23 Aug 2008Crazy Animal Art Show

The artist, Steven Schuman, is a lover of all the beautiful animals on planet earth. He says each creature great or small is worthy to be painted and loved; each one has a unique story to share with all of us. Animals are people in disguise. We can learn from them how to treat each other better and accept each other for who we are regardless of how strange we may look.

The canvases of the artist explode with color and energy that seems to come from another reality or an unseen force. His works reveal his sensitivity as you look into the eyes of the animals or observe their body language.

I see unconditional love and playfulness, which brings joy and healing to our lives. I paint with oils and sometimes mixed media when executing a work of art. Some call it action painting. I start by selecting a canvas size suitable for the subject. I use high quality gallery wrapped canvases and paint all exposed sides so that the purchaser has no need to frame it. On the backs I attach a stainless steel picture wire with nickel plated hanger rings for mounting.

Once I have selected the right canvas, I then sketch out the design or layout of the animal or person using only contour lines. As I paint, I indicate the shadows if necessary and then build up the image with thick brush strokes of color. I love the way the oils work and blend into each other. There is an endless variety of color combinations that can applied. I am always experimenting and finding new ways to apply the paint and reveal the light found on the subject being depicted. After painting as much color as I can into the details of the animal, I step back and look at the whole picture to see if I have captured the look I was after. There is an indescribable and never-waning ecstasy in seeing a new subject brought to life on the canvas.

Next I proceed to paint the background in a variety of complimentary colors that will set off the painting even more. After that, I move on to repaint the contour lines with other colors. When painting, I only use Masterstroke Bristle brushes and hog hair or Fitch wall brushes for the large areas. The final stage is the scary part, where the real action begins. I start throwing, splashing, dripping and smearing the paint across the surface and sides of the canvas until I am satisfied. Then, behold! It is finished and ready to dry. It may take seven to ten days to dry enough to be handled. Some paintings take a little longer. After they have dried, I varnish each new work to seal and protect it from the elements. Now it is ready for viewing.

People ask me constantly where I get my inspiration and how long it takes to complete a painting. I get my inspiration from the masters and also from the creation of life itself. Common sense and imagination are the tools for originality. As for time to completion, each work requires a different amount of time and attention. I suppose it has taken my whole life to get to the point where I am able to produce the quality and style of art I have create. The style is simply Schumanism.

22 Mar 2008Video Tour

Off-beat tour through the home of eccentric artist, Steven Schuman, showcasing a number of his popular paintings.

To watch the video, click the play button.