Judy Leila Schafers Fine Art

Looking through the photos of my paintings, I noticed that many of them would never have come into being had I not taken the time to sneak away from the harvest hustle and bustle. Some of the photo references were taken as I took the scenic route home after getting parts for the harvest equipment.  A few of these little detours took longer than they should have….. It is so easy to get lost in the beauty of the moment!

 These are paintings that were done a few years ago, but many of them have only been seen by small audiences.  Each one is a gift to me that brings back memories and I hope you enjoy them too!

Have you ever had the inclination to sneak away at a moment’s notice? What interesting things did you find or learn?

“Thunder on the Snaring 2″, Original acrylic by Judy Leila Schafers, 7″ x 17”,  circa 2011

Us artists sometimes resort to unusual means in order to fulfil creative desires. Drive by shooting with my camera is one of mine.

It seems to me that the sights along rural highways can be among the most interesting. Being the passenger gives me lots of time to take it all in. Around every bend there seems to be more great fodder for future paintings. Often this ‘drives’ me crazy! So many wonderful vistas and beautiful little vignettes….

On road trips, the husband does not usually like to stop for me to take photos. He is all about destination. It might also be unsafe to come to a screeching halt on a busy highway, no place to turn off  and snap that view. We would probably never ‘get there’ if he indulged me. Thank goodness for digital cameras!

They are able to capture moments on the fly that my non-digital SLR never could. Making the attempt to capture these scenes is at least somewhat satisfying. After some practise and many, many terrible shots, I have managed to glean a few gems even though so many of those fleeting compositions do not work out. I guess those paintings are not meant to be.

This particular painting is a result of such a photo. Just enough inspiration to work from and the rest is up to me!

Painting with plants is another way that I like to view gardening. Gardening can be a very creative exercise!

Every spring my outdoor activities ramp up to a frenzied pace and with the much longer hours of daylight, I can be found working in the yard until headlights become necessary. I must force myself to get to bed! Long hours are needed if I am to complete my vision for these living pieces of art that are my gardens.

Lately I have been creating plantings in various pots and garden spots having the best time putting together different colors, textures and sizes of plants and flowers. There has been no time to paint in the traditional way, but that is ok as I will come to the studio on rainy days and in the winter more inspired with ideas for the canvas!

In each garden arrangement I use many of the same principals as I do in my paintings such as repeating but varying colors,  line and contrast, varying shapes and focal points to name a few. The most difficult part is visualizing how the arrangement will look once it matures and which plants to put together because there are so many possible combinations.

If I am lucky with the weather, every part will form little vignettes or ‘paintings’ within a larger scene to create wonderfully inviting and rejuvenating spaces.

Oh, if only I had more time!! If only I did not live on such a busy farm with its seasonal disruptions…  

Not having all the time I wished to work on my art seemed unfair. Most artists (I thought) did nothing but art all day long. How truly lucky they were!! How truly jealous I was!

Whine, whine…… whine.

Somewhere along the way I began view this source of frustration from another perspective and my angst slowly dissolved. Everything one does influences their creative voice, even for the part time artist. Caring for family, a day job, mundane household duties, the things that you think about and are passionate about in the meantime, all have an affect on the art you will eventually create. What is meant to be born, will be, if you are willing to go through the pains required to birth it. How everyday issues influence your works of art will become apparent in due time. The creative, subconscious mind is always working; putting bits and pieces together to form your unique vision.

If the above is true, then there is really no such thing as a part time artist. Once I fully realized and observed this happening in my creative work, I was able to enjoy all aspects and responsibilities of life in a more meaningful way. The many hats that I wear have added deeper layers to my paintings.

On the flip side, though, I must make time for making my art!
The same goes for you.

Above: Part of my art collection

It surprised me to learn some years ago that many artists also collect the art of others. I thought it was rather absurd at first. Shouldn’t their walls should be full of their own art? Why would they want to pay other artists for something they were capable of creating themselves? It seemed like a frivolous way for them to spend their money.

My whole perspective changed when a talented friend (who also collects other artist’s art) gifted me with a beautiful piece that she had painted. I enjoyed having it in my home and it always made me smile as I thought of her every time I looked at it. I began to appreciate the value of others’ art and how it can inspire with gorgeous color, line, texture and the energy that was put into producing the work.

Many of my artist friends have, through the years, purchased my paintings. How lovely would it be, then, to own a piece of art from every artist that I knew? These purchases, although small, show my support and encouragement for them as fellow artists. It has been fun and exciting adding a piece or two to my collection every year. In the process, I have learned a little more about myself as I look upon the array choices made. Each one is a gift and each one brings me joy every time I view these creations. It’s kind of like having my house full of friends everyday!

When I would mention to people that I had a basement full of flowers, it was apparent that they could not envision the scenario.  Even I was oblivious to the magnitude of my obsession!

I remember thinking about 25 years ago, what a blast it would be if I could have enough inventory to create any arrangement my imagination could conjure up. There were some niches I could fill in service to others which made this an even more exciting prospect. I began to keep an eye out for deals on good quality flowers everywhere I went.

What great fun it was gathering the items; playing amidst the colors, textures, shapes and ever flowing inspiration!  All of this was useful to my growth as an artist at the same time. I learned a lot about color and design, cultivated the freedom to take chances and try ideas of my own. Hearing people say how much they enjoyed the flower arrangements and “You should open a flower shop”, was very rewarding.

One time after receiving a similar compliment I recall thinking, “Wait a minute. I am becoming more known for these artificial creations than my art. Is that what I really want? ” Something told me that art should be my focus.

I realized that the flowers were a side show taking resources away from my art practise. Over time I noticed that creating the arrangements was becoming less exciting and that there was a limit as to what I could do with them. Conversely,  art was unlimited; a much more vast field of opportunity.

It was time to let the flowers go. This was not as easy as first thought. Every time I looked at them I was inspired! Surprising to me was that this was such an emotional process.

Last year, I decided that enough was enough. I did not want to haul arrangements around any longer and began envisioning the space they occupied for art related things.  What was missing from my original plan from 25 years ago, was an exit strategy!

A year later they are still here and I am faced with an overwhelming sea of fluff. They are currently invading my art studio! Is there a buyer out there  who will  gain as much from them as I did?