Wlad Safronow
Wlad Safronow (born 1965) is a Ukrainian-German contemporary artist recognized for his abstract and figurative oil paintings. Safronow’s style, characterized by its dynamic brushwork, intense colors, and expressive forms, often explores themes of human existence and the intersection of reality and imagination. His works, such as those in his “Faceless” series, provoke thought and emotion, inviting viewers to engage with the canvas and interpret the narrative. Safronow continues to produce and exhibit his work, contributing to the discourse of contemporary art with his distinctive visual language.
Kay Sage
Kay Sage (1898–1963) was an American Surrealist artist and poet. Sage’s style, characterized by its monochromatic palettes, architectural forms, and desolate landscapes, reflects her exploration of the subconscious and the dream state. Her works, such as “I Saw Three Cities,” often evoke a sense of mystery and isolation. Despite facing personal struggles and operating in the male-dominated Surrealist circle, Sage established herself as an influential artist. Her unique interpretation of Surrealism, her exploration of themes such as identity and confinement, and her poetic visual language have secured her place in the history of modern art.
Afarin Sajedi
Afarin Sajedi (born 1979) is an Iranian contemporary artist recognized for her powerful and expressive large-scale portraits. Sajedi’s style, characterized by its bold use of color, exaggerated features, and emotional intensity, often explores themes of identity, femininity, and the human condition. Her works, such as “Naghshe Jahan,” often feature women who appear both strong and vulnerable, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. Sajedi continues to create and exhibit her work, her distinctive approach to portraiture earning her recognition in Iran and beyond.
Sanyu
Sanyu (1901–1966), often referred to as the “Chinese Matisse,” was a Chinese-French painter known for his modernist interpretations of traditional Chinese themes. Sanyu’s style, characterized by its simplicity, bold use of color, and delicate line work, often depicted still lifes, landscapes, and nudes in a manner that fused Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His works, such as “Five Nudes,” represent a distinctive fusion of Chinese aesthetics with the sensibilities of European modernism. Despite facing economic hardship and a lack of recognition during his lifetime, Sanyu’s posthumous recognition has grown, and he is now considered a significant figure in 20th-century Chinese art.
Maurice Sapiro
Maurice Sapiro (born 1932) is an American contemporary artist renowned for his realistic and vibrant landscape and still life paintings. Sapiro’s style, characterized by its luminous color palettes, layered textures, and a profound understanding of light, captures the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. His works, such as “A Day in the Life,” offer viewers a sensory experience that reflects his expertise in both painting and photography. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Sapiro continues to create and exhibit his work, and his ability to portray the interaction of light, color, and form in the natural world has earned him widespread recognition and acclaim.
John Singer Sargent
John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) was an American artist considered one of the leading portrait painters of his generation. Sargent’s style, characterized by its evocative brushwork, exquisite detail, and ability to capture the individuality of his subjects, combined the grandeur of old master traditions with the freshness of Impressionism. His works, such as “Madame X,” range from formal society portraits to casual, intimate scenes. Despite facing criticism during his career for his sometimes daring portrayals, Sargent’s technical brilliance, versatility, and prolific output have secured his reputation as a master portraitist and one of the great figures in the history of American art.
Martiros Saryan
Martiros Saryan (1880–1972) was an Armenian painter and the founder of the modern school of Armenian art. Saryan’s style, characterized by its vivid color palettes, simplified forms, and a focus on the harmony of man and nature, sought to capture the essence of the Armenian homeland. His works, such as “Armenia (Mother Armenia),” encompass a range of subjects, including landscapes, still lifes, and portraits, all infused with a sense of national pride and identity. Despite political challenges during his career, Saryan’s work continues to be celebrated for its contribution to Armenian art and its distinctive, colorful representation of Armenian life and landscapes.
Alexei Savrasov
Alexei Savrasov (1830-1897) was a Russian landscape painter and key figure in the transition from Realist to Impressionist art in Russia. Credited with creating the “lyrical landscape” style, Savrasov’s work is characterized by its emotive depiction of the Russian countryside. His paintings, such as “The Rooks Have Come Back,” emphasize atmospheric mood over detailed, factual representation, revealing the beauty and harsh realities of rural life. Savrasov’s influential approach to landscape painting left a significant impact on the development of Russian art.
