Full Artist Bio
Olaf Schneider (b. 1964) is a husband, father of two, and grandfather of six. He studied at the Ontario College of Art as well as Sheridan College. In 1986, while painting large scale billboards for Mediacom he acquired a strong practical foundation that would become integral to his work today.
He is greatly inspired by mentor Ron Grieg and Norman Rockwell.
For Olaf each piece represents an intense exploration and refinement of his personal pictorial sensitivities, especially as they relate to beauty, form, light, and shade. Composition, color, and craftsmanship are all elements that become the building blocks of his work. Olaf is a prolific painter who is inspired by the power and diversity of the northern landscape, and anything that needs a “second look”. An explorer by nature, he travels across North America and Europe to gain inspiration.
“Each dab I make is stimulated by the details that I observe. I hope to see what others miss and then make it compelling. I push and alter the colors to suit my ravenous needs and I love to improvise on the spot.”
Olaf has a passion for a variety of subjects. Through his art, he expresses his love for life and his affinity for vibrant colour.
“I like to use expressive and thick impasto brushstrokes or soft blended strokes to render a sense of movement and texture giving the painting a life of its own. My interpretation of colour also sets the dynamic mood. The tones often range from the darkest to the lightest in an effort to achieve maximum drama. This creative combination is spontaneous and intuitive.”
To keep his mind clear and focused he limits his exposure to all the media ‘noise’ we generally are pummeled with daily. He does not watch TV and restricts his time on the computer. He starts his day with God in prayer and meditation. Painting 6 to10 hours a day is common practice. Equally important to Olaf is continued growth and learning.
“I want to always have an open mind so that new ideas may come in. In the mind of an expert, there are few possibilities, but in the mind of an amateur they become endless. This is a God given gift and I value it greatly. If I am able to bring emotion, understanding, comfort, or joy into another’s life then I am using it wisely in His glory.”
JOY FANTASTIC
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 36in. x 36in.
A canoe paddle on a sylvan lake with a loon looking on can be joy indeed!
CARMEL CREEK
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 48in. x 48in.
Peace like a river accomplished in hues of gold and amber.
RIDING HOME
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 16in. x 20in.
The rain slackened enough to cycle home, the bike’s reflection shimmering in the resulting puddles.
CONTEMPLATION
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 34in. x 56in.
Contemplation induced by ripples reminiscent of the hues of Venetian spun glass.
ON MY WAY HOME
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 42in. x 62in.
This work summons the scent of petrichor, the term given to that unique scent following a rain shower – when the hot pavement seems to sigh with pleasure!
TABLE FOR…
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 18in. x 24in.
The table is all set for two, wine and conversation to flow soon!
LAST LIGHT
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 40 in. x 60 in.
Glassware glimmering in the last light of day…
FAMILY HEIRLOOMS
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 20 in. x 60 in.
An exciting horizontal perfect for enlivening a special spot in your home.
TEMPTATION
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 40 in. x 40 in.
The fateful fruit of Eden couldn’t be more tempting than these perfect pommes.
LOVE IN A CUP
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 40 in. x 40 in.
Dainty daisy blooms fill a teacup with sweetness.
BOLD GENERATION
Price:$4100
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 20 in. x 34 in.
WHO can resist a juicy orange?
ROSES ON LAVENDER
Price:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 26 in. x 40 in.
Roses are forever in season….
WAITING ON TIME
Price: $
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 40 in. x 40 in.
Borderline abstract NYC scene. Olaf paints in all expressions and very prolific.
TRANQUIL DUSK
Price: $
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 30 in. x 30 in.
Olaf is very romantic and endeavors to share moments in nature that effect the viewer in this way.
CURIOUS BLUE
Price: $
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 24 in. x 30 in.
One of Olaf’s amazing abstracts that invites various interpretations!
FESTIVAL OF COLOR
Price: $
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 40 in. x 40 in.
One of Olaf’s most colorful and happy works.
REFLECTIONS OF VENICE
Price: $
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 40 in. x 56 in.
One of my favorites capturing part of beloved Venice in a Monet fashion.