Dorothy Schmidt has strong roots in rural Saskatchewan, was raised on a farm and has lived with her husband on a farm near Medstead since 1962.

A student of the visual arts from an early age, her studies have included several university art courses as well as numerous short courses and workshops in painting at North Battleford, Emma Lake and Red Deer.  Dorothy increased her commitment to her artistic ventures after retiring from a 30 year teaching career in 1993.

Dorothy's work has been exhibited in numerous group shows in galleries across Saskatchewan as well as solo shows in North Battleford, Lloydminster, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.  She has received many awards over the years and has had paintings chosen several times to tour Saskatchewan with OSAC "Art on the Move" tours.  She is also included in the  annual Northern Horizons Journey of Creativity, a self-guided tour to various studios and workshops of Medstead, Glaslyn Turtle Lake and Livelong area artists and crafts people on the August long weekend.
 

Artist's Reflections:

Making art has become a major part of my life.  I love to paint!  Every painting is like an adventure!  Although I paint many different subjects; still life, animals, figures, flowers, etc. my passion continues to be capturing the countless different faces of the landscape around me.  I am particularly intrigued by things that are continually changing like skies, clouds, water and dramatic effects of light and colour.  I am captivated by the various moods of the landscape, whether it be peace and serenity or powerful ominous moods.  At the same time I try to incorporate strong compositional elements of design in my work.

Although I have worked in various mediums, I still favour the richness I achieve through oils.  Much of my work is devoted to Saskatchewan landscapes, inspired by the hills, woodlands, rolling farmland and creek near my home.  I create many of my paintings on location and often go out on day-trips a little farther afield to paint 'plein-air', but my camera is also my constant companion on any travels to other parts of the country, capturing scenes to bring back to my studio.  Then I work from my photo references and draw on my observations and experiences of painting in the outdoors.

I hope that when people view my work, they will experience the joy of the land and sky as I do.  Among the most cherished complements I have received have been these: "I feel I could walk right into the painting"; "Your pictures make me want to be where you painted them"; "I sank into your paintings, like memories", and I find these comments very encouraging.

© Copyright 2018 D Schmidt. All rights reserved.

All images contained herein are for viewing only and under the exclusive copyright of the artist.