Christian Schad
Christian Schad (1894–1982) was a German painter and photographer associated with the Dada and New Objectivity movements. Schad’s style, characterized by its sharp precision, cool detachment, and unflinching realism, often confronted the social realities of the Weimar Republic. His works, such as “Agosta, the Pigeon-Chested Man, and Rasha, the Black Dove,” were known for their stark portrayal of society’s outsiders. Despite periods of obscurity during his career, Schad’s distinctive approach to portraiture and his contribution to the New Objectivity movement have established him as an important figure in 20th-century German art.
Egon Schiele
Egon Schiele (1890-1918) was an Austrian painter known for his raw and provocative style. A protégé of Gustav Klimt, Schiele is considered a major figure of Expressionism. His work, characterized by its distorted figures and bold linearity, often explored themes of sexuality and existential anxiety. Despite a career shortened by his death at age 28 during the 1918 influenza pandemic, Schiele’s output was prolific. His self-portraits and depictions of the human body, such as “Seated Male Nude,” left a significant impact on 20th-century art.
Richard Schmid
Richard Schmid (1934–2021) was an American realist artist known for his skill in painting landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. Schmid’s style, characterized by its accurate representation, effective use of light and shadow, and vivid color, reflected his training in the classic European tradition. His works, such as “The Captain’s Daughter,” showcase his ability to capture a moment’s fleeting beauty. Besides being a prolific artist, Schmid was a respected author and teacher, influencing generations of artists through his books and workshops. His contributions to the resurgence of representational art in the 21st century are significant.
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884–1976) was a German expressionist artist and one of the founders of the Die Brücke (The Bridge) group, which played a crucial role in the development of Expressionism. Schmidt-Rottluff’s style, characterized by its bold colors, emotional intensity, and simplification of forms, aimed to express inner emotional states. His works, such as “Red Tower Houses,” include landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that often reflect a sense of unease and tension. Despite facing professional challenges during the Nazi regime, Schmidt-Rottluff’s work and his contribution to the Expressionist movement have made him a central figure in modern German art.
Gerard Sekoto
Gerard Sekoto (1913–1993) was a South African artist and musician, often acknowledged as a pioneer of urban black art and social realism. Sekoto’s style, characterized by its vibrant colors, simplified forms, and emotionally charged compositions, vividly depicted the harsh realities of life under apartheid. His works, such as “Yellow Houses, District Six,” offer an intimate look at the everyday life of black and mixed-race communities in South Africa. Despite living in exile for most of his life, Sekoto’s work continues to be celebrated for its historical significance and its role in highlighting the injustices of racial segregation and apartheid.
Valentin Serov
Valentin Serov (1865–1911) was a Russian painter known for his portraits and historical genre scenes. Serov’s style, characterized by its realistic representation, delicate color harmonies, and psychological insight, marks him as a leading figure in the late 19th and early 20th-century Russian art scene. His works, such as “Girl with Peaches,” often portray aristocrats, artists, and intellectuals of his time, capturing their individuality with great sensitivity. Despite his early death, Serov’s innovative approach to portraiture and his influence on younger artists secured his significant place in the history of Russian art.
Paul Sérusier
Paul Sérusier (1864-1927), a French artist, was a significant figure in the Post-Impressionist movement and the group known as Les Nabis. Known for his innovative use of abstract forms and vibrant colors, Sérusier aimed to convey the symbolic truths of the objects he portrayed. His works like “The Talisman” played a pivotal role in the development of abstract art. Sérusier’s distinctive painting style resonates with his keen interest in the spiritual and symbolic aspects of art.
Georges Seurat
Georges Seurat (1859-1891) was a French post-Impressionist painter known for developing a painting technique known as pointillism, which uses small, distinct dots of color applied in patterns to form an image. Seurat’s meticulous attention to the interaction of color and his scientific approach to painting set him apart from his contemporaries. His most famous work, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” epitomizes his innovative technique and focus on the harmony of color and form. Despite his early death, Seurat’s influence on Neo-Impressionism and the avant-garde was profound.
