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:
It was tragedy that turned me in the direction of art. We lost our 20 year old daughter in 2003 and I found I needed a break from my hobby of singing and playing the guitar. In looking for a new hobby I picked up Lee Hamond's book, How to draw Lifelike Portraits from Photographs. I started drawing with pencil. I received training from websites like Wetcanvas and ArtPapa where as I learned I would get honest critiques from other artists all over the world. After years of only drawing in 2010 I decided to venture into the world of oil and started to paint portraits. I guess you could say I am self taught but I use that term loosely because in today's world we are surrounded by media and have access to so much that I believe if you are committed and put the time in you can basically learn anything you want to and if I can paint anyone can. I don't fit the stereotype of a portrait artist. I started in my 40's, don't have a studio but paint in a converted bedroom in my home, never went to art school but I have been persistent, open to constructive criticism over the years and have a passion for painting portraits! I live in rural Mississippi and creativity is my best friend. I’m quite happy painting away in my lakeside home.
I paint using traditional methods in oil, either on linen canvas or dibond panel. I use M. Graham Oil Paints and the only medium I use is walnut oil when needed. I usually paint in 2-3 layers. I only paint from my own photographs, choosing to paint single portraits rather than groups and paint from life when possible. My work tends to be pretty detailed and I love the work of many 18th Century Artists. Growing up in Scotland I was influenced by paintings by Allan Ramsay and Gavin Hamilton. I enjoyed visits to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh, Scotland as a child.
For more information and pricing please email me.
schuchs@gmail.com
Awards:
1st place in Oil, 2017, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (Valerie, Underwater Portrait)
2nd place in Oil, 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)
3rd place in Photography, 2018, Northeast Mississippi Art Association's Annual Show (Butterflies)
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
