Art Review - "Woodrow Wilson" by John Christen Johansen

One of my favorite portraits from the National Portrait Gallery's collection is the subject of today's #MuseumTourTuesday.

John Christen Johansen was a Danish-born artist living in Chicago. He painted this sketch of President Woodrow Wilson during the negotiations of the Treaty of Versailles. It is such a great piece, with a solid grasp of drawing that comes through in the confidence of the brushstrokes and the sculpted form of the head. Johansen was commissioned by the U.S. government to document the signing of the treaty, and I can only imagine the stress of attempting to capture not only President Wilson, but the many other dignitaries present.

Born in Copenhagen, and relocating to the U.S. as an infant, Johansen later studied under another of my favorite painters, Frank Duveneck, and went on to teach at the Art Institute of Chicago. He moved to Paris in 1919, and befriended other great artists such as John Singer Sargent and James Whistler.

"Woodrow Wilson" • John Christen Johansen • Oil on Canvas • 1919 • 30 5/16" x 25 1/8"

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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.

January 2023 Art Newsletter - All Things Big & Small - Considerations of Scale

Should you go big, or small? Are you locked into a particular canvas size due to fear or habit?

Sign up now for my latest art newsletter on what to consider when choosing the scale for your paintings:  

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

 

“Back On the Choptank” (Left)  • Oil on linen • 24" x 30"  • Private Collection

“Through the Masts” (Right) • Oil on panel • 12" x 16" • Private Collection

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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

Last night's open model session at the Coppini Academy was particularly challenging. A dimmer more indirect light source reduces both value and color contrast significantly. Even so, painting from a live model is always great practice, regardless of the conditions.

“Billy” • Oil on Linen • 12" x 12” • 90 Minutes

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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 - "Helen Sears" by John Singer Sargent

No one can deny the ability of John Singer Sargent to create a beautiful portrait, and this piece is no exception, but that's not what captured my attention with this particular painting from the first moment I saw it. Yes, the face, the hair, the dress are all beautifully rendered with bravura brushwork, but it's the flowers that I'm drawn toward.

The large masses of hydrangeas are so simply painted, yet read perfectly. The flowers work for a number of reasons, starting with the way Sargent directs our eyes to the face, keeping the flowers in our peripheral vision. At a glance, they appear to be highly rendered. Sargent focuses on what's important - the outer edges of the masses and the value scale overall, never the individual petals. This illusion of detail is what I find so fascinating in his work, and when I was first exposed to this painting decades ago, this was a great learning experience for me.

This piece is in the permanent collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

"Helen Sears" • John Singer Sargent • Oil on Canvas • 1895 • 65.86" x 35.98"

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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.

September 2023 Painting Workshop - Hindes Fine Art

Texas artist friends, I’m pleased to announce that I will be teaching a painting workshop at Hindes Fine Art in San Antonio next fall.

Click here for more information, and to sign up:
https://bit.ly/patrick-saunders-san-antonio-workshop

Join me September 17th - 19th in 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. 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.

"The View From Guenther House" • Oil on Linen • 16" x 20" • Available at Hindes Fine Art

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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

Here's a very quick portrait study from last night's open model session at the Coppini Academy. Evelyn sat and listened to music while posing. We could clearly see her expression change along with the music, which made for a good challenge.

“Evelyn” • Oil on Panel • 14" x 14” • 60 Minutes

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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 - "Rhododendrons" by Sarah Wyman Whitman

Today's #MuseumTourTuesday features a piece I recently saw for the first time at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, by American artist Sarah Wyman Whitman. Despite having been painted over 140 years ago, the piece is decidedly modern. Whitman doesn't over romanticize the flowers, but portrays them in all of their natural, tattered beauty. She also lets the paint react as a character of its own, especially in the background. While I can't make out what is written, there are even letters scratched across the entire upper area of the painting. It's an incredibly striking piece.

Born in Baltimore in 1842, Whitman became most well known as a stained glass artist, something that this painting hints at with its distinctive shapes. She even founded Lily Glass Works, becoming an innovative leader in the industry, inspiring later artists, such as Frank Lloyd Wright.

