Portrait Artist
Alison McLean Schuchs,
Scottish / American Artist
Based in
Northeast Mississippi
She paints in oil using traditional methods. She specializes in portraits where the clothing is a work of art. She is well known for painting fabric folds, ruffles and lace. Creating portraits that will live on through generations.
She is a member of:
The Portrait Society of America
The Oil Painters of America
The Mississippi Painter's Society
The Mississippi Visual Arts Directory
The Northeast Mississippi Art Association
Artist Statement:
I grew up in the village of Dunoon on the river Clyde at the edge of the Scottish Highlands. Capturing a slice of time for the future is just who we are, whether it is the rock carvings of the Picts, Rabbie Burns poems or paintings by Ramsay and Raeburn. We need to fashion something survivable in the torrent of time as all of us who know anything about a subject fade away. I want people to see a life and give it meaning or ask about the soul that is now a vestige. I guess I am creating ghost. Having lost a child of my own I wonder if that plays into my desire to commit people to oil at a good time in their life and in a beauty.
I feel it is important to capture the individual in a meaningful setting to reinforce a memory for those who know them. I have chosen to do this in a classical way that may be cherished. If factual memory fails, it may be appreciated by others simply for its beauty and imagined familiarity. I try to capture the essence of the person for the intended audience and to leave enough clues for creative minds to manufacture a familiar character of their own. I will never meet Bouguereaus’ young shepherdess or anyone who knew her but she has an identity in my heart. I want that.
For more information and pricing please email me.
schuchs@gmail.com
Awards:
Voted Best Artist in Itawamba County 2019
Best in Show, 2019, Mississippi Painters Society Annual Show, (GumTree Art Reception)
1st place in Oil, 2019, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (Tupelo Civic Ballet)
2nd place in Photography, 2019, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (Bridal portrait)
2nd place in Oil, 2018, Mississippi Painters Society Annual Show (Leaving, a portrait of my Mum)
3rd place in Photography, 2018, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (Butterflies)
1st place in Oil, 2017, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (Valerie, Underwater Portrait)
2nd place in Oil, 2017, Mississippi Painters Society Annual Show (Grandmother's China Portrait)
1st place in Oil, 2016, Mississippi Painters Society Annual Show (Tupelo Civic Ballet)
Finalist in the 2016, 12th International ARC Salon (Midnight Sonata)
1st place in Oil, 2016, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (The wee Squirrel)
2nd place in Photography, 2016, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show, (Lizard)
Best of Show in Oil, 2015, Mississippi Painters Society Annual Show at the Gumtree Museum of Art in Tupelo, (Grandmother's Wedding Dress portrait)
1st place in Oil, 2015, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (Tip the Dog)
2nd place in Oil, 2013, Mississippi Painter's Society's Annual Show at the Oren Dunn Museum in Tupelo, MS ("Wee Jug" painting)
2nd place in Oil, 2012, "All Things Mississippi" Art Show at the Gumtree Museum of Art in Tupelo, MS (Alice in Turquoise, portrait)
2nd place in Oil, 2010, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (Red Hat Ladies painting)
1st place in Pencil, 2009, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (Peaceful, colored pencil drawing of a cat)
What Clients Say:
"Alison painted a portrait of our granddaughter Lily. We wanted her sitting at the top of our stairs. We liked her expression in one picture and her pose in another picture. She combined the two and used the expression we wanted. It is a family treasure and we could not have been more pleased with the portrait or with the patience of Alison. We highly recommend her. "
Phil & Mary Morris
"Alison painted a picture for us of our boy/girl twins. She captured their everyday personality, perfectly. She is one of the most patient, kind and talented women that I know and I am very honored to have one of her pieces of art. It will always be one of our greatest treasures. Thank You Alison."
Wayne and Samantha Wade
"I can not say enough about how HAPPY and EXCITED I am with the portrait of my grand daughter, Emma Reese, that Alison delivered today! SHE IS GORGEOUS and so life-like! It is as if I can touch the azaleas!! I was so pleased with the entire experience of working with Alison! She is so calm, reassuring and Talented!!! Emma Reese LOVED the photo sessions with Alison, and I can not wait until she sees herself on canvas tomorrow!!! She will be forever young in my portrait!!! Thank you Alison for sharing your talent for us to enjoy!!"
Susan Harp
Prints available of many of my paintings. Email me for size & pricing.
My daughter's Art Work
