Story & Lesson Highlights with Julie Schumer

We recently had the chance to connect with Julie Schumer and have shared our conversation below.

Julie, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am definitely walking a path, a path of all things art. Not only do I paint almost every day but I spend a part of each day working on my art business which consists of finding galleries, making sales, planning my participation in art events such as art fairs in different parts of the country as well as managing a full program of painting workshops both in person and online. No wandering! I try to make every minute count.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I paint large format neutral palette abstract pieces, some of which have collage elements as well. I was a child artist, then took a more practical path and became an appellate attorney specializing in criminal appeals. I didn’t paint for years then felt the siren call in my mid 40’s and returned to my creative practice with a vengeance, making up for lost time. Since then, I moved to Santa Fe, NM and have devoted myself to making myself the best painter I can be, working at it nearly every day.

Once I retired from being a lawyer, I developed a program of abstract painting workshops both in person and online. People come from all over for these workshops. I limit the 4 day in person workshops to only 3 participants at a time, something unique in the painting workshop arena. Everyone loves the small group, they get all the personalized attention they need for the same price as if they had attended a 10 person workshop. And I love that I can focus on each person.

Most recently I have added collage to my painting practice and am developing these works on large scale canvases as well as on smaller paper.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The caretaking part of me must now be released. I have taken care of people, kids and husbands for the last 45 years. It’s time to put myself first, something I am doing for the first time in my adult life. I feel there is more time behind me than ahead of me, so I want to maximize each day, learn and do something new.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say “you are good enough!” I have always suffered from the feeling of being “less than” despite empirical evidence to the contrary. Who can say what child hood trauma this is the result of. But after watching others for years I can finally say I am/was good enough and had I believed that earlier could have erased years of feeling unworthy and channeled that energy into something more positive.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, it is. With me, not much is hidden. What you see is what you get. I’m direct at all times and don’t waste time/energy on pussyfooting around.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That she was a great painter who helped others find their painting voice and belief in themselves as artists. That she was kind and generous with her resources and her time. She helped creatives remove obstacles from their creative practice that were preventing them from leaping forward. And even more importantly, she was a cherished mother and grandmother.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.julieschumer.com
• Instagram: @julieschumerartist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-schumer-87569315/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.schumer/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@julieschumer7182

Image Credits
Portrait: Simo Tesla

Artwork. I took the photos and then used the App Art Rooms to place them in mocked up contemporary spaces.