American Artist Magazine introduced Savannah to its readers by featuring her work in the September, 1989 issue. Since then her work has been featured in numerous publications and books and has been included in many corporate and private collections. Awards, invitationals, commissions, Oil Painters of America and other major shows followed and a growing number of collectors have made her canvasses highly sought after.
Recognition:
Oil Painters of America - 2005, 2002, 2001 & 2000
Solo Exhibition - Frye Museum, Seattle, WA / 1989
Solo Exhibition - Framing Concepts Gallery, Albuquerque, NM
Solo Exhibition - Bardean Gallery, Albuquerque, NM / 1996
Solo Exhibition - Sheryl Leonard Gallries, Prescott, AZ / 2005
American Impressionist National Show 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003
Grumbacher Gold Medal Award - Southwest Artists Association, Prescott / 2002
Phippen Museum Show - Prescott, AZ / 2002
Mountain Oyster Club - Tuscon, AZ / 2002 Best of Show
Vision Southwest, Prescott Fine Arts / 2001
1st and 3rd Awards - New Mexico State Fair / 2000, 1999, 1998 & 1997
Over 70 Awards in National, Regional and local shows.
Collections:
Sheila Savannah's paintings are found in numerous private and corporate collections including:
Jeff Ogg, Prescott, AZ
Ray Sigafoos, Prescott, AZ
Sun Healthcare, Albuquerque, NM
Daniel R. Martinez, DDS, Albuquerque, NM
Coldwell Banker, Albuquerque, NM
Applied Research Associates, Albuquerque, NM
Whitney Buchanan Law Office, Albuquerque, NM
Swedish Memorial Hospital, Seattle, WA
Laboratory of Pathology, Seattle, WA
Wente Brothers Winery, Livermore, CA
Publications & Articles:
"Profile of Sheila Savannah" -
American Artist Magazine / September 1989
"100 Ways to Paint Landscapes" - Art Book
International Artist / 2004
"Exploring Color" Art Book by Nita Engle-
Northlight Press / 1998
"Profile of Sheila Savannah" -
Daily Courier, Prescott, AZ / 2002
Artist Feature-
Prescott Daily Courier/ November, 25 2005
Artist Profile-
Albuquerque Journal / August 1995
"Profile of Sheila Savannah" -
Gallup Independent / October 1990
ARTIST'S STATEMENT - A DIFFERENT VIEW OF THE WEST
Contemporary acrylic artist Sheila Savannah creates dramatic Western landscapes, often incorporating geologic themes and features in her work. This master of her medium combines the elements of texture, shape and design forming her own unique perspective of the Southwest.
"The creativity process begins with the emotion I feel for history, anthropology and the mysterious wonders of the natural world. In many of my efforts I feel a spiritual connection to past cultures and to the much older history of the earth itself. Native American symbolism is a part of my work because I identify with their closeness to and understanding of the earth and the natural world. The beauty of the awesome western landscape also is a source of my inspiration. Rocky mesas, canyons, mountains, deserts, skies and ancient ruins are subjects that help me express the spirit of nature.
I want my paintings to transcend my subject matter and help illuminate our connection to the world around us. I look for things in nature that perhaps others may not see. I strive to interpret the geologic shapes of the west in a new and different way by incorporating rice paper, gesso, modeling paste, mineral and rock fragments and other textural materials."
Savannah's bold approach, expressive brush work and strong designs, are some of the qualities that appeal to her collectors. A typical day could find Savannah setting up her easel on rocky cliffs, in dry arroyos, or in cactus-filled canyons. "Painting outdoors is the best teacher an artist can have," reflects Savannah. The loose, painterly style comes from on-site enthusiasm for a scene. "I attempt to have my paintings capture an impression or a suggestion of the scene, what I feel about it. I'm not competing with a camera. I want people to say 'the painter must have loved this place'." Keen observation and the skill of truly 'seeing' are necessary tools for working fast before the sun and shadows change.