We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Krista Schumacher. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Krista below.

Krista, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents have been a major part of my success.

First, let me clarify: they have not financially helped me since college, and for this, I am incredibly grateful. Their “cut off” was an essential first step toward me paving my own path and finding a way to make a living as a creative. The risks I have taken are real risks with financial consequences. Being financially independent allowed me to evolve my art business in a way that was real and genuine. As demand for my art increased, I took more risks slowly and confidently. I didn’t dive head first into opening a gallery without spending years developing a loyal following, evolving my art skills, and learning how to operate a business.

My parents taught us responsibility and helped us discover our authentic selves.

Implementing a Montessori-like parenting style, my parents encouraged my brother and I to explore our natural interests. They never pushed sports or activities on us. They did not pressure us to be the “straight A” students. They did not set rules. We did not get an allowance. My parents didn’t ask if we did our homework. School was our responsibility.

The irony: My brother and I were indeed, “straight A” students. We both have graduate degrees and started our own successful companies. Our achievements happened without my parents placing stress and pressure upon us. Rather, my parents created a loving environment and gave us space to be ourselves. They truly believed in us, and probably knew if we failed, it would be a great learning experience.

There aren’t many parents who would be supportive of their child wanting to move to California and be an artist. Thank goodness that wasn’t the case for me. To this day, my parents and I are best friends. I feel so loved and respected by them. They simply allowed me to be me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Krista Schumacher and I’m an artist and gallery owner based in La Jolla, CA. As an artist, I specialize in palette knife oil painting and my primary subject matters are landscapes and abstracts. In addition to selling my original oil paintings, I do a lot of custom commission work for collectors and commercial spaces. For example, I’m painting an 11 foot painting right now for a condo in downtown San Diego! In September 2021, I opened my own gallery in the heart of La Jolla.

I’ve been a full-time artist for almost five years, since I was twenty-six years old. Before transitioning to a full-time artist, I worked for Teach for America and was an elementary school art teacher. My mom is a full-time studio artist, and was able to help me navigate the art world, and encouraged me to post my paintings on social media. Public response was encouraging and I began selling my original paintings. During my last year as a teacher, I won Southwest Art Magazine’s “Top 21 Artists Under the age of 31”. As business began to pick up, I made the decision to transition out of teaching to pursue my studio art career.

My husband and I moved to San Diego, and I knew this was my opportunity to chase my dream. With a relentless spirit, dedication, and deep belief in myself and my art, I worked endlessly to make connections and learn about the art world. I practiced my practice daily. I painted as often as I could (and still do to this day!).

Since moving to San Diego in Sep 2017, I won Launchpad Artist for Art San Diego, was a featured artist for La Jolla Art + Wine Festival and Mission Federal ArtWalk, collaborated with corporations including Ferrari of San Diego, expanded my collector base, and most recently, opened my own gallery. What has unfolded is more than I could have ever imagined or conceived. It truly feels like a dream.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when people truly connect with my artwork. In a way, it feels like they connect with me.. That somehow, the two of us are on the same wavelength, and we both “just get it”. It is a beautiful feeling and inspires me to keep creating!. Oftentimes, people tell me my artwork makes them happy, and just that makes it all worth it. To create something that never existed in this world, and for someone to love it so profoundly that they want it in their home is such a gratifying experience. I love what I do and I cherish my collectors and admirers.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Be yourself. I cannot say it loud enough: be your wild, weird, and crazy self. People want authenticity.

Social media is a HUGE component of my art. Through growing a following, particularly on Instagram, I have expanded my audience and collectors across the world. People discover my art online and frequently make purchases of original paintings. A lot of my collectors have never seen my art in person until it arrives on their doorstep.

In the past, I’ve used scheduling tools, and then, I was like, this is not authentic. My social media is in the present moment. It reflects what is truly happening. My followers get to tag along on this crazy, beautiful journey beside me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristaschumacherart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristaschumacherart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristaschumacherart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-schumacher-5b706b59
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristaschu_art?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpCZRMx0hLJ0OE5hHYuq-g
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/krista-schumacher-san-diego

Image Credits
Some of the photos were shot by Victoria Perez, Other were shot by Ben Campbell.