Martha Saudek

Martha Saudek is a superbly accomplished and deeply evocative artist in her 70s. The quality of work and vivid, clear outlook of her paintings make both her age and her history come as a surprise, for Martha Saudek did not begin painting full-time until 1980. Following World War II, teachers were desperately needed in Californian schools and Saudek, having a degree in English from Pomona College, was in demand. Although at that time she had taken some art classes, she was convinced that she would not be able to make a living as an artist.Although art has always occupied Martha Saudek, she says that it did not consume her until she allowed it to. Following her retirement she could give in to that drive for artistic expression. Although her aim at the time was merely personal satisfaction, she decided to begin with basic art courses at UCLA. In 1986, on an impulse, she entered two paintings in the San Fernando Valley Art Club's Spring juried exhibition - and walked away with 1st and 2nd place awards. Thus began a marathon of exhibitions and awards, followed by extensive international sales. Saudek specialises in landscapes, but her subject matter varies. All her paintings contain full-bodied colours, whether they represent sunsets, wooded glens, waterways or snowy hillsides. Martha Saudek says, "I think my art career has kept me energetic. It is a tonic, a stimulant." She packs her many hobbies into her days, finding time to enter competitions, frame pictures, teach, travel and produce gourmet meals. Travelling around her country and the world to garner ideas for her paintings, she tries to "capture not only the physical aspects of the scene, but its emotional impact and the feeling I get when originally viewing it. These are the experiences I try to share with others."

Martha Saudek Images:
Luminous Day
Winding Road
Winding Stream
Winterthur Garden
Winterthur’s Azaleas