Glass Giants, oil on panel, 96 x 96” (243 x 243 cm)
Scottsdale Artists’ School: What do you look forward to the most when teaching at Scottsdale Artists’ School?
John Schieffer: I love being with other artists. Whether they are starting out or have been doing it a long time, I am inspired by their energy. There is something exciting about starting a new painting even if it is something you have painted many times before. When I begin a class it is amazing how quickly you can see the students working and their ideas come into being. I often learn from my students about little tricks they use or materials [they work with]. How wonderful it is to learn new things that make the process of creating art easier, more enjoyable, faster.
SAS: Have you always wanted to become an artist?
JS: I have always enjoyed drawing since childhood and was encouraged in that. I did mostly cartooning, but as I improved my skills in realism I turned my focus to that. Art School showed me how to make things come alive on canvas. I love to make things pop to life.
SAS: Where do you get your inspiration?
JS: I have a love of shiny objects. I tell people I am like a crow. Ordinary objects become something unique every time light hits something slightly different, and I try to capture those moments in paint. Glass and plastic objects or toys and games become still life for me. I always leave the door open for the unexpected. I love painting portraits and was excited to do one recently. Eyes are beautiful shiny objects.
All a Glow, oil on panel, 72 x 72” (182 x 182 cm)
SAS: Have childhood classic games and Pop Art always been your favorite subjects?
JS: I have painted marbles, dice and games in a sort of Pop Art or photorealistic style for most of my professional career. These subjects were great fun and gave versatile imagery to work with. Colors and values changed dramatically with different arrangements, so I found it easy to design to suit the mood I was trying to create.
Childhood Totem, oil on panel, 72 x 72” (182 x 182 cm)
SAS: Can you tell me about an obstacle you overcame at the beginning of your career?
JS: Many artists start having to work in other fields while getting to the point where what they do is enough to sustain them. I did art restoration while I started out for a time. I was quickly able to pivot to my own work. Framing, panels and materials can all have a learning curve to them. As an artist, I always aim to create paintings to be as close to the image I have in my mind and how it makes me feel. I don’t think of paintings as obstacles but the kind of challenge we choose to put before ourselves. It is the kind of challenge that makes us better and hopefully gives us a more beautiful world in the work we create.
Manufactured Friend, oil on panel, 72 x 72” (182 x 182 cm)
SAS: Tell us about your upcoming workshop.
JS: All levels are welcome. I ask students to bring an object or image they want to paint, and I take them through my process. I show them how to design a still life, take photos and use them, how I draw in detail on panel, and how I paint. I go over the use of materials and the importance of light and shadow, color and value.
SAS: What do you hope students will learn through your curriculum?
JS: My goal is not to have them paint like me, but to learn my method so they know how to paint anything. I am mostly a classical realism artist. It is not a style or technique of painting. It is learning to paint what you see. When you learn and discover what the materials do and how to create whatever you imagine, then that an artist can speak with their own voice—painting whatever subjects they want because the students know how to communicate their ideas. An artist can express themselves honestly and clearly by understanding the language. —
Visit scottsdaleartschool.org for more information on the school and its upcoming workshops.