Place: Austin
Born: 1935
Death: 2022
Biography:
John Howard Sanden was an American portrait artist, born on August 6, 1935, in Austin, Texas. He graduated from the Minneapolis School of Art in 1956 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in illustration. Sanden's artistic career spanned over six decades, during which he established himself as a prominent figure in the world of portraiture.
Sanden was the Art Director for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association from 1955 to 1970. He also founded the Portrait Institute and was an instructor at The Art Students League of New York. This early exposure to various artistic institutions and his role in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association laid the foundation for his future success.
Sanden's work is characterized by its realism and attention to detail. He was known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, which ranged from prominent figures to everyday people. On May 31, 2012, Sanden's official White House portraits of former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush were unveiled. Sanden had studios on the eleventh and then tenth floors of the South Studio Tower of Carnegie Hall, New York City, and in Ridgefield, Connecticut. He won the 2005 Portraits, Inc. Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his contributions to the world of portraiture.
Some of Sanden's notable works include portraits of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Albert Einstein. His work has been exhibited in various museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art. Sanden's legacy extends beyond his own work. He has inspired numerous artists, and his contributions to the Portrait Institute continue to influence the development of portrait artists. His passing on December 24, 2022, at the age of 87, marked the end of an era in American portraiture.
Sanden's work continues to be celebrated, and his legacy serves as an inspiration to artists around the world. As a renowned American portrait artist, John Howard Sanden's contributions to the art world will be remembered for generations to come.