Derek Schneider

Graphic yet figurative, a visual narrative, keeping it relatable with a focus on capturing the times that live in our conscious. Ever since I could grasp my first crayon i have felt an urge to capture and create ideas and things that inspire. The process of ‘creating’ is one of constant learning, the result often a launching pad for the next inspiration. Graduating from Graphic Design at RMIT I count myself amongst the fortunate few to be able to spend my working life as an Art based Creative Director doing what I love. Alongside my professional working journey “painting” has often had to take a back seat, a quiet companion that only on occasion jumped into the front seat and took control. Over the last few years the ‘driver’ has taken the wheel more often, clocking up many more miles primarily painting in oils and at times acrylic. Looking back at the painters that really resonate and inspire I would have to say Fred Williams, John Olsen, Clarice Beckett and Euan Uglow first jump to mind, but really the list is long and varied and likely to be different if asked another day. Color, design and form tend to dominate in my work. I refer to myself as a figurative’ painter yet experiment with the idea of ‘loosening up’, a style that is forever evolving. I enjoy capturing “life” – people often depicted from a birds-eye perspective, offering a somewhat graphic interpretation of figures framed against largely monochromatic backdrops. I imagine the little pleasures filling their minds, each in their own “happy place”. These little sub stories amidst the shared experiences are painted to be re-lived at home whenever you wish. This shared connection with the many collectors to date brings great satisfaction and if that leads to many more trips to the beach and snow then I’ll only be too happy to accept the challenge.

I have painted numerous commissions to brief, usually to include families or individuals and love how only the new owners know “that’s us” there in the wave or on the chairlift.

You will see variation in the works, conscious to not become a slave to my own ‘style” and subject matter and will continue to driven to capture a mood, a message, an emotion.