Today we’d like to introduce you to Leanne Schultz
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in Northern BC, I spent much of my time exploring the forests and mountains, always feeling more at home among the trees than in the bustle of a city. This deep connection to nature naturally draws me to paint its many forms.
Though I initially pursued a conventional creative career by earning a degree in Interior Design, where I gained valuable insights into composition and color, I found myself constrained by budgets and client expectations. This led me to seek a more personal and unrestricted creative path.
Painting offers me endless opportunities to explore nature’s nuances. I strive to capture the essence of light, the atmosphere of a place, and the resonance of a memory, layering these elements through variations in light and shadow and a spectrum of warm and cool colors.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. I struggled for a long time to relax both my expectations for my art and my approach to painting. It was important for me to give myself the space to learn and grow, rather than getting stuck comparing my skills to those of more experienced artists. Improvement comes with time, but maintaining the right mindset is crucial to avoid stagnation and continue reaching my goals.
Balancing my full-time job and family responsibilities with my painting aspirations has been a challenge. I’ve had to be diligent about carving out time for my art while also ensuring that I maintain quality time with my family. It’s a delicate balance that requires constant adjustment.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I primarily specialize in landscapes, but I’m open to portraying any type of scenery. While I initially focused on mountains, I find myself equally captivated by prairies and lakes. Those who admire my work often say they can recognize it as mine, even when the subjects vary greatly.
I usually limit my palette to just three primary colors—Phthalocyanine Blue, Quinacridone Magenta, and Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, with occasional use of Burnt Umber. This approach gives my pieces a cohesive quality, allowing them to harmonize well together even if they were created at different times. My painting process typically involves layering colors in a blended fashion, followed by more organic lines, and finishing with distinct brushstrokes to highlight specific areas.
I take pride in how my art has evolved, both in its depth and in staying true to my core value of creating vibrant works that reflect the beauty of nature around us. The positive reactions from viewers suggest that I am on the right track with my art.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, my husband deserves immense thanks. He’s the first to see my work, helps set up at events, builds custom frames, and takes care of the kids so I can paint without interruption. His support has been crucial to my success and the time I need to create.
My family also plays a significant role in supporting my work. They make a point to attend events whenever they can, and their presence is a great comfort. Friends often join them, and seeing familiar faces during a long day is incredibly uplifting.
I’ve found the local art community to be wonderfully welcoming. Although it took me a while to connect with this group, the encouragement and support—both given and received—are essential for any artist.
Lastly, I am deeply grateful to my collectors. Their continued interest in my work, their presence at events, and their excitement about my creations mean so much to me. Their support is truly invaluable.
Pricing:
- My work is priced by size and type of canvas
- All commissions have a price factor added due to the custom nature of the work
- My work comes in a wide variety of sizes so there are prices for all budgets
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lsscenicstudio
- Instagram: @lsscenicstudio
- Facebook: @lsscenicstudio