Interview with Mrs. Schedler

Q. What motivates you as an artist?

A. My fascination with observation. I am constantly studying everything. On my daily walks, I look at the trees and the clouds and the paths and the ponds, etc. As I look at them, I take note of how they relate to each other. Even in the car wash, I was excited by the patterns of the soap on the windshield…how they formed and then were destroyed by the spraying water which created more patterns. The possibilities for inspiration are endless! 

Q. What/Who are some of your influences?

A.  Intentionally, I thank God for providing a world full of inspiration and wonder. I believe He created all things for our good and I have a deep appreciation for Him at the base of all that I do, including my art. I have always enjoyed the work of the Impressionist painters. Monet, Manet, Renoir and Cassat are some of my favorites. As far as me becoming an artist, I owe that to the encouragement of Enid Wood. She began a pastel class in our neighborhood and I joined just for something fun to do on my then day off which was Monday. In no time, I was hooked on the gratification of creating a painting and craved that time of relaxation. I also make a point to keep honing my craft. I attend pastel art conferences and painting workshops by local, nationally and internationally known artists. I glean something from each to add to my own style of painting.

Q. What is your preferred medium and why?

A. My preferred medium is soft (dry) pastel. I love that there is nothing between me and my medium. No brush; just my fingers holding a pastel stick and applying the pigment straight to
the surface. Pastels also play to my need for immediate gratification as there is no drying time. What you see is what you get and best of all, it can all be changed in an instant. I can create hard lines, blend marks into soft lines, layer colors or leave them as they come in the stick.
Pastels are so versatile.

Q. Does your artwork represent something about you personally.  If so, how?

A.  In my previous professional life, I worked in careers with lots of structure and policies. I made it a point early on in my painting career to strive to be loose and impressionistic. It doesn’t come easily for me as my tendency is to keep working until the painting looks structured (tight). Those
paintings are good, but the ones that I leave with softer edges and mystery make me the happiest. These days, I work at creating a more playful, less stressful life. I hope that is reflected
in my paintings!

Q. How do you overcome “dry” periods, when you have less inspiration?

A. Commissioned paintings are more about fulfilling what the customer wants rather than my own inspiration. I like to keep some of those without deadlines on my back burner when my muse is taking the day off. When I deliver the commissioned painting, I am rewarded with the satisfaction and happiness of my customer. This “win”puts me right back in the groove of finding something that I am inspired to paint. God’s inspiration is everywhere. See answer to question
#1!

Q. How has your artwork evolved through time?

A.  Though I started seriously painting as an adult, I have been drawing since I was a young child. We mostly lived in the country way before cell phones and computers. Many times, I would just take a pencil and a Big Chief writing pad (some will have to Google that!) and draw what I saw… trees, clouds, cows, fences, flowers. These same subjects still capture my interest today. In the beginning, I was happy when I could create a piece of art that looked just like my reference photo. Over time, I have developed the skills and confidence to only paint enough detail to represent (and hopefully improve upon) the reference material. These days, I strive to create a
unique painting, not just a copy. 

Q. Do you set goals or deadlines for yourself in creating new pieces, or does the process happen organically ?

A. Both! I like to participate in painting competitions. This is both exhilarating and disheartening. You have to have thick skin. I definitely receive more “thank you, but your artwork was not
selected at this time” than “Congratulations! Your artwork has been accepted” letters. Both responses spur me on to continue learning and improving and entering again next time! On the
other hand, I oWen see an object or take a nature photo that I simply feel like painting. Often
times, I look through reference photos and all of sudden one speaks to me and I feel the need to paint it immediately. Those paintings generally happen very quickly because I have seen the
subject many times when perusing my reference photos and so it’s like I have mentally already
painted it. 

Q. What do you feel is the value of artists (visual, performing, literary) in society? What role do they play?

A.  Balance and knowledge. Most people (myself included for most of my life) work a job that pays the bills, but maybe doesn’t provide an outlet for fun and learning. Art in all of its forms
provides that “other side of life”. It opens the eye and mind to different places, cultures, emotions and more than are present in a closed life experience

Q. What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists?

A. Create what moves YOU! All of that energy will show in your art and you will enjoy the process.
The observer may not know why, but they will feel something when they see your work. That something is a piece of you, the artist. 

Q.  What other activities spur your creativity?

A.  Being an artist can sometimes be a lonely occupation. I have a very social side of me that needs to be around people. I make it a point to attend art exhibits and shows when I can. I also began acting in community theater a few years ago. That is definitely a group activity. Many hours are spent with your cast members and director. I realized very quickly that it was important that I know all my lines and where to be on stage as it directly affects the lines and placement of the other actors. The real reward comes when the audience responds to the story in such a way that you know they set aside their cares of the day and were transported to another world. I am happy to provide that escape even if only for a couple of hours.

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