Jerry Shanafelt

Palette-knife landscape artist, Jerry Shanafelt,is a signature member of the American Impressionists Society and member of 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.  Using rich strokes of oil and vibrant colors, Shanafelt produces engaging landscapes with pronounced feeling and nostalgic effect.

While working in the architectural field for many years, Shanafelt, pursued painting as an avocation.  In 1995 he was able to focus full time on his oil painting.  Jerry works on-site taking photos, making sketches, and painting small plein air studies, which become the basis for larger studio paintings.  He notes, "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 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."

A life-long learner, much of Shanafelt's art education has come through intensive study of the past masters and contemporary American and Canadian impressionists.  He has studied in workshops with noted artists T.M.Nicholas, Kevin Macpherson, Matt Smith, Tom Browning, John Budicin, and Ted Goerschner and has taken courses through the Scottsdale Artists School..