 

"Rhododendrons" • Sarah Wyman Whitman • Oil on Panel

• 1880 • 31" x 29.5"

 

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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 Painting - "A Friendly Bunch"

I find myself always thinking about painting, no matter where I am. This can lead to some surprising moments of inspiration. I found these roses on display at Central Market, my favorite grocery store in San Antonio. The entire store is inviting, and the floral section is no exception. I was drawn to the way these roses all lay together in the display.

Yellows can be a serious challenge, especially in the context of roses. In addition to my standby, Cadmium Yellow Medium, I pulled out colors that I rarely if ever use, just to test their capabilities - Indian Yellow, Winsor Yellow and Cadmium Yellow Light.

 

"A Friendly Bunch" • Oil on Linen • 9" x 12"
 • Available at www.patricksaunders.com

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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.

Master Signature Member - Oil Painters of America

It's great to start off 2023 with a huge honor from the Oil Painters of America, learning that I have been awarded the status of Master Signature Member.

 

The painting experience can be a wildly swinging pendulum, from the exciting sense of accomplishment after a successful piece, to moments of frustration when a painting fails, and you wonder if you’ll ever reach your goals. I’ve been an OPA member for two decades, so this honor means a lot to me, and goes a long way toward convincing me that maybe I should stick with it. My thanks to the fellow OPA masters who voted to include me among your ranks.

 

Here are all of the pieces that I have submitted to OPA shows over the years.

 

"War Dancer" • Oil on Linen • 20"x24" • Private Collection

 

Winner, Certificate of Excellence, Portrait Society of America
21st Annual International Portrait Competition

2019 Entry

Oil Painters of America 

28th National Juried Exhibition
Illume Gallery of Fine Art

Honorable Mention
Southwest Art Magazine
2020 Artistic Excellence Competition

Patrick Saunders “Tapestry” • Oil on Linen • 12"x16” • Private Collection

2020 Entry
Oil Painters of America
Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition
Reinert Fine Art

"Dama De Rojo" • Oil on Linen • 15"x30" • Bosque Arts Center Permanent Collection

Winner, Gold Medal Award
Oil Painters of America
2020 Juried Salon Show

Select 50
Portrait Society of America
2022 International Portrait Competition

Winner, Silver Medal, Oil/Acrylic
Art Patrons Purchase Award
2022 Bosque Arts Center
Bosque Art Classic

 

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

 

2022 Entry
Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition
Southwest Gallery

"Night at the Red Lion" • Oil on Linen • 30" x 40" • Available at www.PatrickSaunders.com

2022 Entry
Oil Painters of America
31st National Juried Exhibition
Steamboat Art Museum

"Awaiting" • Oil on Linen • 24"x30" • Private Collection

 
2020 Entry
Oil Painters of America
29th National Juried Exhibition
RS Hanna Gallery

Entry
Bosque Arts Center 2021 Bosque Art Classic

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

2020 Entry
Winner, Honorable Mention
Oil Painters of America
30th National Juried Exhibition
California Center for the Arts

 

"Photographing the Chinese Temple Gallery, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art"
• Oil on Board • 18"x24" • Private Collection

2014 Entry
Oil Painters of America
23rd National Juried Exhibition

2016 Entry
Salmagundi Club
American Masters Exhibition

"Portrait of Dignan” • Oil on Canvas • 16” x 30" • Private Collection

2017 Entry

Oil Painters of America
National Juried Exhibition
Eisele Gallery of Fine Art

2018 Entry
Jack Richeson & Co. 

Animals, Birds, and Wildlife Competition

"Above & Below the Sol Duc” • Oil on Panel • 14"x18" • Private Collection

Winner
Olympic National Park Interpretive Rangers Award

2016 Paint the Peninsula Plein Air

Featured
Southwest Art Magazine, September 2018

Entry
Oil Painters of America
2018 Salon Show
Crooked Tree Arts Center

"Back From the Bazaar" • Oil on Canvas  • 24"x36" • Private Collection

3rd Place, Signature Division
Oil Painters of America Fall 2017 Online Showcase

Entry
American Impressionist Society, Inc.
2017 National Juried Exhibition
Montgomery-Lee Fine Art, Park City, Utah

