Jerry Shanafelt Break Time
Jerry Shanafelt
painting
Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, Jerry Shanafelt was encouraged to develop his artistic talents from an early age. His study of architectural design led him to work in that field for over twenty-five years. During that time, he pursued painting as an avocation and, also, renovated and restored vintage homes in Mystic, Connecticut and Ashland, Oregon. In 1987, he and his wife, Elaine, opened the Mt. Ashland Inn, a log bed and breakfast in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon. The inn was designed and built by Jerry using timber from their property and showcases Jerry’s many artistic talents, including fine woodworking, wood carving, and stained glass.
After selling the inn in 1995, Jerry returned to his long time interest in painting. Much of his education has come through intensive study of the past masters and contemporary American and Canadian impressionists. He has studied in workshops with artists T.M. Nicholas, Kevin MacPherson, Ted Goerschner, Howard Carr, Tom Browning, Matt Smith, and John Budicin and has taken courses through the Scottsdale Artist School.
Jerry is a signature member of the American Impressionists Society and associate member of the Oil Painters of America. His work has been accepted into numerous national and international juried shows and has won many awards, including the Grumbacher Gold Medallion Award. His paintings are in private collections throughout the United States.
Jerry Shanafelt Poppies
Artist Statement: While working in the architectural field for many years, I pursued painting as an avocation. In 1995 I was able to focus full time on my oil painting. I often work on-site taking photos, making sketches, and painting small plein air studies, which become the basis for larger studio paintings. Over the years, I found myself using the brush less and palette knife more as I developed a more impressionistic style of painting. I enjoy working with a palette knife because of the rich vibrant colors, increased texture, and three-dimensional qualities that can be achieved.
Inspiration for my paintings come from the abstract shapes and designs that color, light and shadows create in nature. I can be as inspired in the mountains, as I am in the desert or on the coast. The contrast of snow on granite peaks or the splash of color against the greens and tans of the desert floor catch my eye and my imagination. As I travel, hike, or ride my bike, I look for scenes that capture my attention, like the variety of colors and hues in a field of wildflowers or the play of light on moving water. I have always tried to paint from the perspective of being in the scene and, through my paintings, to convey the peace and joy I find in nature. My goal is for my paintings to elevate the spirit in myself and in the viewer.