Featured Guest Artist at the Festival of the Arts Arty Kick Off Party,Friday, Oct. 27 at Henderson Beach Resort
In her words …
Although I didn’t start painting until mid-life, I was always blessed with a
creative side. After following my military husband around the world and
raising two beautiful children, I jumped both feet into my art career.
My childhood was spent in Wisconsin, although I now proudly call Florida
my home. Many of my first works were in realism using the Old Master’s
technique. While living in New Mexico, I was a noted pet portrait artist and
have animal portraiture proudly displayed throughout the United States.
To loosen my technique, I began to create oil paintings exclusively with
palette knives. My unique technique uses very heavy texture that creates
“expressive impressionistic” paintings that have almost 3D attributes. Oil
paints are my medium of choice as their natural pigmentation created an
incomparable richness in my works.
My subject matter is diverse, but I primarily focus on nature. Landscapes,
seascapes, flora, and birds are among my favorite subjects. When I paint, I
feel an overwhelming connectivity between my subject and marvel at how
the subtle interplay of light, color, and space balance one another. My
greatest joy as an artist is to see how my works can create such intense
emotion in those that view them.
We now permanently reside in Niceville, Florida, where I paint in my
waterfront studio and am inspired by the natural wetlands of the Northern
Gulf Coast. My work is shown at several juried fine art shows, and I am
represented by the Studio Gallery in Grayton Beach, and the Foster
Gallery in Miramar Beach, and the Krista Schumacher Gallery in La Jolla,
CA. My originals can also be viewed in my online gallery at
kathyschumacherart.com. My unique style has been recognized locally and
nationally and I have collectors throughout the country.
Why did you become an artist?
KS: I’ve always had a passion for creativity, a desire for self-expression, and a love
for art. Creating art to make people happy is a wonderful motivation. Art has the
power to evoke emotions, bring joy, and inspire others. It’s a meaningful way to
connect with people.
What inspires you to create art?
KS: My paintings are mostly inspired by the natural surroundings of our beautiful
Emerald Coast. Our stunning white beaches, emerald green water, and abundant
wildlife provide endless subjects for me to explore. Whether it’s landscapes,
animals, or the elements of nature, there is so much subject matter surrounding
us!
You use a unique in your oil paintings. Tell us about your art style.
KS: My unique painting style uses very heavily textured oil paints applied with
palette knives and other sculpting tools. This impasto technique applied over a
pre-toned canvas creates impressionistic paintings that have three dimensional
attributes. This technique allows me to stay loose, merging colors and sculpting
wet paint into a dynamic final product with rich pigmentation.
What is your favorite subject and why?
KS: I so enjoy painting so many subject matters! If I had to narrow it down, my
favorite subject would probably be florals, as they lend themselves to be naturally
more impressionistic and vibrant in color.
You are the featured guest artist at the Festival of the Arts Arty Kick Off Party on
Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. on the Piazza Plaza of the Henderson Beach Resort.
What can they expect?
KS: I’m honored to be the featured artist at the Arty Kick Off Party for several
reasons. So often collectors and fans are so curious about my unique painting
technique. Painting live and sharing my passion will allow me to explain and
educate people about this technique while building connections within our art
community. Also, I will be delighted to field any questions about my art or
technique during this demonstration. In addition to painting live, I will be
displaying a variety of existing paintings that show off variations of my impasto
style.
You have been an integral part of the Emerald Coast arts scene. What is your
take on it now and where the local arts are headed?
KS: We are so lucky on the Emerald Coast to have such a vibrant art scene. As this
area is such a desirable place to live, we attract a mix of artists with different
styles and backgrounds that together create a dynamic and eclectic art scene.
This community hosts a variety of art shows, festivals, and exhibitions that allow
us creatives to showcase our works not only to locals but to our huge tourist
population. More and more, this area is not only becoming a destination for our
beautiful beaches, but also for our thriving art and cultural initiatives.
You are a longtime MKAF support and now an MKAF Board member, why
should locals (and visitors) support Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation?
KS: Matties Kelly Arts Foundation is a wonderful non-profit organization that
promotes the arts within our entire community. They have a superb community
outreach program, including hosting art programs for our local elementary
schools, and offering art classes to the disabled. In addition, they produce an
excellent Concerts in the Village series including outstanding live musicians. This
concert series is included with your membership. Also, the Festival of the Arts, is
the premiere art show within our area and is a must attend! Most importantly, as
a member of MKAF, you will be able to meet and collaborate with like-minded
patrons that together support the mission of bringing art and culture to our
beautiful Gulf-coast.
Meet artist Kathy Schumacher at watch her paint live at the Arty Kick Off Party al
fresco on the Piazza Plaza of Henderson Beach Resort on Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.
Mix and mingle with Festival artists, enjoy live music, light bites, creative cocktail
by Black Sheep Tequila and cash bar. Learn more Tickets are $75 per person
(includes two beverage tickets). Purchase here.
MKAF members enjoy a savings. Not a member? Join today! Learn more here.
