Diana Schmidt
Biography
After receiving my degree in Art from the University of Oregon, I went to work designing ads and illustrating for advertising for several years, drawing everything from fashions to futons for a department store. I started showing in galleries when we moved near Sun Valley, Idaho in the 70’s. Among other mediums, I was doing intricate renderings in batik, which won me some awards and an assignment designing bandannas and decorative panels for clients including Willie Nelson.
My husband Chris and I moved to Yakima where I established an art studio/gallery that attracted regional artist friends. Allied Arts honored me with their community art award, and I worked on many challenging commissions -we restored older residences for art studios, produced art events and created an environment for the public to interact with many art forms and artists. My work has been featured in House & Garden and Country Living magazines, and our home appeared to two décor books. I have illustrated books and greeting cards on commission.
We moved to Walla Walla in the year 2000. I had a show at Carnegie Art Center in Sept. of 2001 along with friends, a jewelry designer and glass artist. My subject matter was life in Walla Walla, and has been ever since. I worked in watercolor then and still do, however, seem to achieve the look I want more satisfactorily using acrylics on panels or canvas. To meet the community in friendly surroundings, there is nothing like the Walla Walla Farmers Market, and I have produced cards and posters to sell at the market for the last six years. My designs have been chosen for the market poster for three years.
Statement
I obligate myself to two shows of new originals each year and also encourage people to commission artwork. Doing this requires me to tackle new subject matter and take new approaches to subjects previously addressed.
Strong simple design and vibrant color interest me the most in my new work, however, I have recently produced large watercolors of gardens and homes that were intricate and softer in hue. Lately I’ve looked at Matisse, as many painters do, to find new ways of approaching the figure in a painting.
I always ask myself, ‘why does this painting exist?’. That can be a hard question to answer at times! Art is a compulsion and also a release. It is truly a mirror, or self portrait of everyone who creates. Fitting my style of work to the spirit of the subject is the key.
I know there is a recognizable current that flows throughout my work. I believe that what I communicate to the viewer is a human connection that is assuring and positive.
Events
Patit Creek Cellars Spring Release Weekend | May, 2010
Diana celebrates her new labels for Patit Creek at their Walla Walla Airport Tasting Room with a 'one man' show of new originals featuring colorful renderings of the Walla Walla area.
Cards & posters for sale at Farmers Market, most Saturdays from May through October
Contact
Originals and Commissions:
Contact the artist at
392 Catherine St.
Walla Walla, Wa. 99362
(509) 529-1448
dianas43@q.com