Still Life Demonstration Painting - Plein Air Painters of New Mexico

It was nice to be back in Taos this week. Here's a still life demonstration I did Friday afternoon for the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico's 14th National Juried Members Exhibition. 

My thanks to all who came out to the Wild Sage Gallery to spend a part of their afternoon with me.

“Pumpkins & Daisies Study” • Oil on Linen • 12” x 12” • 90 Minutes

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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.

Plein Air Painters of New Mexico 14th National Juried Exhibition

I was honored to judge the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico’s 14th National Juried Members Exhibition this year.

The Awards Show at the Wild Sage Gallery is this afternoon until 6:00 pm, and is open to the public. If you are in the Taos area, please join me in celebrating the winners, and all of the juried artists in the show.

Cityscape Painting - "School of F.I.S.H."

This one is a bit of a love letter to San Antonio, our new hometown. It may look like something surreal at first glance, but if you live here or have visited, you've probably come across this scene.

Philadelphia artist Donald Lipski created 25 of these seven-foot-long hand-painted fiberglass resin sunfish. They are lit from within and hang over the San Antonio River Walk beneath the highway overpass near the San Antonio Museum of Art.

I learned a lot from this painting, a particularly challenging one. Not only is it a busy scene with numerous lights and surface textures, but the form of the focal points, the fish sculptures, does not come from them being illuminated by a light source, as is usually the case with most subjects. Rather, the fish are the light source.

This painting will be available for sale at Hindes Fine Art as part of a special November art show celebrating the city's iconic river walk. A reception for this gallery show on Nov. 6th at 6 p.m. is open to the public.

"School of F.I.S.H." • Oil on Linen • 18" x 24"
• Available at Hindes Fine Art

Reference and painting photos by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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 - "Les dahlias, jardin du Petit Gennevilliers" by Gustave Caillebotte

This week's #MuseumTourTuesday features a piece by French painter Gustave Caillebotte at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. I was immediately struck by the tension between the foreground floral and the house beyond. They compete for dominance, and yet I feel that the dahlias ultimately win out due to all of the subtleties within the leaves and flowers. Even so, the lines of the path and the greenhouse connect the two areas of the painting and keep the eyes exploring the entire composition.

It's interesting to note that this is a study for a slightly larger painting at the National Gallery of Art. The other painting adds in a figure and dog along the path, and I find that this addition makes the composition a bit overwhelming.

Born in 1848, Caillebotte was an attorney and an engineer. His sizable allowance and a family inheritance allowed him to paint without any pressure to sell his work - the dream of all artists. He supported his fellow artists by funding impressionist exhibitions and purchasing their works. He even covered the rent for Monet's studio. Due to his strong patronage of the arts, Caillebotte himself was not recognized as a significant painter until the 1960s.

"Les dahlias, jardin du Petit Gennevilliers" • Gustave Caillebotte 

• Oil on Canvas • 45.5" x 34.8" • 1893

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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.

October 2022 Art Newletter - In Praise of Orange

Do you absolutely need orange on your palette? No. Can it make your work as a painter easier? Definitely!

Sign up now for my latest art newsletter on how a pre-mixed orange can add vibrancy to your paintings and make mixing colors easier: http://bit.ly/PSFA-Newsletter-Sign-up

“Luminescence” • Oil on Linen • 12”x26” • Private Collection

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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.

2023 Plein Air Painting Workshop - Outdoor Painters Society

Texas artist friends, I’m pleased to announce that I will be judging the Outdoor Painters Society’s 2023 Plein Air Southwest competition next spring, and will teach a plein air painting workshop during the event.

This class is already filling fast, so click here for more information, and to sign up: https://bit.ly/Patrick-Saunders-Galveston-Workshop

Join me May 9th - 11th in Galveston to explore the essential techniques for painting from direct observation, en plein air. I can teach you to paint any subject, from the most simple to complex, with one approach. I will demonstrate the process of simplifying the subject and moving to finish as rapidly as possible, in order to add more energy and excitement to your painting.

Each day begins with a short lecture and full demonstration, followed by one-on-one instruction. My class is highly tailored for each individual, so beginners as well as experienced painters are welcome. I will demonstrate in oil paint, but artists are welcome to use acrylic.

“Riverbend Breeze” • Oil on Linen • 14”x18" • Private Collection

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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 - "Reflections" by William Merritt Chase

Last week, Kimberly and I were able to get to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It's been more than a decade since we last visited, so it was wonderful to once again see such an excellent collection. While the Sargent paintings are the star, and I'll feature many of those in upcoming posts, there are also a number of paintings that are less well known but equally impressive. Today's #MuseumTourTuesday post features a painting by American artist and teacher, William Merritt Chase.

