Throughout my career as an artist I have been intrigued with light and dimensional space. Because of my fascination, it isn’t surprising that I am drawn to impressionism. the principal element of impressionism is to depict light upon first response. Many of the impressionists painters have deeply influenced my work. It is from these masters that I have learned to develop a sense of autonomy, a self governed sense, to create my own impressions.
Schaefer believes that seeing and producing an effect within nature is not a matter of intellect, but of feeling. In the past he recorded much of his subject matter through photography, studying the patterns of light and dark.
In response to the impressionists philosophy, he creates a painting surface that is highly textural. Schaefer applies dense strokes of oil paint with varying degrees of thickness. This contrast creates a dramatic effect which echoes the artistic process of transformation. The approach also illustrates how the laws of light, reflection and shadow can be interpreted. The spontaneous and intense use of color gives emphasis to creating a memorable impression.
