Dorothy Schildknecht, IPAP
Artist Statement
With paintbox and easel in hand. I know I am on a journey of discovery when I head out to paint.I have no predetermined ideas about the perfect place to paint.
I am fascinated with light bouncing on everything and the sounds of existence wherever I am. I don't want to try to duplicate it. Why would I ? I become part of the environment; perhaps even feeling as an intruder but accepted nevertheless. I am happiest then. For me, the seeing, hearing, touching and communicating with the space where I set up to paint is all part of the painting experience.
And then there is a practical side of course, such as the needed hat, the good walking shoes and the mosquito repellant. And
it's always fun to exchange tales of curious cows suddenly behind you or swarms of flying insects descending on you and that
unexpected downpour. Or that painting you felt good about now face down in the dirt, easels toppling over and forgotten brushes.
Painting outside can't get better than this.
Receiving her formal art education at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Dorothy pursued her interest in landscape painting directly outdoors for the past twenty years as well as working from life and imagination.
Recent exhibits include
the 2006 Mountain Oyster Invitational, Arizona,
2007 Old West Museum Invitational, Wyoming,
2007American Impressionist Society, Chicago,
2007 Plein Air Painters of Chicago exhibit,
2007 Elmhurst Artists Guild, Elmhurst Museum, Illinois.
Previous exhibits include
Oil Painters of America, National Show, Chicago,
American Women Artists Exhibit,
Women Artists of the West exhibits,
Gilcrease Museum Exhibit, Oklahoma,
National Oil and Acrylic Exhibition, Missouri and others.
Past memberships include
Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art, Chicago,
National Association of Women Artists, New York,
American Academy of Women Artists among others.
Presently a signature member of
Women Artists of the West,
International Plein Air Painters,
American Impressionist Society,
Landscape Painters International among many others.
Her work has been exhibited in many galleries throughout the country.
Dorothy's website