Ben Shahn
Ben Shahn (1898–1969) was an American artist known for his works of social realism that often addressed political and social issues. Shahn’s style, characterized by its simple forms, expressive figures, and the use of text, drew from his experiences as a Lithuanian-Jewish immigrant and his commitment to social justice. His works, such as “The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti,” often make poignant social commentaries. Despite changing artistic trends, Shahn’s significant contribution to social realism and his ability to merge art and activism have ensured his place in the annals of American art.
Amrita Sher-Gil
Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941) was a prominent Indian painter, often dubbed “India’s Frida Kahlo” for her revolutionary artwork. Sher-Gil’s style, characterized by its bold colors, simplicity of form, and fusion of traditional Indian and modern European art, challenged the conventions of her time. Her works, such as “Three Girls,” often depict the plight of women in Indian society, revealing her empathetic observation and profound social consciousness. Despite her early death, Sher-Gil’s contribution to the development of modern Indian art has earned her the status of a national treasure in India.
Amy Sherald
Amy Sherald (born 1973) is an American artist recognized for her distinctive portraiture style that captures African-American identity and personal narratives. Sherald’s style, characterized by her usage of greyscale for skin tones against vibrantly colored backgrounds, offers a nuanced representation of race and social justice. Her works, such as her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, often depict ordinary individuals with a sense of dignity and introspection. Sherald continues to paint and exhibit her work, contributing to conversations about representation and identity in contemporary American art.
Uemura Shoen
Uemura Shōen (1875–1949) was a Japanese painter known for her contributions to the Nihonga style, which merged traditional Japanese techniques with Western realism. Shōen’s style, characterized by its elegant lines, vibrant colors, and delicate rendering of fabric and texture, often featured women in historical or mythical narratives. Her works, such as “Jo-no-Mai,” helped to redefine the role of women in Japanese art. Despite the male-dominated art world, Shōen’s trailblazing career and her skillful execution of the Nihonga style have cemented her legacy as a significant figure in Japanese art history.
Harald Sohlberg
Harald Sohlberg (1869–1935) was a Norwegian painter, best known for his depictions of the landscape of Norway. Sohlberg’s style, characterized by its vibrant color palettes, meticulous detail, and evocative atmosphere, captured the dramatic and diverse scenery of his homeland. His works, such as “Winter Night in the Mountains,” often convey a sense of mystical wonder and solitude. Despite operating outside the mainstream European art movements, Sohlberg’s unique interpretation of the Norwegian landscape and his exploration of color and light have established him as one of Norway’s most celebrated artists.
Joaquin Sorolla
Joaquín Sorolla (1863–1923) was a Spanish painter celebrated for his luminous and sun-drenched depictions of landscapes, seascapes, and daily life. Sorolla’s style, characterized by its loose brushwork, vibrant color palettes, and the masterful rendering of light, captures the spirit and vibrancy of his native Spain. His works, such as “Walk on the Beach,” often feature beach scenes and traditional Spanish themes, portrayed with a sense of spontaneity and joy. Despite the dominance of modernist trends, Sorolla’s dedication to naturalistic representation and his virtuosic treatment of sunlight have earned him recognition as the ‘master of light.’
Annie Soudain
Annie Soudain (born 1932) is a British artist known for her distinctive linocuts inspired by the landscapes of Kent, England. Soudain’s style, characterized by its vibrant color palettes, patterned details, and rhythmic compositions, often features the flora and fauna of the British countryside. Her works, such as “Low Tide,” encapsulate her keen observation of nature and her deft handling of the linocut medium. Soudain continues to create and exhibit her work, contributing to the rich tradition of British printmaking with her evocative and intricately crafted linocuts.
Arturo Souto
Arturo Souto Feijoo (1902–1964) was a Spanish painter known for his impressionistic style and depictions of social realism. Souto’s style, characterized by its bold coloration, loose brushwork, and attention to the effects of light, often reflects the social and political upheavals of his time. His works, such as “La Taberna,” feature scenes of everyday life, revealing his sympathies for the working class. Despite the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War forcing him into exile, Souto’s significant contribution to Spanish art and his commitment to social realism have secured his place in art history.
