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Sandi Shumaker wins first place in March art show
Local watercolorist Sandi Shumaker has created another prize winning work of art. Shumaker's painting, "Neighborhood Chatter" won first place in the watercolor category during the Bourbon County Arts Council's 18th Annual Fine Art Exhibit and Sale held in the Scottish Rite Temple in Fort Scott, March 10-12.
This is the fifth time Shumaker has entered the show and the fourth time she has taken home the first place honors for watercolors. Shumaker, who is self taught, has been painting for about 18 years and said that even though she started in oils, watercolor is her favorite medium to work with.
Shumaker is "inspired by nature" and works in a studio in her home to create paintings depicting nature, florals and landscapes, many of which have been shown at Cottey College, in the Vernon County Arts Council gallery and at the Spiva Gallery in Joplin. Several hang in her beauty salon on North Barrett Avenue in Nevada.
She tries to paint every day thinking that "good painters are better" for the constant practice. Shumaker says she has noticed changes in her art over the years. She characterized her work as a combination of abstract and realism, a looser, softer look than just straight realism. "I have my own style now. A soft, clean look to my paintings; that's what I strive for."
Shumaker has no formal art training. "I have always loved to draw," she said. When she graduated from the Appleton City High School, they didn't have an art class. She does, however "come from a family of artists." Her father, brother and sister are all talented artists and Shumaker said her daughter is a much better artist than she is.
Shumaker said her artwork has been largely influenced by Ann Blockley, an English artist, who paints many of the same subjects and also works with watercolors. Shumaker also likes working with pen and ink, but spends the majority of her time with the watercolors.
Shumaker does sell her artwork, and she does commissioned works also. She hopes to be able to devote more time to her art and enter her paintings in more shows when she retires.
For now, she is content to able be to keep painting and uses her time in the studio to make a "constant evaluation" of her style and work. She also finds that her painting is very relaxing, and that she does her best work then. "I'm relaxed when I paint, it's such a joy," she said.
For more information on commissioned paintings or to purchase artwork by Shumaker contact: Sandi Shumaker P.O. Box 610, Nevada MO 64772 or call (417) 448-7504.