing in his personal sandbox that his human made for him. Ben likes the feeling of sand on his paws so much that he twirls in circles in it. The sight of this little guy dancing in his sandbox can make your whole day.

 

And of course, what a smile!

 

"Ben" • Oil on Linen • 12" x 16" • Private Collection

Reference and painting photos by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

ONE SPOT OPEN - Driggs Digs Plein Air Painting Workshop

Artist friends, there is still one last minute spot left in my previously sold out plein air painting workshop in Driggs, Idaho on July 25th - 26th, just before Driggs Digs Plein Air.

Click here to register before it fills:

http://bit.ly/Patrick-Saunders-Driggs-Plein-Air-Workshop-2021

 

If you want to paint plein air with me, this is your chance. This class is the only plein air workshop I am teaching this year.

 

I can teach you to paint any subject, from the most simple to complex, with one approach. This workshop is open to beginners as well as advanced artists. If you're a beginner, I can get you started, and if you are an experienced painter, I can take you to the next level. Acrylic and pastel artists are also welcome.

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

"A Fresh Perspective on Collecting Art" - Virtual Art Panel Discussion

I am honored to have been asked by Olmsted Plein Air Invitational organizers to participate in a panel discussion Thursday on contemporary representational art.

“𝐀 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐫𝐭” is a virtual event open to all, so please join me June 24th at 2 p.m. EST for an hour of insight and education led by art appraiser and advisor Kimberly Hong. Art collector Roger K. Quillen will also participate.

You can stream this event live at the links below:

𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸:


https://www.facebook.com/olmstedpleinair


 

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗧𝘂𝗯𝗲:


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvmMBf-u3xQN3gHuJrfe4VA

 

 

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

Art Review - "Maternal Caress" by Mary Cassatt - Amon Carter Museum of American Art

For today's #museumtourtuesday, I'd like to share a print by Mary Cassatt that Kimberly and I were able to view recently at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art Art in Fort Worth.

This piece was part of a series of 10 prints that Cassatt created for an exhibition in 1891. She challenged herself to imitate the methods of Japanese prints she had seen in Paris. Already known for her many mother and child images created as oil paintings, the theme transitioned beautifully into the new medium. I would even suggest that this approach is more delicate and intimate than her oil paintings, and lends itself even better to the subject.

 

"Maternal Caress" • Mary Cassatt • 1890-1891

• Drypoint, aquatint, and soft ground etching • 10 1/2" x 14 3/8"

 

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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 - Tubac School of Fine art

Artist friends, registration is now open for my painting workshop this fall at the Tubac School Of Fine Art.

Join me October 15th - 17th in Tubac, Arizona to explore the essential techniques for painting from direct observation and photography. I can teach you to paint any subject, from the most simple to complex, with one approach.

 

Each day begins with a short lecture and full demonstration, followed by one-on-one instruction. My class is highly tailored for each participant, so beginners as well as advanced artists are welcome.

 

Click here for more information, and to register:

https://bit.ly/Patrick-Saunders-Tubac-Workshop

 

 

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

SOLD - "Bars & Bikes, Amsterdam"

My cityscape of the Louis Bar in Amsterdam, which won an Honorable Mention award last month at the 30th Annual Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition at the California Center for the Arts, will soon be on its way to a collector and artist that I met in one of my painting workshops.

It's a great feeling when your work goes to a fellow artist who really appreciates it, and feels as strongly about the piece as you do. Can't ask for better than that.

 

"Bars & Bikes, Amsterdam" • Oil on Linen • 18" x 24" • Private Collection

 

Reference and painting photos by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

Art Review - "The Allen Brothers (Portrait of James and John Lee Allen)" by Henry Raeburn - Kimbell Art Museum

Kimberly and I were able to visit the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, last week. The architecture of the building was incredible, with some of the best lighting I have ever experienced in any museum. For today's #museumtourtuesday, I'd like to feature one of the pieces from this museum's extensive collection.

I have never been a big fan of 18th Century painting, but every time I come across a piece by Henry Raeburn, I am struck by how ahead of his time his work appears. A full century before the bravura brushwork of John Singer Sargent and Joaquín Sorolla, Raeburn was producing similarly decisive and solid images. While his contemporaries, such as Jacques-Louis David and Gilbert Stuart produced dramatic and beautiful work, they lack the same character of paint application. For me, Raeburn is the stepping stone between the boldness of Diego Velázquez and Frans Hals a century before him, and modern realism, where paint in itself becomes a character within the work.