"Reflections" • William Merritt Chase • Oil on Canvas • About 1892

 

Always the clever character, Chase plays with the idea of a portrait, placing his wife's visage in the mirror and using the title both literally and as an indication of her own inner thoughts.

Notice how the artist frames the figure in the golden color of the window drapes as well as the wicker chair. The face of his wife is lit as if by the most talented Hollywood lighting expert, making it clear that Chase's influence went well beyond painting. As for the skill with which the chair is rendered, I can only say "wow!" I've included a few close-ups for a better view of these details.

 

"Reflections" Detail • William Merritt Chase • Oil on Canvas • About 1892

"Reflections" Detail • William Merritt Chase • Oil on Canvas • About 1892

Born in 1849, William Merritt Chase studied in New York before relocating to St Louis, Missouri, where wealthy collectors recognized his immense talent and arranged for him to study in Europe. Returning to New York, Chase opened his own studio, instructing some of today's most famous painters, including George Bellows, Howard Chandler Christy, George Ennis, John Marin, Georgia O'Keefe and Joseph Stella. The Chase School, which he founded in 1896, is now known as the Parsons School of Design.

 

Painting photos by Saunders Fine Arts

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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 - Oil Painters of America 2022 Western Regional Juried Exhibition

So pleased to learn that my entry into the Oil Painters of America 2022 Western Regional Juried Exhibition at the Southwest Gallery in Dallas has sold. 

"Mosaic" • Oil on Linen • 15" x 30” • Private Collection

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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 - North Shore Arts Association Painting Workshop

My pet portrait demonstration from a photograph this morning on the last day of my painting workshop at the North Shore Arts Association.

“Dog Demo” • 14" x 18" • Oil on Linen • 90 Minutes

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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 - Day Two - North Shore Arts Association Painting Workshop

My floral demonstration from life this morning on day two of my painting workshop at the North Shore Arts Association.

“Floral Study” • Oil on Linen • 9” x 12” • 2 Hours

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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.

Demonstration Painting - Day One - North Shore Arts Association Workshop

My 90-minute demonstration painting from a photograph this morning on day one of my painting workshop at the North Shore Arts Association.

 

“Marina Study” • Oil on Linen • 12” x 16” • SOLD

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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.

 

Gala Gallery Walk & Talk - Cape Ann Plein Air

New England artist friends, I hope you can join me for my talk tomorrow at the Rockport Golf Club, where I will walk through my process for selecting the 2022 Cape Ann Plein Air award-winning paintings.

There are still a few tickets left for the CAPA Gala Awards Ceremony tonight, also at the golf club, where you can view and purchase work created by 36 representational artists from all over the country, and meet the painters as well.

 

Purchase tickets here: www.capeannpleinair.org/capa2022

 

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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 - Conroe Art League Painting Workshop

Hey Texas artist friends, a late cancellation has opened up one spot in my second painting workshop at the Conroe Art League this November 11th - 13th.

 

Click here to register: 

https://bit.ly/Patrick-Saunders-Conroe-Workshop-II

 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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 - "Spanish Fishermen" by Frank Brangwyn

For today's #MuseumTourTuesday, I'd like to share a stunning piece by Welsh artist Frank Brangwyn from the current exhibit, "Beyond the Sea: Impressionism and Modern Painting in Europe" at the Telfair Museums. This is a piece that I had never seen before, so it was quite a thrill.

I'm a huge fan of Brangwyn's intricate mural work, but in a smaller piece like this one, his simplification of brushwork shines through. Everything makes perfect sense with a solidity to the forms, and yet nothing is rendered. And then there is the control of color, with the warmer yellows and dashes of bright reds holding the viewer's attention to the center of the canvas. What an amazing piece!

Born in Bruges, Belgium in 1867, his family returned to the United Kingdom in 1874, where his father established a successful design practice. In his early teens, Brangwyn apprenticed with famed British textile designer William Morris. He won his first gold medal from the Paris Salon at the age of 24, and became known for large murals. It's estimated that he produced over 12,000 works.

Kimberly and I first visited the Telfair a few years ago, and I was pleased to return to teach a workshop there last month. We were once again amazed by the quality of the collection, with a number of pieces on view that we hadn't seen before. I'll be sharing more in upcoming posts.

 

"Spanish Fishermen" • Frank Brangwyn • Oil on Canvas • 40.5" x 50" • 1895

Photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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.

Portrait Study - Open Model Session

 I was able to make it to a Coppini Academy open model session last Wednesday. I always find it relaxing to paint from the live model, because there are no distractions. The dramatic backlighting made things interesting, with rich color and deep contrasts.

“Portrait Study” • Oil on Panel • 12" x 16” • 1.5 Hours

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts. 

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2022. 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.