Moses Soyer
Moses Soyer (1899–1974) was a Russian-American painter recognized for his realistic portrayals of working-class people and dancers. Soyer’s style, characterized by its subtle color schemes, delicate brushwork, and empathetic representation of his subjects, offers a poignant exploration of human dignity and the human condition. His works, such as “Dancer,” often depict people in contemplative states, imbued with a profound sense of humanity. Despite shifting artistic trends, Soyer’s commitment to social realism and his compassionate portrayals of everyday people have established him as a significant figure in 20th-century American art.
Raimonds Staprans
Raimonds Staprans (born 1926) is a Latvian-American artist celebrated for his minimalist landscapes and still lifes that explore color and form. Staprans’ style, characterized by its bold color palettes, stark geometric shapes, and dramatic use of light and shadow, often features simplified representations of California landscapes and everyday objects. His works, such as “Late Afternoon, Port of Oakland,” often convey a sense of solitude and serenity. Staprans continues to paint and exhibit his work, contributing to the tradition of American abstract and landscape painting with his distinctive aesthetic.
Irma Stern
Irma Stern (1894–1966) was a South African artist recognized for her vibrant expressionistic paintings, often depicting people, landscapes, and still lifes. Stern’s style, characterized by its bold color palettes, vigorous brushwork, and dynamic compositions, reflects her wide-ranging travels throughout Africa and Europe. Her works, such as “Arab Priest,” often feature diverse cultural and ethnic themes, reflecting her interest in the richness and complexity of human experience. Despite facing initial criticism for her modernist approach, Stern’s significant contribution to South African art and her championing of African cultural expressions have earned her a prominent place in art history.
Alfred Stevens
Alfred Stevens (1823–1906) was a Belgian painter known for his elegant and detailed depictions of bourgeois life and fashionable women. Stevens’ style, characterized by its refined color harmonies, meticulous detail, and skillful representation of textures, merges elements of Realism and Academic art. His works, such as “The Present,” often feature women in intimate or reflective moments, revealing his acute observation of contemporary society and fashion. Despite the dominance of avant-garde movements in his lifetime, Stevens’ significant contribution to genre painting and his influence on later artists like Édouard Manet have secured his place in 19th-century art history.
Sally Storch
Sally Storch (born 1952) is an American painter known for her realistic and atmospheric urban scenes that often evoke the style of Edward Hopper. Storch’s style, characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, rich color palette, and careful attention to architectural detail, captures moments of quiet introspection within cityscapes. Her works, such as “Crossing,” often depict solitary figures in moments of pause, creating narratives imbued with a sense of mystery and intrigue. Storch continues to paint and exhibit her work, contributing to the tradition of American realist painting with her evocative urban scenes.
George Stubbs
George Stubbs (1724-1806) was an English painter, best known for his depictions of horses. His paintings reflect a deep understanding of equine anatomy, a result of his dedicated anatomical studies. Stubbs’ style, characterized by a refined realism and keen attention to detail, is seen in works such as “Whistlejacket” and “Mares and Foals in a River Landscape.” Beyond equine subjects, Stubbs also produced portraits, historical works, and scenes of rural life. His unique contribution to British art has earned him a prominent place in the canon of animal painting.
Annie Swynnerton
Annie Swynnerton (1844–1933) was a British artist renowned for her figurative and allegorical paintings. Swynnerton’s style, characterized by its bold brushwork, luminous coloration, and emphasis on the female form, challenged the traditional Victorian representations of women. Her works, such as “The Sense of Sight,” often depict powerful and radiant female figures. Despite facing professional obstacles as a woman artist, Swynnerton’s significant contribution to British art, her role as a pioneering female member of the Royal Academy, and her advocacy for women’s suffrage have earned her a notable place in art history.
Painters A, Painters B, Painters C, Painters D, Painters E, Painters F, Painters G, Painters H, Painters I, Painters J, Painters K, Painters L, Painters M, Painters N, Painters O, Painters P, Painters Q, Painters R, Painters S, Painters T, Painters U, Painters V, Painters W, Painters X, Painters Y, Painters Z
