A 75-year-old veteran turned artist, Felix Saez has earned national recognition for his acrylic paintings, particularly his first place win in the 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Saez’s artistic journey began in childhood, encouraged by his mother’s natural remedies and a unique childhood environment. In high school, he consistently submitted his assignments as paintings, sparking interest from his teachers. His sophomore year, he was nominated to design the school crest. Felix Saez
In his teenage years, Saez’s passion for art was reignited when he became a helicopter mechanic in the military. He discovered that art and engineering were intertwined, and this newfound understanding of his medium fueled his artistic growth. This period in his life allowed him to develop a distinctive artistic style, including his fresco-inspired technique, which involves painting new layers of acrylic onto stone. This process, which can take four to five times longer than traditional canvas painting, adapts to the unique properties of stone, making each layer a distinct and dynamic entity. The stone absorbs paint differently than any synthetic surface, such as canvas, and this interaction can change the composition of the paint in each layer, requiring Saez to adapt his technique in real-time. Saez’s winning painting, “Mother and Child, Rhinos,” features two rhinoceroses, a mother and her child, rendered in over 75 light washes of acrylic. The stone canvas was sourced from a seller to construction sites in Arizona, and its unique texture and mineral composition added to the artwork’s depth and character. Felix Saez’s artistic journey was not without its challenges. In 2014, he closed the Stone Art Gallery, which he had opened on Main Street in Park City in 2001. However, he remained committed to his artistic community by establishing an art program at Jeremy Ranch Elementary, where he teaches children to tap into their own creativity and imagination, just as his mother had nurtured in him as a child. “Art is not just a square piece of paper or a canvas,” Saez said. “I believe that every person has the ability to create their own thing, and we’re all special in that way. The art doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be true to the artist’s heart and soul.” He added, “I never thought I’d be able to express myself through painting, but it has become my way to tell stories and communicate ideas that I couldn’t otherwise express.”
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival has been held annually since 2001, and it has provided a platform for veterans to express themselves creatively and showcase their talents. The festival has honored many accomplished artists over the years, but Felix Saez’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given his age and the unique challenges he has faced throughout his life. Awards and recognition
| Year | Category | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | National Veterans Creative Arts Festival | 1st Place in Acrylic Painting |
| 2014 | Awards and Recognition | Closed Stone Art Gallery |
| 2001 | National Veterans Creative Arts Festival | Established Stone Art Gallery |
Felix Saez’s art reflects his connection to his mother and his cultural heritage. His use of natural materials like stone, wood, and plants adds an organic and earthy quality to his work, which is reminiscent of his childhood experiences with his mother, who was a traditional healer. “I spent a lot of time trying to look into the stone and kind of develop what would be a good collaboration between us,” Saez said. “The stone itself may not be special, but it always is to me because of the art I see within it.”
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. He believes that art should be free from perfection and should be a genuine reflection of the artist’s heart and soul. In a special interview, Saez reflected on his artistic journey and shared his insights on creativity, self-expression, and the importance of art in our lives.
Interview with Felix Saez
The art of Felix Saez is a testament to the power of creativity and imagination. As he continues to create and inspire others, he remains committed to his artistic community and the values he has nurtured throughout his life. “I don’t think I’ll ever retire. There’s no retirement in my life. Unless I lose my sight and my hands and my feet and my toes and my mouth, I will continue to do my art,” Saez said. Inspiration and Legacy
For Felix Saez, art is not just a hobby or a profession; it is a way of life. As he looks to the future, he hopes that his art will continue to inspire others and leave a lasting legacy. His story serves as a reminder that creativity and imagination can transform lives and communities, and that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. Shared Wisdom
As Felix Saez continues to create and inspire others, he also shares his wisdom with those who are just starting out on their artistic journey. His advice is simple yet profound: never give up on your dreams and always believe in yourself. With hard work and determination, you can achieve greatness and make a meaningful contribution to the world of art. A Tribute to Felix Saez
To Felix Saez, we extend our sincerest gratitude for his contributions to the world of art and his unwavering commitment to his artistic community. As a testament to his legacy, we recognize his outstanding achievement and celebrate his inspiring story. For Felix Saez, art is not just a creative expression; it is a way of life.