Thoughts on Stuart Sayger? 0

[Blastaar]

Tuned into a recent auction of his not knowing really anything about him and was surprised at some of the prices people were paying. Cover sketches were upwards of $400-$500 and 11x14 commissions were closer to $1000. Not doubting his talent just was surprised he was selling so many at such a high price for someone who does not have a huge resume. Am I missing something, is his work really sought after and in demand? I like it, just thought he must have slipped under my radar. Reminds me of a cross between Sienkirwics, Ben Templesmith, and Stroman. Examples below. 

 

 

 

[John E.]

I know Stuart has been a sought out artist at least since I’ve been collecting in 2013. Though I’m sure his prices weren’t at that level 8 years ago, he seems to have gotten much better over the years to drive up what he charges. Otherwise, not an artist in my wheelhouse as to the why. 

[RBerman]

The Sienkiewicz connection is easy to see, even down to the bleach spattering technique. Good designs but not a name I was familiar with.

[PhilipB2k17]

Stuart is a big OA collector too. Good dude. I had a nice long conversation with him about OA at a con a couple of years ago. He doesn’t sell his published stuff, though. So that’s why he does his commissions, etc. 

[JadeGiant]

I have a couple pieces from Stuart and I really enjoy his art. He's a great guy to talk to and very honest and reliable. I always hit him up at shows for conversation and sometimes a buy. He's in the Midwest so I run into him at least once a year or more (during non covid times). Highest recommendation. 

[delekkerste]

14 hours ago, RBerman said:

The Sienkiewicz connection is easy to see, even down to the bleach spattering technique. Good designs but not a name I was familiar with.

I met him at a convention many, many years ago (probably late '00s or early '10s at the latest) and told him that I saw a strong Sienkiewicz influence in his work - he looked at me like I had two heads, like how could anyone possibly think that.   Kind of like how the band Greta Van Fleet disavowed any Led Zeppelin influence in the one interview I saw with them a few years ago...I mean, c'mon (go watch any of their videos on YouTube and you'll see what I mean).  

I ended up commissioning something from Stuart at that convention, think it was a few hundred bucks, though, I sold it a few years later as I realized that commissions just weren't my bag, baby. 

[s-man]

Personally he's a bit hit or miss.  There are some things he's done that look incredible and others not so much.  The one piece I have I love:

[mexicanuck]

Stuart is a great guy. I originally discovered his art back in 2009, and bought five 11x14 commissions from him over two years; all still hanging in my home office. When I bought the last one, he raised his prices all the way up to $200, and I remember it seemed high at the time!

He does live chat / auctions on IG too. Some great work in there.

BTW, I 100% agree with the Sienkiewicz influence. I'm pretty shocked he'd disagree

[Dwitkin82]

I first came across Stuart at a Comics Elite fb live event they did after a con years ago..he was doing $100 sketch covers and I unknowingly didn’t jump on the opp figuring Id have another chance... huge mistake..after probably 4 years of begging him to do the $100 offers again with no success, he decided to do some live sketch events right when the pandemic hit March 2020....I was finally able to get my Doomsday for $150! 

[comicwiz]

I like his art. I have a Hulk and Batman/Superman page

[JadeGiant]

15 hours ago, comicwiz said:

I like his art. I have a Hulk and Batman/Superman page

Hulk image posted?

[comicwiz]

On 3/3/2021 at 12:22 PM, JadeGiant said:

Hulk image posted?

I posted it on FB years ago, and Stuart was glad to have seen it again. I got it at a charity auction they did at a convention, I remember sitting next to Paul Litch, but can't recall the year that was now. Feels like at least 10 years ago, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was longer. 

Edited March 6, 2021 by comicwiz

[aardvark88]

I met Sayger at a Wizard Chicago Con about 8 years ago. He was quite humble and likes to chat about comics and artists. A great sketch artist, as you will get more than you imagined.

[eewwnuk]

Talented artist.  1k is a bit rich but thats how todays overstimulated art market is.  

[babsrocks31]

Not familiar with him, obviously wears his influences on his sleeve but i have no problem with that. Honestly, I dig it!

 

As for prices, pages by lots of artists might still be 'cheap', but 400 for a cover sketch is about as low as it gets.