Featured
Southwest Art Magazine, September 2018

2018 Entry
Oil Painters of America
27th National Juried Exhibition
Steamboat Art Museum

"Ross Alley" • Oil on Canvas  • 24"x36" • Available at www.PatrickSaunders.com

2015 Entry
Oil Painters of America
24th National Juried Exhibition

Cutter and Cutter Fine Art Galleries

2016 Entry
Laguna Plein Air Painters Association
Signature Impressions show

Featured
Southwest Art Magazine, September 2018

"President Tyler's Eternal View" • 2018 Plein Air Richmond • Oil on Linen
• 16" x 20" • Private Collection

 

2019 Entry
Oil Painters of America
Eastern Regional Exhibition
Beverly McNeil Gallery

"Parkville Cat" • Oil on Canvas • 16" x 12" • Private Collection

 

Winner, 1st Place, Oil Painting

2013 Paint Parkville Plein Air

2014 Entry
Oil Painters of America
Eastern Regional Exhibition
Eisele Gallery of Fine Art
 

 

“Wess” • Oil on Canvas • 11” x 14” • Private Collection

2003 Entry
Oil Painters of America
12th National Juried Exhibition
Nichols Taos Gallery

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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 Silver Screen" by Frank Weston Benson

Today's #MuseumTourTuesday features a piece from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston by American artist, Frank Weston Benson. Best known for his figurative work, the artist was also a prolific still life painter.

This painting is a masterclass in color and value control. Despite being painted with thick broken color, the artist captures the soft flow of the fabrics and the gentle curved surface of the vase. The piece is filled with color, and yet feels subdued and calm. Notice how the value contrast is reduced as the fruit moves behind the glass of the bowl, conveying a sense of the glass without painting any reflections within it. This is an inspiring work.

"The Silver Screen" • Frank Weston Benson • Oil on Canvas • 1921 • 36.25" x 44.125"

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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.

Second Plein Air Painting Workshop - Summit Art Plein Air Festival

Missouri artist friends, my June plein air painting workshop for the Summit Art Plein Air Festival sold out so fast that we have decided to add another one.

For those of you who missed out on signing up for the first workshop, click here to register for the second:  

https://bit.ly/patrick-saunders-workshop-kansas-city-II

Join me June 9th - 11th in Kansas City 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.

"Wild Onions" • Oil on Board • 12"x16" • Private Collection

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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.

Cityscape Painting - "Ascending Towards Templo de Santo Domingo"

Here is my first painting of 2023. Last April, Kimberly and I took our first trip abroad following the pandemic to San Miguel de Allende. We spent most of our time exploring the streets, from dawn to evening.

Down each narrow street, a picturesque view awaited. As the light changed through various times of day, the city took on different qualities. Early morning offered a striking atmospheric texture, as the light rose over the mountains and spilled into the narrow streets.

"Ascending Towards Templo de Santo Domingo" • Oil on Linen • 24" x 30"
• Available at www.PatrickSaunders.com

Painting photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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 - "Heads and Skull Study" by Nicolai Fechin

It's a new year, and a new post for #MuseumTourTuesday. January is all about resolutions for improvement, and there's one area where all artists strive for growth - drawing. No better place to look for inspiration than a master like Nicolai Fechin.

Kimberly and I saw this piece at the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House on a recent visit to Santa Fe. There's so much to love about these drawings. This was clearly all about practice and personal growth for Fechin. He doesn't waste any space on the paper, and he renders each head (and skull) from the same angle, exploring the form in order to gain a better understanding of it.

"Heads and Skull Study" • Nicolai Fechin • Charcoal on paper • ca. 1933-1955

Photo by Saunders Fine Arts.

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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 Painting Workshop - Conroe Art League

Artist friends, I’m pleased to announce that I will be teaching another painting workshop at the Conroe Art League next fall.

Click here for more information, and to sign up:
https://bit.ly/Patrick-Saunders-2023-Conroe-Workshop

Join me November 10th - 12th in Conroe, Texas 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. 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.

“Gratitude” • Oil on Linen • 10” x 10" • Available at www.PatrickSaunders.com

© Patrick and Kimberly Saunders, Patrick Saunders Fine Arts, 2023. 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.