John Sayward Art

Immersed in the stunning landscapes of Sedona, Arizona, during a plein air art expedition, I discovered a canvas waiting to be filled with nature's glory. From the back of my SUV, I set up my easel and allowed my brushes to dance, capturing the moment as it unfolded before me.

The result is "Rocky Ridge Sunset, Sedona," a painting that encapsulates the magnetic pull of Sedona's rock formations. As the sun dipped towards the horizon, the rocks ignited with an array of colors that seemed almost otherworldly. I was mesmerized by the landscape's transformation, the vivid hues breathing life into the rocky ridge.

Oil on canvas, gallery wrapped (no framing required). Purchase this piece

In the radiant heart of Sedona, I found myself captivated by the majestic Cathedral Rock. I dedicated an entire day to merely absorb the beauty before me, allowing the shifting light to etch a vivid image in my mind's eye.

Throughout the day, as the sun journeyed across the azure expanse, it bestowed an ever-changing play of hues upon the rock formation. From the gentle blush of dawn to the fiery glow at dusk, Cathedral Rock unveiled an astounding palette that evolved with the passing hours.

Oil on canvas. Gallery wrapped (no frame required).

Within the rugged beauty of Sedona lies the iconic Cathedral Rock, a symbol of the natural grandeur that this landscape holds. In this 16" x 12" close up, the timeless elegance of oil on canvas brings this breathtaking scene to life.

The painting captures the essence of Cathedral Rock, reflecting the artist's deep connection to the area's unique geology and the ethereal play of light that dances across its surface. Every brushstroke seems to resonate with the pulsating energy of the location, conveying a sense of tranquility and awe.

Oil on canvas. The piece is approximately 21.5" x 17.5" with frame.

In the heart of Sedona's breathtaking landscapes, the allure of Cathedral Rock proves irresistible. Its magnetic charm continues to inspire a series of paintings, each exploring a different facet of this majestic formation.

"Cathedral Rock Cabin, Sedona" offers a fresh perspective of this geological marvel. The painting transports you to the serenity of the river valley, presenting a view of Cathedral Rock as seen from its tranquil banks. It captures a unique dialogue between the vibrant river valley and the stoic rock formations that stand as sentinels in the background.

Oil on canvas. Gallery wrapped (no framing required).

One early evening in Sedona, a spectacle of nature seized my senses. As I peered out into the horizon, I was captivated by bold hues of red and orange enveloping the landscape, a fiery tableau that seared itself into my memory.

"River Canyon" is my attempt to encapsulate that vivid moment on a 11" x 14" canvas. Using oil as my medium, I strove to translate the raw power and enchanting allure of that evening into art. Each stroke is a tribute to the dramatic interplay of colors that nature unveiled, mirroring the intense red and orange that dominated the scene.

Oil on canvas.

A heavy snowstorm in West Concord, Massachusetts turned into an unexpected source of inspiration. My wife and I found ourselves 'stranded,' yet we embraced this adventure, trekking through the town as the snow created a blanket of serenity around us.

We paused as we crossed the train tracks by West Concord Train Station, struck by the picturesque view that unfolded before our eyes. The fresh snowfall, the quaint station, the quiet solitude - it was a scene that etched itself in my heart, compelling me to recreate it on canvas once we returned to California.

"Train Station in Snow" is the manifestation of that magical day.

Oil on canvas, gallery wrapped around heavy duty stretcher bars so no framing is required. Limited edition artist enhanced prints only available.

Embracing the calm of a snowstorm in my hometown of Concord, Massachusetts, I found myself in Monument Square. As I walked through the fresh blanket of snow under the crisp winter air, I looked up to witness a scene that seemed to be waiting just for me.

"Monument Square North" is a frozen moment from that wintry day, translated onto an 18" x 24" canvas using oil paints. The tranquility of the scene, the purity of the fresh snow, the silent whisper of the crisp air - all these elements are reflected in every stroke. Even now, I can feel a chill run down my spine as I recall that day!

This painting forms a pair with "Monument Square South", both offering unique perspectives of the same serene location.

Oil on canvas. The original is framed, measuring 23.5"h X 29.5"w.

As the companion piece to "Monument Square North," "Monument Square South" invites you to experience another perspective of the tranquil Monument Square in my hometown, Concord, Massachusetts.

This 18" x 24" oil painting is an ode to the pristine beauty of fresh snowfall. As I strolled through the square after a snowstorm, the sight of fresh snow gracing the ground became a captivating tableau. Each footstep I took seemed to interrupt the perfect harmony of the snowy landscape, compelling me to immortalize this moment on canvas.

The original "Monument Square South" painting comes with a hand-painted frame that adds to the artwork's charm, bringing the total dimensions to 23.5"h x 29.5"w.

Oil on canvas.

The landscape represents the tranquil vista as seen from the final residence of my mother, Barb.

This piece captures the essence of a New England winter scene, showcasing the serene landscape covered in a fresh blanket of snow. The painting is a testament to the harmonious blend of nature's calm and the subtle, understated beauty of a snow-laden Concord.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, "Barb's View with Snow" holds a significance as it offers a glimpse into the peaceful scenery that was part of my mother's daily life. It's a representation of the environment she appreciated, serving as a tasteful commemoration of her viewpoint.

