Abstract work is not easily quantifiable. It is about color, form and composition and other elements and directives of academic study. It may be more about individual subjectivity, emotion, personality, the subconscious and also a subtle reflection of daily life at the same time. It is about how we feel when we are around it, looking at it, living with it. It is these qualities that keep me painting in the abstract. Reactive, inspiring, and thought provoking. Often, abstraction affects us more than we realize. It’s as engaging as a a living, breathing, organism with an energy all its own. 

When I start working I try to settle my mind. I think of the work of other artists. I think of colors and composition. I think of shapes, line and form. I try and create movement through the piece. I work the canvas using techniques and tools that I have employed successfully in the past. I continue to build up layers. Adding and subtracting. I dry fit materials and work them into the flow. I continue to attempt the employ of new media, materials, substrate and elements of design. Incorporating sculptural properties and materials into new kinds of abstract painting. 

I am often asked “what does it mean? What are you trying to say? What do you want to achieve?” As an artist my goal is much more sublime. I hope to activate an audience into thought provocation, even if they are unaware of their reaction to the work. 

James Schmidt was born in New York City in July 1980. He is best known for his mixed media paintings rich in color and texture. James works with a variety of media including but not limited to acrylics, marker, inks, paper, bone, wood, metal, and plaster. His abstracts often have organic themes and strong marks and compositional movement. He weaves textural elements and builds sculptural components into his work.

He is influenced by the classics, street arts, pop art and other modern styles. James has exhibited in various galleries in New York city and has work in private collections. He currently lives and works in Brooklyn.

Education
University of Delaware, Bachelor of Art, 2005.
Pratt Institute, Continuing Education, 2010.
New York University, Continuing Education, 2012.

Exhibitions
2016 Colors to Inspire, Warde-Nasse Gallery, New York, NY
2017 Spring, Van Der Plas Gallery,  New York, NY
2017 Summer, Van Der Plas Gallery, New York, NY

Private Collections
Kathlean Collection, New York. 
Moran Collection, Washington D.C.
Roth Collection, Connecticut. 
Stern Collection, New Jersey. 
Lulla Collection, New York