After 50 years, Saundra Devick still paints
Saundra Devick shows her art for sale at Art on State.
She says her art provides “a world of beauty beyond expression, just waiting to be noticed, if we just pause a moment and do so.”
By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, July 2025
Saundra Devick painted this Arizona landscape.
“I didn’t even take art in college, but then one day I felt like I needed a break,” Devick said. “So then I started, and one afternoon a week I would go over to a friend’s house, and I painted under her instruction for many years.”
Devick enjoys painting with oils, pastels and watercolor. She found each medium has unique qualities. The subject and circumstances of a particular painting generally determine which medium she will use.
“Watercolor is the most challenging but also the most fun,” she said.
Landscapes and nature are frequent images in Devick’s paintings. When weather allows, she prefers to paint outdoors. But her favorite painting is a portrait.
“My favorite painting is here at Art on State. It’s called ‘Girl in a Box,’ and it’s the granddaughter of a friend,” she said.
Devick made two additional portraits of the same image using pastel.
Devick credits the teaching of several painting instructors in developing her skills and techniques. In recent years, she has begun teaching painting classes at the Des Moines Art Center, at a local art gallery, and in her own home. She has also taught workshops on a method of pouring watercolor. In her case, the student truly has become the teacher.
A scene in Jamaica inspired this painting by Saundra Devick.
“I think that’s typical for any artist,” Devick said. “Particularly in my oil, I’ll reach a point where I wonder, ‘Oh shoot, can I finish this or not?’ But oil is easy to correct.”
Devick’s artwork has earned numerous awards. One of her oil portraits was selected as a finalist in the portrait category of The Artist Magazine’s annual art competition. Her art was also featured in a book titled “Splash 8” for her use of a new technique in watercolor.
For approximately 10 years, Devick has displayed some of her art for sale at Art on State in Guthrie Center.
For now, Devick plans to continue enjoying her artistic outlet in whatever direction it takes her.
She offers her painting as commissioned work as well. Those interested may contact her at sdevick@msn.com.
Devick encourages anyone with a budding interest in art to simply “take the plunge” and begin. She also suggests finding an experienced artist to provide guidance.
“I believe everybody can paint, with the right instruction,” Devick said. “And, for a beginner, I would recommend oil or acrylic.”
For Devick, art has transformed greatly from her original goal of simply a break from chores.
“It’s developed into a new way of looking at our world — a world of design, pattern and color,” Devick said. “A world of beauty beyond expression, just waiting to be noticed, if we just pause a moment and do so.”
