Artist John Howard Sanden (1935-2022)
Artist John Howard Sanden (1935-2022)

American portraitist, author, and teacher John Howard Sanden (b. 1935) died in his home on Christmas Eve, 2022. He was 87 years old. He maintained a studio in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and also a New York studio in Carnegie Hall until the studios were closed in 2008.

In a career spanning 56 years as a painter of commissioned portraits, he completed 450 images of American leaders in government, business, and other professions. His official White House portraits of George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush were unveiled at the White House in 2012.

In one unique assignment that took place over 27 intermittent years, Sanden painted portraits of a series of African royalty, including His Majesty the Alaafin of Oyo, His Royal Highness the Emir of Kano, and others. He displayed these paintings and a number of other borrowed commissioned paintings at a solo exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in New York City in 2017.

John Howard Sanden, “His Majesty the Alafin of Oyo,” (c) John Howard Sanden 2017
John Howard Sanden, “His Majesty the Alafin of Oyo,” (c) John Howard Sanden 2017

“I was sad to learn of the passing of John Howard Sanden on Christmas eve,” said Streamline Publisher Eric Rhoads. “When we talked back in July, he was struggling with fatigue from treatments but was determined to beat his disease. He was working when he could, excited about a big commission. Yet he was also looking forward to the day when he would meet Jesus in Heaven. He had no fear about passing.

“Many of the great living artists had done my portrait for the publisher’s page in Fine Art Connoisseur magazine. I was honored to spend time with John and Elizabeth on the creation of this portrait, hearing his amazing stories of his life as an artist. A memory I’ll never forget. My condolences to Elizabeth and the Sanden family.

“John was a special guy. Not only a great artist but an entrepreneur. His approach to marketing portrait commissions was second to none. I learned a lot from him. His passion for Christ was admirable. He will be deeply missed.”

Portrait of Eric Rhoads by John Howard Sanden
Portrait of Eric Rhoads by John Howard Sanden

9 COMMENTS

  1. “Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
    Only what’s done for Christ will last.” (CT Studd)
    Nothing greater can be said at one’s passing, than they lived their life to bring honor and glory to the Savior!
    Prayers for the family in their loss.

  2. I am sorry to see this, but I am glad he made it to 87 and was able to see his life’s work appreciated. He certainly did have a great work ethic, and he loved his family. I knew him because he was one of my instructors, and I learned a lot from him. R.I.P.

  3. Sad but inevitable something we all have to accept. I’ve had his 2 books -Painting the Head in Oils and Portrait Paintings from Life-from way back and I still turn to them for reference and refresher time and again.
    My condolences to his loved ones and prayers for his peace.

  4. I consider it one of the blessings of my life to have known and studied painting with John Howard Sanden. He was a gifted artist and teacher, and a man of impeccable character. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to Elizabeth, Pamela and Jason and family.

  5. So, I guess that JOhn Howard Sanden’s passing is the reason behind why it is I have not received my shipment of JHS Pro-Mix Portrait Oils which I ordered almost two years ago?? My genuine condolences of so great an American Painters and good mans passing away. I purchased JOhns book Painting the Head in Oil while attending Undergraduate school and was in fact intimidated by his skill. It was only two years ago that I finally buckled down and decided to purchase the entire line of John Howard Sanden Pro Mix Portrait oil paints. I still have not received them. Again my sincerest condolences on so great a painters passing All the very best
    C Ramos

  6. Really ? Mr. Ramos? Now? Now you choose to tag your complaints for not receiving a set of oil paints to a flimsy condolence message?
    For shame to color yourself as retributionally petty on a forum designated to honor and remember a great man and artist!
    You owe your fellow professionals, readers and the Sandon family a sincere apology.

  7. I PAINT OUR TEXAS FALLEN HEROES AND WAS MUCH IMPRESSED BY HIS PORTRAITURE LESSONS. I NEVER ACHIEVED HIS QUALITY, BUT PRESSED ON TO BECOME BETTER, SOMETIMES AN ARTIST HAS TO KNOW THAT BETTER CAN BE ACHIEVED BY SEEING A GREATER ARTIST PERFORM HIS MAGIC IF YOU WILL. JOHN WAS THE STANDARD BY WHICH ALL ARTIST’S SHOULD STRIVE. BY THE WAY HE AND I WERE THE SAME AGE BORN 1935-87 YEARS OLD. THANK YOU LORD FOR SENDING US JOHN HOWARD SANDEN…

  8. Sad to hear! Sir John Howard Sanden works are awesome and touching especially the works he did for the Emir of Kano and the Garsan Kano Artists in this part of the world (Nigeria) are honoured for a rare gem to create masterpieces for them!

  9. My father, Edward H Krueger, who taught History at Central High School in Minneapolis
    Often spoke of John Howard Sanden . He aired him for the fine person he was as well as for his wonderful artistic talents. I had often thought of looking him up and contacting him to let him know how much his teacher thought of him. I join in with the many who enjoyed John while he was with us, and wishing his family and decendents deep sympathy and thankfulness to God for his life

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