Diane Schroeder

It has been my experience that life is a subtle composition of contradictions.

And it is only by contrast of the absurd that rational makes sense and it is by the contrast of dark that there is light.

 

The expression of the observations of life have evolved into several varieties of works.

The contradiction that oil and water do not mix and the theory that spilled oil is not easily controlled - is the very basis of my working media.  Paper is a water base material and usually has a water base media applied to it.  It is because "oil and water do not mix" that I find oil and oil base media the perfect application on paper.  I am in control of the applied materials rather than the properties of the paper demanding an opinion on the control and, ultimately, the result.

 

while there are highs contrasted by low periods of life, there are subtleties of monochromatic colors contrasted by shiny and dull, transparency and opaque, rough and smooth, undefined shapes and defined shapes or lines - to form an overall composition or group of compositions in an undisturbed space of time; not always recognized at the moment of happening - but leaves a lasting impression to be continually reinterpreted and related.  

Even with high contrast, subtleties are woven into the overall picture as the observation continues.  The collage elements are saved pieces of things that have touched my live, but placed into another context to take on a new life.  The mixed media of pencil, craypas, charcoal, metallic ink, cold leaf and foil are the results of further exploration of materials that should not work together - but do.

 

Fear is contrasted by knowledge.

 

Knowledge is gained by exploration.

 

Biography:

 

Diane Schroeder majored in art with a strong focus in interior design at the University of Nebraska.  After graduating with a BFA in 1969, Diane chose a career in the design field, but she never abandoned her love for her art.  Whether it was three dimensional art interpreted from clients needs and desires or two dimensional painting exploring abstractions interpreted from subtle adventures, both seem to influence each other.

 

Since her early adult years of painting, Diane has moved from a formal application of oil on canvas to a spontaneous palate of oil and mixed media on paper.  Her pieces abstractly suggest landscape shapes and textures and the translucencies and reflections of atmospheric colors.  With the exploration of contrast and contradiction, Diane introduced collage as an exciting additional dimension to her work as she continues to define and refine detail and strength.

 

Her work can be found in the collections of major corporations and private residences.