A native of Colorado by several generations, Lionel P. Sanchez was born and raised in Trinidad, located in the southern part of the state. His keen interest in art appeared at an early age, but he did not begin serious study until after service in the U.S. Navy. Formal studies were at Auraria Community College in Denver. From there he attended numerous workshops in New Mexico and Colorado with Joseph Boehler, Jose Sanchez, William Condit, Kim Mackey, and Carole Barnes.

Lionel’s subjects are whatever attracts his attention at the moment. His mastery of drawing is evident in his frequent choices of architectural subjects, both urban and rural. To these he brings bold expression in both line and color. The wonders of nature have also been preserved by Lionel in watercolors, from rocky mountain peaks to florals captured in a local garden. Frequent travels about the country yield still more varied subjects for Lionel’s unique interpretation. Whatever his subject, Lionel combines the authentic enthusiasm of the small town boy he was, with the mature, urban sensibilities of today.

Lionel’s work has shown in the Vail Valley Invitational, the Northern Colorado Invitational, the Pikes Peak Invitational, Gilpin Countyand Glenwood Springs shows, winning numerous awards along the way, including the People’s Choice at the Littleton Depot Art Gallery, a Certificate of Merit award for his entry in the 2006 Gilpin County Art Show and second place award in painting at the 2007 Gilpin County Exhibition in Central City. Hiswork has also been shown in the  2007 Western Federation Water Media Show in Arvada, CO and in the 2008 show in Tucson, AZ. This show encompasses work from water media artists from Arizona, California, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado and Texas. In 2008, two of Lionel’s paintings were chosen and shown in the Colorado Watercolor Society State Show at the Colorado History Museum in Denver, and two pieces were chosen to be shown at the Colorado Watercolor Society‘s New Trend Show at the Curtis Arts & Humanities Center in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

His works hang in numerous corporate, business and private collections in Colorado, throughout the Southwest and in other countries. Lionel has also juried shows and instructed countless demos and workshops. His workshops are always received with high praise from his students with regard to the knowledge and helpfulness that he provides in every class. . . and his sense of humor! Lionel has recently retired to sunny South Florida where he pursues his love for watercolors with vigor in Florida's evergreen landscapes and horizon-reaching seascapes.  He continues to share this passion by regularly teaching workshops in the Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

Lionel’s maintains his signature status in the Colorado Watercolor Society, and since relocating to South Florida has been welcomed as a member into the Miami Watercolor Society (MWS), the Gold Coast Watercolor Society (GCWS) and the Florida Watercolor Society (FWS) and is the newly-elected MWS President for 2012.

“Art - the most practical presentation of the imagination.” Lionel Sanchez