David F. Sauer

About

Columbia University Virginia Commonwealth University

FUNERAL HOME

Bliley's Funeral Home Central Chapel

3801 Augusta Ave

Richmond, Virginia

David Sauer Obituary

David French Sauer was born in Richmond, Va., on Nov. 21, 1929.

He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) and his Master of Finer Arts degree from Columbia University in New York. He also did further post-graduate study at Columbia in Oriental Art History under Jane Gaston Mahler, specializing in Southern Sung painting.

After a year abroad in Europe, studying in Perugia and Florence, he returned to Richmond to begin a teaching career at VCU in painting. At the age of 16, he received the distinction of being the youngest exhibitor to be admitted to a national art exhibition with his painting titled, "Still Life Number 14," which was included in the Fifth Biennial of Contemporary American Painting at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

During his 60 years as a painter, he exhibited in New York City, Atlanta, Richmond, North Carolina, Virginia Beach, Norfolk and San Francisco. A number of his works were included in the Duncan Phillips collection in Washington, D.C. A review of his paintings from the Herald Tribune in 1954 aptly commented that "his colors are bold, his forms big and free, but they still depict (in a manner which suggests Bonnard with Benzedrine) flowers, landscapes, rooms, fruit — all the things that speak of the joy of living."

Photography captured his interest in the 1970s and he studied the Zone System with Ansel Adams at the Yosemite Workshop Series and added the Zone System class to his teaching responsibilities in the Photography Department at VCU.

He died peacefully in his home on Jan. 12.

David is survived by his wife, Deborah; and his two brothers, Conrad F. Sauer III and T.E.A. Sauer of Richmond, Va.

The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Bliley's-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in his name to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas. 77210-4486.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress-Index on Jan. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Sauer

10 Entries

David Alexick

January 26, 2009

In commemorating David as we are here, I think it should be said that he loved the philosophical tenents of Buddhism which was linked to his studies of Oriental Art, in which he was an expert, and his own good and joyous nature.
I remember once mentioning to him that some Harvard astronomers suggested that, perhaps, the "big bang" theory was not likely because of the fairly even, not centrally organized, nature of stellar matter. David quickly and in a serious tone replied "It is the Buddha nature of the Universe" and like the Buddha he was a man of great love and compasssion and I know that I and many others will remember him that way. It was the "Buddah nature of the Universe" that brought him to us and is there to receive him.

David Alexick

January 25, 2009

I was shocked and saddened to hear of David's passing. He was a fountain of intelligent insights, I could almost hear him speaking as I read about him here, articulating each word in his unique way, looking at you to see if you really understood what he was telling you.
I had the good fortune to have studied painting with David at RPI/VCU in the early sixties. I last saw him at an Orchid Show in Williamsburg...he took out time then to help me with a computer problem I was having which is why intelligence and kindness are the two words that first come to mind in thinking of David.
Oh! David you will be missed and always, so fondly remembered.

Your Friend and Student Always,
David F.Alexick

John Phillips

January 22, 2009

I was sadden to hear of David"s death. We were playmates over 70 years ago when we both lived in Hampton Gardens. Eddy joins me in sending condolences to David"s family. John and Eddy Phillips

Linden Emery

January 19, 2009

Seeing and talking with David on his trips to San Diego was always very, very special. I will miss his funny stories, his insights, his wisdom. What an amazing human being.
And Debbie, how lucky you both were to enjoy one another for so many years :)

Patty Lyons

January 19, 2009

Certainly, David Sauer has and will continue to be an inspiring influence in my life.

Cheryl Easterbrooks

January 19, 2009

I studied drawing with David at RPI and met some interesting people through him, the Pippins among others. Although I haven't been in touch since before he and Deb married, he's in my thoughts constantly when I look at his painting on my wall. I take it back... I did see him and Deb at Baskin Robbins once when I was getting a car wash next door. Was that 25 years ago? My condolences to Deb, who may not know who I am. 2 great and different artists in one week... David Sauer and Andrew Wyeth.

Kenneth McDonald

January 18, 2009

We will miss David greatly. Perhaps we shall all meet once more on Gregory Bald. He and Debby have been such wonderful friends to all of us in the Rhododendron Society.
Ken McDonald, Jr.

Davd r. White

January 18, 2009

A patient man! He loved working with students, and helping them understand complex ideas i.e. The Zone System at VCU. Always he wore a smile and shared his enthusiasm with every individual he knew. A true source of energy and, intelligence.

Paul Neumann

January 17, 2009

David consistently displayed his curiosity of life, interest in others, and love for Debby. He was forever asking, giving, and sharing. He made us each feel better in a fascinating variety of ways. I will never forget David's reassuring smile.

Eric Thiessen

January 17, 2009

Truly that rare combination of gentleman and scholar. I will never forget his almost childlike sense of joy coupled with the sophistication of a first class intellect. He will be greatly missed.

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