Mary Sauer

Mary Sauer: Bridging Classical Realism and Contemporary Expression

Mary Sauer, born in 1986 in Greenville, Kentucky, is an American painter renowned for her figurative and portrait works that blend classical techniques with contemporary themes. Her art delves into the psychological aspects of self-presentation and the societal pressures of perfectionism.

Education and Training

Sauer earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from Brigham Young University in 2009. She furthered her studies at The Art Students League of New York and the Grand Central Academy of Art. In 2014, she completed her Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from the University of Utah. Additionally, Sauer apprenticed for two years under master painter William Whitaker, honing her skills in traditional figure painting.

Artistic Career

Sauer's work has been exhibited extensively across the United States, including over a dozen shows in New York City. Her paintings have been featured in prominent publications such as American Art Collector Magazine, Southwest Art Magazine's "21 Under 31" feature, International Artist Magazine, and The Artists Magazine. Her piece "Anna" was awarded Best in Show at the 2012 Portrait Society of America International Portrait Competition, where she was also a finalist in subsequent years.

In recognition of her contributions to traditional figure painting, Sauer received the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant in 2014. She has also been honored with the Director's Award at the Springville Museum of Art's annual Spring Salon.

Teaching and Influence

Beyond her studio practice, Sauer has served as an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and Utah Valley University, teaching advanced life drawing and painting courses. Her dedication to education reflects her commitment to fostering artistic growth in others.

Artistic Philosophy

Sauer's art is influenced by nineteenth-century painters such as John Singer Sargent, the Pre-Raphaelites, and the French Academics, as well as contemporary realist academic painting and fashion photography. She aims to combine classical painting techniques with modern conceptual ideas, particularly exploring how individuals present themselves psychologically to the world.

Personal Life

Currently, Mary Sauer resides near Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, David, an operatic tenor, and their daughters, Scarlett and Blythe. She continues to create, exhibit, and teach, contributing significantly to the contemporary realist art movement.

https://www.marysauerart.com/

Woman in a white dress and red jacket sitting on a striped green sofa with framed artworks on the wall behind her; she is holding a small bird sculpture. Her dress features an ornate brooch with a portrait.
A colorful painting of a woman and two young children lying on red fabric, surrounded by toys and dolls. The woman is in the center, on her back, with one child on each side. The children appear to be playing with dolls.
Two people dressed in ancient attire, one sitting and one standing near a well in a desert landscape with trees in the background.
Painting of a woman sitting in a furniture showroom surrounded by various pieces like sofas, chairs, and tables.
Painting of a woman in an art studio with paintings of circles, sitting on a chair amidst scattered papers and art supplies.
Portrait of a young child holding a teddy bear, wearing a red dress with white accents. The child has short blonde hair and a thoughtful expression, set against a textured brown background.