Velvet hour Painting

Shani Schar is a contemporary abstract painter whose work is a fundamental exploration of non-verbal moments in time. Self-taught, she was born in 1970 in the Pacific Northwest. She attributes her art obsession to being continually exposed to the arts at a young age. Shani says, “In my work, I move from a place of no mind and allow the body full rein. If the moment calls for fists full of pigment and paint, that’s what going to happen.” The medias used in her art are acrylic, gouache, pastels, pigments, gold leaf and hand dyed papers. On closer inspection, the canvas shows bold strokes, textures, and impasto build up over many layers. Her work is explorative, movement based, and highly pigmented. Some occurring themes in her work are erupting rocks, mountains, boats, eyes and raucous gardens. While the list of influential artists and styles are considerable and ever changing, of current note are: Walter Darby Bannard, Frank Auerbach, Graham Boyd, movement and graffiti art. “I feel that art and color are as essential to ones well-being as breathing. I simply cannot get enough and this is where to find great joy.” You will find Shani Schar working and playing away in her Forest Grove, Oregon based studio.