The Creative Pursuits of Felix Saez

At 75, Felix Saez is a National Veterans Creative Arts Festival winner, showcasing his acrylic paintings and proving that age is not a barrier to creativity.

Saez's artistic journey began in childhood, encouraged by his mother's natural remedies and a unique childhood environment.

His passion for art was reignited in his teenage years as a helicopter mechanic in the military, where he discovered the connection between art and engineering.

Saez's distinctive artistic style, including his fresco-inspired technique, involves painting new layers of acrylic onto stone, adapting to its unique properties.

His winning painting, “Mother and Child, Rhinos,” features 75 light washes of acrylic and a stone canvas sourced from a construction site.

Despite facing challenges, Saez remained committed to his artistic community by establishing an art program at Jeremy Ranch Elementary.

Saez believes that art is not just a square piece of paper or a canvas, but a way to express oneself and tell stories that can't be expressed through words.

The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival has honored many accomplished artists, but Saez's achievement is particularly noteworthy given his age and the unique challenges he has faced.

Saez's art reflects his connection to his mother and cultural heritage, using natural materials like stone, wood, and plants to create an organic and earthy quality.

Saez's artistic philosophy is centered around the idea that creativity is a natural part of being human and that everyone has the potential to express themselves through art, regardless of age or background.