After graduating from UCLA, I began sculpting dogs individually out of porcelain and selling them to gift stores.  I took that technique as far as I could and creatively felt the need for a change. That took me to a master sculptor, Martine Vaugel, to study the human form and learn how to sculpt in water-based clay.  The final goal was to cast in bronze.  I followed her to France for a summer workshop from which I gained invaluable experience and technique.  When I returned home, I cast one of my pieces from the workshop, Anne, into Kalanite. Although my mentor, Martine, did not return to Los Angeles, I continued sculpting with another teacher.  Eventually, I decided that I wanted to express my need for artistic expression in another medium.  I chose pastel painting,  falling in love with the medium when taking one class.  

My only previous drawing experience was using pencil to duplicate faces I saw in magazines as a teen. The only experience I had using color was as a makeup artist.  Apparently this was great preparation for drawing with pastels. I chose to paint portraits of dogs, cats and people, since I had previous experience with these subjects.  I love to paint very realistically from photos only, showing the personality underneath, particularly in the eyes.  I also try to select photos that are  interesting and not dull and stiff.  My customers frequently comment that I have a real knack for capturing my subject's personality.  I get great joy from hearing this praise, since I am a perfectionist and strive to please my consignment clients by giving them the very best that I can.  I hope you enjoy seeing the examples of  my work as much as I enjoyed painting them.

About Elaine Saunders