There is something so magical about capturing someone's essence on canvas. I'm fascinated and frustrated in equal measures as I try to learn to be a better portrait artist. I love the energy of painting from life, be it people or landscapes. Several years ago, I came across information on the Zorn Palette and thought, “Wow, only four colors!” White, yellow ochre, cadmium red and Ivory black - and variations. I've experimented with various limited palettes, but after looking at Anders Zorn's portraits, I knew it was worth considering and experimenting with. Anders Zorn, Self Portrait with Model, 1896 Anders Zorn was a pre-eminent Swedish artist (1860-1920). He began as a watercolorist, painti
This article appeared in the 1st Quarter 2019 The Art of the Portrait Journal publication. Mary Sauer has carefully cultivated her talent through her work, and it shows. It was Mary’s exquisite use of color and confident, natural brushwork that immediately drew me to her art. Her work seems effortless, but as anyone who has picked up a brush knows, this level of expression takes not only talent but work. It comes from providing the seed of intrinsic creativity with the requisite water, soil, and nutrients – the training, focus, and dedication – for an artist’s vision to thrive and flourish. Contemporary Motherhood, oil on canvas, 60 x 96” As a child, Mary began to plant the seeds for a futur
