Gary Sauder

Gary Sauder grew up on a small farm in Sonoma County, California. He grew up showing registered Jersey cows in the local 4-H club. Over his career, he exhibited many grand champions and was showmanship champion numerous times. During his last 4-H year, he exhibited the Grand Champion Jersey at every show he entered, including the Jr. Grand National at the Cow Palace and the California State Fair. At the same shows, he was the dairy showmanship champion as well as the Round Robin Master Showmanship Champion. He earned the Paul Jackson Scholarship that same year. Gary attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, for two years. After college, Gary took a position caring for and exhibiting the show cattle for then, Meadow Glen Farms of Orland California. About that time he was introduced to colored pencils. Having always been an avid artist with a pencil, this produced an exciting jump into the realm of painting for Gary.

Gary’s love of all animals led to painting wildlife and pet portraits. Along the way, he found the amazing medium of dry pastels. At some point after 2003, he decided to get back to his farm animal roots. He started painting them and found that cattle enthusiasts were happy with the results. Gary believes in a realist style. It is how he sees the world and Gary wishes to share that vision.

Awards and Honors

Honorable Mention, 2003 pastel 100 competition
Paintings selected as awards at several art shows
Juried into many exhibitions, inclucing Southwest color '98 in San Diego, Tracy Art League, The Amsterdam Art Contest, and Art on the Move