 

Raeburn never produced preliminary sketches, and instead jumped straight into the painting. This approach produced a spontaneity and boldness in his work. Notice the solid forms, edges and shapes throughout the piece.

 

"The Allen Brothers (Portrait of James and John Lee Allen)" • Henry Raeburn 

• Early 1790s • Oil on canvas • 60" x 45.5"

 

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

Artist Focus - Western Art Collector Magazine

My thanks to Western Art Collector Magazine for my Artist Focus page in their June 2021 issue. It’s an honor to be featured in this magazine.

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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 Woman's Club of Fort Worth Painting Workshop - Group Photo

My thanks to The Woman's Club of Fort Worth for having me back for my painting workshops this week.

My thanks also to this group of artists for painting with me. Remember to paint with intention, and make every stroke count.

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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 - Day Three - The Woman's Club of Fort Worth Painting Workshop

My pet portrait demonstration painting this morning on day three of my second painting workshop at The Woman's Club of Fort Worth.

 

"Yorkie Portrait Demonstration" • Oil on Linen • 12" x 16" • 2 Hours • SOLD

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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 Demonstration Painting - Day Two - The Woman's Club of Fort Worth Painting Workshop

My floral demonstration painting from life this morning on day two of my second painting workshop at The Woman's Club of Fort Worth.

 

"Pink Roses Study" • Oil on Linen • 9"x12" • 1.5 Hours

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

Landscape Demonstration Painting - Day One - The Woman's Club of Fort Worth Painting Workshop

My landscape demonstration painting from a photograph this morning on day one of my second painting workshop at The Woman's Club of Fort Worth.

 

 

"Augusta Barn Study" • Oil on Linen • 12"x16" • 2 Hours • SOLD

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

Group Photo - The Woman's Club of Fort Worth Painting Workshop

It’s great to be back at The Woman's Club of Fort Worth painting with old friends, and some new ones.

 

My thanks to all of you who took risks and tried new things. The gains you made in your paintings are so worth the struggle.

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

Dog Portrait Demonstration Painting - Day Three - The Woman's Club of Fort Worth

My pet portrait demonstration painting this morning on day three of my painting workshop at The Woman's Club of Fort Worth.

 

"Dog Portrait Demonstration" • Oil on Linen • 12" x 16" • 2 Hours

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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 Demonstration Painting - Day Two - The Woman's Club of Fort Worth

My floral demonstration painting from life this morning on day two of my painting workshop at The Woman's Club of Fort Worth.

 

"Sunflowers Study" • Oil on Linen • 10"x10" • 2 Hours

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

Landscape Demonstration Painting - Day One - The Woman's Club of Fort Worth

My landscape demonstration painting from a photograph this morning on day one of my painting workshop at The Woman's Club of Fort Worth.

 

"Femme Osage Church" • Oil on Linen • 12"x16" • 1.5 Hours • SOLD

 

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

SOLD - "Deepdene Escape" - Olmsted Plein Air Painting Invitational

I’m so pleased that this landscape I painted for the 2021 Olmsted Plein Air Invitational is now on its way to the home of a new collector.

I love the Deepdene in Olmsted Linear Park in Atlanta, Georgia, because it can make you forget that you are actually in the middle of a busy metropolis.

 

"Deepdene Escape" • Oil on Linen • 14" x 18" • Private Collection

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.

Art Review - "The Loneliness of Peter Parrot" by Walter Everett

For today's #museumtourtuesday, check out this painting by American illustrator Walter Everett.

Everett studied with the great Howard Pyle and was in constant demand by the biggest magazines of the early 20th century. He became known for letting deadlines slip, and he quit illustration altogether in his 30s, setting fire to most of his paintings. Illustration can be a very frustrating career.

 

This piece is a marvel. There is so much happening within the composition, and yet it all holds together. It's a piece to be explored, with numerous elements woven throughout the dappled light.

 

"The Loneliness of Peter Parrot" • Walter Everett • Oil on panel • 24" x 24" 

• Ladies Home Journal, January 1925

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2021. 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.