Sarah Schneider

Artist Statement

My paintings are an expression of my appreciation for the wonder of nature. I seek to capture and highlight the divine energy present in all of creation, from the smallest petals and pebbles to the larger expanses of landscape, ocean and horizon. I'm drawn to nature; the color, shapes, textures and ever changing light of the natural world provide me with endless inspiration.

I paint primarily with acrylic paint on canvas, paper or wood panel, but also incorporate pencil, marker, pastel, watercolor, gouache and collage paper in my mixed media pieces.

In my landscape paintings, I try and capture the beauty of the local landscape and the feeling of being in that particular place. The changing times of day, tides and seasons can make the same scene new again. Exploring the juxtaposition of change and constancy in the natural environment draws me back to the same locations to paint.

In my abstract work, nature is a jumping off point for exploring patterns, colors, texture and movement. I work intuitively, often starting with an automatic drawing, then layering with mark making and pouring paint. I respond to how the paint moves, the shapes interact and the colors harmonize, and from there I develop the composition.

Painting is a meditative experience that allows me to be fully present in the moment.