five sketch books throughout my house, so that I can draw if I’ m stressed or just come up with an idea on the spot.”
After high school, Schmidt went to Indiana University to study theatrical design. When he was 21, he moved to Los Angeles with the dreams of becoming an artist or set designer. To pay the bills, he also worked as a licensed developmental therapist.
“ Twelve years ago, my dad died. It made me realize that if I didn’ t take the leap to become a full time artist I never would,” he said.“ My dad always said,‘ If you have a fallback plan, you will always fall back.”
Schmidt began painting full time and has had his work showcased in New York City, London, Atlanta, Italy and other locations around the globe.
“ I did the big city thing and there is an incredible art scene in the city, but I wanted to get back to a small town,” he said.“ It has always been a dream of mine to be an artist in Brown County. The artists here are genuinely concerned about how your work is going. They are so supportive.”
“ It has always been a dream of mine to be an artist in Brown County. The artists here are genuinely concerned about how your work is going. They are so supportive.”
While Schmidt said he is likely best known for his vistas, sunsets, and landscapes, he is also passionate about painting animals. His enthusiasm for painting animals might come from raising four dogs, three cats, a guinea pig, and a parrot.
“ I love animals. I love the personality in their faces. There is so much expression in an innocent way. Except for cats, animals don’ t judge. They make great art,” he said.“ The thing about animals that has always attracted me to them is their eyes. I always do their eyes first. There is so much emotion in their eyes.” Schmidt has done a considerable amount of commission work for the Cincinnati Zoo, painting everything from African dogs and red pandas, to giraffes and African rhinos. Other clients request paintings of personal pets. He is currently using his art to work through the grief of recently losing one of his beloved dogs. His painting of Katie is a work in progress that sits proudly on an easel, waiting for his magical touch.
While his painting of Katie will never be for sale, Schmidt said he hopes to add a collection of his animal paintings to a future gallery showing. To view a collection of Schmidt’ s landscape paintings, visit the B3 Gallery on the second floor at 61 West Main Street in downtown Nashville. You can also visit his website < www. markaschmidtstudio. com >. •
Jan./ Feb. 2017 • Our Brown County 23