Paul Sawyier Originals Collection

Sawyier enjoyed fishing on Elkhorn Creek and Benson Creek, northwest of Frankfort. Sawyier could have traveled by railroad to the Benson Valley stop.

Size: 6 x 9
Medium: watercolor
Collection: On Permanent Loan from the Collection of United Bank and Capital Trust Company

This work establishes that Sawyier was an accomplished etcher. He probably learned this medium from Frank Duveneck while studying with him in Covington, Kentucky. This etching was found at the estate sale of a retired Professor of Music at the University of Alabama, inside a French magazine.

Size: 7 x 11
Medium: etching
Collection: Collection of Paul Sawyier Public Library

Church’s Grove on Elkhorn Creek was a favorite picnic spot for over 100 years. Peaks Mill Christian Church used this site for benefit picnics to raise money to complete their church, which was dedicated on November 29, 1891.

Size: 18 x 11
Medium: watercolor
Collection: Collection of Paul Sawyier Public Library

The focal point of this painting is the old covered bridge that spanned the Kentucky River until 1892. On the left can be seen the old toll master’s house and a horse and buggy.

Size: 13 x 17
Medium: watercolor
Collection: On Permanent Loan from the Collection of United Bank and Capital Trust Company

The focus of this painting is a ferryboat crossing the Kentucky River near Shakertown. On the paper board backing is written the words ‘‘McRery”, which indicated that this painting at one time was owned by Sawyier’s cousin, Judge Russell McRery.

Size: 9 x 20
Medium: watercolor
Collection: Collection of Paul Sawyier Public Library

This beautiful portrait is of Virginia Sneed, painted when she was 11-years old. According to her daughter, Virginia had fallen and broken her leg, and there were complications on having it set. She was on crutches and quite unhappy. Paul Sawyier was a neighbor and painted this picture to lift her spirits. He had made up the dress, and Virginia loved it so much that her aunt and caretaker, Stites Duvall, had one made especially for her. The dress covered up her crutches.

Size: 24 x 14
Medium: pastel
Collection: Collection of Paul Sawyier Public Library

While living in the Shakertown area in 1911, Sawyier, Bowman Terhune, and John Townsend formed the Shaker Ferry Company that crossed the Kentucky River near High Bridge.

Size: 15 x 29
Medium: watercolor
Collection: On Permanent Loan from the Collection of United Bank and Capital Trust Company

The tree-shaded lane, wooden plank fences, and stone walls (which remain intact along many Bluegrass backroads) are familiar reminders of decades past. Splashes of sunlight filtering through heavy-laden tree limbs pattern the "road into town" as Sawyier perceived it over 100 years ago.

Size: 14 x 21
Medium: watercolor
Collection: On Permanent Loan from the Collection of United Bank and Capital Trust Company

Sawyier left Frankfort in 1908 following his mother’s passing. He then spent five years living on his houseboat or with friends between Shakertown and Camp Nelson. This area is noted for the beauty of the Kentucky River, the High Bridge railroad bridge that spanned the river near Wilmore, and the palisades along the river. This painting is dated 1911 and is one of Sawyier’s largest.

Size: 19 x 29
Medium: watercolor
Collection: On Permanent Loan from the Collection of United Bank and Capital Trust Company