Oil on canvas.

Part of a vibrant series celebrating flowers in full bloom, "Iris Up Close" is a study in intimate detail and brilliant color. My inspiration stemmed from a recent journey to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I was captivated by the power of magnifying the intricate beauty of natural subjects.

Through my exploration, I aimed to emulate that sense of intimate focus on this iris, caught in the peak of its blooming phase. The result is a 16" x 20" oil on canvas painting that invites you to marvel at the iris's mesmerizing details and vivid hues, almost as if peering through a naturalist's lens.

Oil on canvas. Gallery wrap (no framing required).

"Magnolia Blossom" is a 20" x 24" oil painting that commemorates a particularly magnificent blooming season of our magnolia tree. In this season, the tree was adorned with an exceptional abundance of blossoms, and each one was a spectacle in its own right.

Inspired by countless photographs taken during this period, this painting seeks to honor the beauty and grace of a mature magnolia bloom. With careful attention to the bloom's intricate details and radiant hues, "Magnolia Blossom" captures a moment of nature's elegance frozen in time.

Oil on canvas. Gallery wrapped (no framing required).

"Young Magnolia Blossom" is a 20" x 24" oil painting that dives into the captivating world of an emerging bloom. Derived from the spectacle of our backyard magnolia tree, this painting zooms in on the beauty of a young bloom, revealing the finesse of nature's artistry.

Each bud from the tree was an individual masterpiece, making it tempting to immortalize every single one on canvas. This painting captures the vigor and radiance of one such young blossom, highlighting its allure during this fleeting, magnificent phase of growth.

Oil on canvas. Measures 26” x 30” with gold frame.

In homage to Georgia O’Keefe, I attempted to capture a close up of a simple flower from a vine growing in my neighbor’s yard.

Oil on canvas. The piece is gallery wrapped around heavy duty stretcher bars so no framing is required.

Walking in my neighborhood one day I saw this beautiful yellow lily amongst some green foilage. I really liked the contrast between the bright yellow and the variation of the green in the background.

Oil on canvas.

An oil on canvas painting of a green aloe plant. Gallery wrapped.

"Rodney's Dream" is a large-scale, 48" x 48" abstract oil painting on canvas that breathes new life into a previously commissioned, more realistic piece. This work was conceived with inspiration drawn from a portrayal of my good friend, Captain Rodney, engaged in the exhilarating moment of reeling in a splendid marlin.

Unlike its realistic predecessor, "Rodney's Dream" dives into a world of abstraction, emphasizing the interplay of vivid shapes and vibrant colors. Bathed in striking hues of blues, oranges, and greens, the painting explores the aesthetic tension and harmony between these elements, encapsulating the essence of Captain Rod's oceanic adventure in a fresh, dynamic way.

The piece is gallery wrapped around heavy duty stretcher bars so no framing is required. 

"Sierra Cliffs" is a 20" x 16" abstract landscape painting that embraces the natural beauty of mountains, water, and sky in a harmonious dance of colors and forms. The painting offers a fresh interpretation of these classic elements, not as distinct features, but as an interconnected visual symphony.

In this piece, vertical brush strokes are used deliberately to merge these diverse elements into a singular panorama. The interplay between the vertical strokes creates a fluidity that ties the mountain peaks, the soothing water, and the expansive sky into a seamless whole, reflecting nature's inherent interconnection.

“Sierra Cliffs" presents an exploration of the landscape genre through an abstract lens. It's a testament to the power of abstraction to reveal new dimensions of natural beauty and offers a captivating aesthetic experience to the viewer.

Oil on canvas.

"Approaching Monument Valley" is a 36" x 48" oil on canvas painting inspired by a late fall drive from Arizona towards the iconic Monument Valley. As the day waned, the scene unfolded before us with a remarkable spectacle: the long shadows cast by the mesas contrasting sharply with the desert's bright, ethereal lighting, transforming the familiar landscape into a tableau of surreal beauty.

This painting is a celebration of that unexpected moment, capturing the mystique and grandeur of Monument Valley under the shifting light. It aims to translate that almost other-worldly sensation onto the canvas, encapsulating the dramatic play of shadows and light, and the mesmerizing hues of the landscape.

Oil on canvas and gallery wrapped, so no framing required.

"Water in Vase on Desk" is a 12" x 9" abstract oil painting that captures a serene moment in the artist's study. At the heart of this composition lies an ordinary yet vividly portrayed glass vase, filled with water and set atop a blue table, casting a calming hue.

This painting explores the rich juxtaposition of colors in everyday scenes. The blue table where the vase sits forms a harmonious dialogue with the vibrant red chair nearby, creating a compelling contrast that adds depth and dynamism to the scene. Meanwhile, the muted white wall in the backdrop offers a calm counterpoint to these bold colors, bringing balance and unity to the composition.

Oil on canvas.

"Cape Cod Boats" is a 14" x 18" oil on canvas painting that evokes the quintessential charm of summertime in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This artwork is more than just a depiction of a scenic shoreline; it's a voyage back to the artist's cherished childhood memories.

