Profile

Join date: Aug 7, 2025

About My Art

Elaine Schulstad having grown up in Atlanta, Georgia has been painting for over 15 years and was self taught although having studied drawing, art history and design at the University of Georgia and taken many art classes along the way in her life as a mother, avid sports and equestrian enthusiast and world traveler. Now she paints in oils and acrylics in realism and expressionist style the things that are in nature. She also has painted portraiture and portraits. She sells her art at festivals and various consignment shops.

Overview

First Name

Elaine

Last Name

Schulstad

Artist's Bio

laine Schulstad is a Raleigh-based artist whose work blends impressionism and realism, focusing on animals, seascapes, and portraiture. Raised in Atlanta in a creatively rich environment, she developed a deep connection to art, nature, and sports. Having experienced being an avid equestrian rider and trainer, along with excelling in basketball, tennis, and water sports, these athletic experiences continue to influence the dynamic energy and movement in her art. Elaine studied drawing and design at the University of Georgia before expanding her artistic journey abroad. Living in Hong Kong and Singapore, she traveled extensively, exploring new cultures and artistic techniques, including stained glass, while refining her oil painting skills. After a successful career in real estate, Elaine returned to her first passion—painting—and remains committed to artistic growth through workshops and classes. She successfully shows and sells her acrylic and oil paintings online in shops and at juried festivals each year. Whether capturing the movement of wildlife or the emotion in portraits, her art invites viewers into moments of beauty, energy, and reflection.

Artist's Statement

rtist Statement – Elaine Schulstad My work explores the intersection of nature, emotion, and movement through animals, seascapes, and portraiture. Blending realism and impressionism, I strive to capture the energy and beauty of life, whether in the expressive gaze of an animal or the serene expanse of a shoreline. Raised in a creatively rich environment and influenced by my experiences as an equestrian and athlete, I approach my art with a deep understanding of movement and vitality. These athletic pursuits shape my focus on form and energy. My technique primarily utilizes acrylic paints on canvas, often incorporating layers of translucent washes using wet-on-wet methods to create depth and atmosphere. I sometimes integrate markers, alcohol inks, and drips to introduce creative influences into the composition. Oil is sometimes applied over the nearly completed piece, adding final details and enhancing the overall expression. Driven by continuous growth and experimentation, my work invites viewers to connect emotionally with the world I see. Through each piece, I aim to evoke a moment of reflection, where the viewer can experience the depth of nature and life’s energy.

waPreferred Mediums

Acrylic, Oil / Alkyd