Art as a Permanent Record: The KGS Studios Collections
Beyond portraiture, the studio is dedicated to creating museum-quality fine art that explores the essence of its subjects: from the perfect geometry of an orchid to the soul of a community embodied in its historical architecture.
“Every work of art is a portrait of its subject.”
The Kevin G. Saunders Fine Art Orchid Collection
An Exploration of Natural Perfection
This KGS Studios collection includes over 100 master images and continues the long-standing fascination with orchids, known as “Orchidomania.” Created over several years with a unique hyperrealistic technique, these works capture the essence of the world’s most admired plants, following in the footsteps of great botanical artists like John Singer Sargent. Each piece is available in limited editions by size, as well as an unlimited edition, allowing collectors to own a part of this tradition.
The Missions Collection
A Tribute to Cultural Heritage
This collection is the definitive artistic record of San Antonio’s five Missions, captured in 2015 during their induction to UNESCO, before later renovations altered their appearance. It stands as a cultural time capsule, created with artistic foresight and strong personal commitment.
The Notable People of San Antonio in 2020 Collection
A Time Capsule of Resilience
In 2020, a pivotal year in history, the city’s leaders were invited to participate in this project. The result is a collection of portraits of 69 individuals who chose to take part in the Notable People of San Antonio in 2020 Collection. These works were not just made to record the crisis, but to convey their quiet dignity and steady resilience. Today, the collection stands as a lasting tribute to our community’s strength. For a forward-thinking patron or institution, acquiring the complete portfolio helps preserve this unique record for future generations.
HTTX-97442
A Monument to a Potential Turning Point
This piece was created in 2012, inspired by a sudden vision rather than art market trends. It came from a deep understanding of the nation’s condition. The work required skill in large-scale composition and the use of a medium-format view camera. This moment could not have been captured with a phone.
The image captures America at a crossroads, depicting it at a pivotal moment. Among decaying infrastructure and the quiet pride of the time, a single working rail line stands out. It is a potent symbol of the country’s resilience and hope for renewal. For years, this image only existed as a private digital file. After visitors to the studio saw it and recognized its power, drawing their own parallels to the monumental works of contemporary masters like Andreas Gursky, the significance of HTTX-97442 in the broader art world became clear. Today, in a world grappling with its future, this photograph is more viable than ever in grand-scale photographic art. It is a testament to Saunders’ foresight and a monument to the critical choice we now face.
For the Serious Collector: Deeper Research
A Case Study in Civic Legacy: From Vision to Icon: The Story and Future of the World Heritage Missions Collection. A deep dive into the foresight, process, and cultural significance of creating a definitive artistic record for a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Collector’s Journey: Artisan to Collector: The Journey of a Fine Art Masterpiece. An essay on the principles of provenance, artistic intent, and what transforms a beautiful object into a true investment-grade masterwork.
The Market Context: The Great Correction: Art’s Return to Tradition & Excellence. Understanding the global market shift back toward technical mastery and why these collections are positioned for enduring value.
The Principles of Beauty: The Mathematics of Beauty: Crafting a Portrait with Timeless Principles. An exploration of the timeless principles of composition, from the Golden Ratio to innate structure, that inform every work from the studio.
The Journey to a Masterpiece.
Every work of art you see here began not with a camera, but with a strategic conversation. If you are inspired to create a piece of similar weight and significance, the Legacy Design & Consultation is your essential first step.
For the Serious Collector: Acquiring a Work
Investment & Authenticity
What does a “limited edition” include, and how is authenticity verified?
Each limited edition work is carefully documented to protect its value and history. The artist hand-signs, dates, and numbers every piece. The edition number is also digitally added to the original file for permanent reference. Each work is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity listing the print details, edition number, and creation date.
What are the specific edition structures?
Each collection has its own edition structure, offering options for collectors of different types. For example, the Orchid Collection is available in various sizes, with grand-scale editions limited to 6, large-scale editions limited to 15, and medium-scale editions limited to 25. The monumental work HTTX-97442 is extremely rare, with only 2 editions. You can find more details for each collection on its page.
What is the artist’s exhibition history?
Kevin G. Saunders‘s work has been exhibited in his gallery and is held in significant public and private collections. Notably, works from his
The World Heritage Missions Collection is on long-term loan and public display at the San Antonio International Airport, and the Notable People of San Antonio Collection was exhibited at the Blue Star Arts Complex.
How is the value of the artwork determined?
The value of each work is based on its rarity, the artist’s reputation, and the special hyperrealistic process used to create it. Prices have been published and kept consistent since 2014-2016 to ensure fairness and transparency for all collectors. Prices may change, and increases are expected.
The Acquisition Process
What is the process for acquiring a piece from the studio?
We work directly with collectors to offer a personal experience. The process begins with a conversation to understand your needs. Then, we share our current inventory and create a custom plan for you. As is standard for fine art commissions, payment is made up front. We accept all major credit cards.
Can a private viewing of a piece be arranged?
Yes, we welcome studio visits at KGS Studios. The detail, size, and presence of the artwork are best experienced in person. Private viewings are complimentary and available by appointment on any day of the week.
Do you handle archival framing and worldwide shipping?
Yes, we offer a comprehensive, customized experience. This includes advice on museum-quality frames, 22-karat gold leaf nameplates, and professional lighting. We offer personal “white glove” delivery in Texas for larger works, and can arrange for professional shipping and custom crating for deliveries across the country and worldwide.