Saito, a Japanese artist who has lived in the United States since 1966 is considered by critics to be a true colorist. He understands uses the effects of color in his lyrical canvases characterized by broad gestural brush strokes of color. Over 20 years ago Saito apprenticed with Ken Noland and Larry Poons, both major Color Field painters. His mature style of today is subtle, delicate and calligraphic in nature. Saito's palette is intense but not jarring and features multiple layers of colors that produce a shimmering effect. His use of oil stick crayons on the chromatic surfaces relates to his years as a ballet and theatre designer as well as the linear elements of Catalan art and architecture.