Guest Writer Lynda Schumacher
Colored Pencil Gallery by Lynda Schumacher
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It is a pleasure to be invited as a guest artist on Debbi’s blog. The two of us met at the 16th Annual CPSA Convention in Bethesda, Maryland, where we were (serendipitously) seated at the same table during the awards banquet. Since that time we have become supportive friends and colleagues through the miracle of email.
Having spent most of my adult life thus far as a social worker, it is only somewhat recently that I’ve begun to pursue my artwork as a serious endeavor. My preferred mediums are colored pencil and graphite. I often work on sanded pastel paper, as I find that its rough surface lends itself well to the textures in my work. For me drawing is definitely an ongoing learning process; one sometimes fraught with discouragement as well as fortunate happenstance. In many ways, I’m still finding and developing my voice as an artist.
During childhood I developed a fascination with horses and cowboys (but only because they rode horses), and later with the lifestyle of the American West and Native American cultures. I love the textures of the west: worn leather, lined faces, and intricate beading, to name but a few. But more than that, I am drawn to subjects that for me seem to portray a deep emotion or vulnerability. It is my hope that the admiration and esteem I have for the persons and lifestyles I portray is evident in each piece, as well as in my growing body of work.
Please feel free to leave a comment, or contact me via email at: lynda_schu@yahoo.com. Click on the images above, and then again on the next pop-up, for the best view.
Fantastic!!!! It’s wonderful to see Lynda’s work online.
And great to see it on such a great blog. Nice writing
job, Lynda.
Comment by Dee — Sunday, January 27, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
Hey Dee, Thankyou! Its amazing how agonizing writing a simple paragraph can be for me. I’m excited to have my work on Debbi’s blog, and as always, appreciate your kind words.
Comment by lynda — Monday, January 28, 2008 @ 10:22 am
I had the fortune of seeing a few of your works at the Ann Arbor District Library
Malletts Creek Branch last weekend. I was bowled over by the richness of textures
and emotions, and I am very pleasantly surprised to find the same pieces online!
Now, I can savour the rich experience long after the current exhibit is gone.
I hope that you continue to develop your voice for the fruits of your labor are
a generous treat for this onlooker.
Comment by Deborah — Monday, January 28, 2008 @ 10:55 am
Great work Lynda!!It was wonderful to finally see the work that everybody has been raving about.
Love Deb
Comment by Debbie VW — Monday, January 28, 2008 @ 11:41 am
Hello Lynda,
Well…I found it! As always I am delighted with your faces,textures and the amount of work I see in each image. My favorite is the standing Cowpoke. I think in this one you caught his heart and soul, …his fatigue in leaning on the pole. I can feel the weight of his saddle. Well done!
Now about the color….:-)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and art with us.
Your Michigan Pal, Bonnie Auten
Comment by Bonnie Auten — Monday, January 28, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
Deb and Deborah; thankyou for your words. Much of what draws me to portray a particular subject has to do with an emotional pull, and the “richness of textures”: I’m grateful that others are seeing what I’m striving to portray.
Comment by lynda — Monday, January 28, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
Bonnie, thank you for your ongoing support. Your feedback means alot to me.
Comment by Lynda — Tuesday, January 29, 2008 @ 10:51 pm
WOW,WOW,WOW! It’s about time. I’m glad that you have finally come to a place in your life where you have the confidence to show your extreme talent. Your true spirit is a powerful presence in your work and you have a gift for capturing the true essence of your subjects. I am honored and proud to have shared in your journey and will always be on the sidelines cheering you on as new and great opportunities to share your work with the world unfold. Wind River Wisdom and the Coyote have to be my favorites, but then I have always been in awe of the detail and expressions you capture in animals. I’m looking forward to what comes next.
Comment by Cheri — Monday, February 4, 2008 @ 10:48 pm
Cheri; Since we were kids really, you have pushed me. I didn’t listen well for many years, did I? Though I don’t always say it, the friendship and support of yourself and John is tremendously important to me. Thank you for your comment.
Comment by Lynda — Tuesday, February 5, 2008 @ 9:44 am
Good post. You make some great points that most people do not fully understand.
“Having spent most of my adult life thus far as a social worker, it is only somewhat recently that I’ve begun to pursue my artwork as a serious endeavor. My preferred mediums are colored pencil and graphite. I often work on sanded pastel paper, as I find that its rough surface lends itself well to the textures in my work. For me drawing is definitely an ongoing learning process; one sometimes fraught with discouragement as well as fortunate happenstance. In many ways, I’m still finding and developing my voice as an artist.”
I like how you explained that. Very helpful. Thanks.
Comment by chiz — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 11:34 am