The painting captures a tranquil moment on the Brewster shore of Cape Cod, where a pair of sailboats are calmly moored off the coast. Yet, it is the contrasting elements of the landscape that bring this scene to life: the sun-kissed sand dunes, the vibrant green grasses poking through, and the expansive waters that stretch out into the horizon.

"Paine's Creek and Sailboats" is a 20" x 24" oil on canvas painting, presenting a visual journey through the picturesque landscape of Brewster, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The painting offers a vibrant, stylized representation of this beloved locale, where the artist spent numerous cherished summers.

The composition brings to life a photograph taken on a peaceful shoreline walk, yet evolves it into a compelling scene rich in detail and color. Dominated by striking blue hues, the painting depicts a picturesque setting that mirrors the tranquil beauty of Cape Cod.

Overhead, circular clouds reminiscent of Van Gogh's style dance in the sky, casting beautiful shadows on the tranquil waters of Massachusetts Bay.

Oil on canvas.

The painting attempts to encapsulate the tranquil panorama of Robbins Hill Beach from the perspective of a boat offshore. The artist tries to capture the distinct coastal charm of Brewster, Massachusetts, offering a unique perspective that encompasses the expansive beach, undulating sand dunes, and the calming sway of the Massachusetts Bay.

Perched atop a hill in the distance, a row of houses overlooks the serene beach, providing a human contrast to the sprawling natural tableau.

Gallery wrapped on heavy duty stretcher bars, no frame necessary.

The painting unfolds a mesmerizing ocean view as seen from the shoreline of Paine's Creek Beach in Brewster, Cape Cod, capturing the calming interplay of color and light on a tranquil day.

In the foreground, the vibrant greens of sea grass sway in the gentle seaside breeze, their delicate texture rendered through nuanced brushwork. This vivid hue provides a captivating contrast to the spectacular blues of Massachusetts Bay that unfolds beyond.

Oil on canvas.

The artwork attempts to capture an arresting panorama as observed from the popular shoreline of Paine's Creek Beach in Brewster, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

This vibrant representation places you at the edge of Massachusetts Bay, where the deep blue of the ocean takes center stage, a profound expanse skillfully rendered to reflect the ever-changing play of light on its surface. This rich backdrop perfectly sets the stage for the graceful dance of sailboats gently gliding on the water's surface, their sails appearing as white specks against the blue vastness.

The painting's palette takes a dramatic turn in the foreground with bright grass greens, mirroring the lush coastal terrain of Cape Cod. The verdant hues infuse a lively freshness to the composition, beautifully contrasting the tranquil blues of the sea.

Oil on canvas.

Inspired by Monet's works at Giverny, this 20" x 16" oil on canvas painting titled "Paine's Creek Brewster, Cape Cod" delivers a blend of naturalistic beauty and Impressionistic influence.

The painting ushers you down a sandy path, a sun-kissed trail that pulls the eye into the painting and leads the viewer to a quaint wooden bridge — a nod to Monet's famed Japanese footbridge.

In the foreground, vibrant grasses and delicate trees, brimming with life, paint a lush tableau. Their detailed texture and rich hues echo the depth of nature's palette, creating a strong, immersive contrast against the calming waters of the Massachusetts Bay visible in the distance.

Oil on canvas.

Oil on canvas landscape painting of Brewster, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with ocean and sailboats as viewed from the beach at Paine's Creek. 

Acrylic on canvas seascape of Torrey Pines State Park portraying the sandstone cliffs for which the park is known. Gallery wrapped canvas.

An oil on canvas painting of a surfer headed out to the waves with his board. Signed limited edition (200) artist enhanced giclee prints available. Prints can be customized to portray your favorite surfer and his favorite surf board.

A sunset on the Torrey Pines State beach where a mother and child walk in the sand,  oil on canvas The piece is gallery wrapped around heavy duty stretcher bars so no framing is required.

Oil on canvas, view of Torrey Pines State Park and Penasquitos Lagoon with seaside wildlife. With frame; approx. 26'h x 24"w.

The oil on canvas piece is gallery wrapped around heavy duty stretcher bars so no framing is required.

A walk at night after a light rain near the Seine riverbank inspired this painting. I tried to capture the light from the street lamps bouncing off the wet streets.

Oil on canvas and gallery wrapped on heavy duty stretcher bars, so no frame is necessary.

The park north of the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France with a view toward the Champs-Elysées inspired this piece where the horizontal fencing is in contrast to the orderly rows of trees behind. The piece is gallery wrapped around heavy duty stretcher bars so no framing is required.

Oil on canvas landscape painting inspired by a visit to the gardens at Monet's Giverny home. 

An oil on canvas painting inspired by the Chestnut trees in Luxembourg Garden in Paris France. The image is of rich greens and reds with a glossy textured surface. The canvas measures 30" X 24". With frame, the piece measures approximately 36"H x 30"W

An oil on canvas painting inspired by the Chestnut trees in Luxembourg Garden in Paris France. The image is of rich greens and reds with a glossy textured surface. The canvas measures 30"H x 24"W. With frame, the piece measures approximately 36"h X 30"w.