Episode 2: William A Schneider – A Journey Through Art, Music, and the Passion for Pastels
Welcome to an immersive exploration into the world of pastel painting and artistic creativity, inspired by the insightful conversations from the Pastel Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating journey of William A. Schneider, a seasoned artist whose path to becoming a full-time painter was anything but conventional. From a professional musician to a successful career in finance, and finally to a dedicated pastel and oil painter, Bill’s story is a testament to the power of passion and lifelong learning.
If you’re an artist, a pastel enthusiast, or simply curious about the artistic process and the life of an artist who embraces multiple creative disciplines, this podcast will offer you valuable insights. We’ll uncover Bill’s unique approach to art, his philosophy on observation versus symbol-thinking, and his influences.
Who Is William A. Schneider? More Than Just an Artist
William A. Schneider is a masterful pastel and oil painter with decades of experience, but his journey to becoming an artist was preceded by two distinct careers. His story unfolds as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and that the creative spirit can thrive across different fields.
From Art Student to Rock Musician
Bill’s artistic journey began in college at the University of Illinois, where he initially majored in art. However, his life took a detour when his involvement in a rock band—The One-Eyed Jacks—became a full-time commitment after they landed a record deal. Playing five nights a week, he found it difficult to keep up with his art classes, prompting him to switch his major to psychology with a minor in business. This shift was practical but did not diminish his artistic inclination.
During this time, Bill continued to live a creative life, albeit through music. He played bass, keyboards, slide guitar, acoustic guitar, and even contributed vocals. His musical career included being part of bands like Fat Water and Freeze, both of which secured record deals, showcasing his talent and versatility in the music industry. This phase of his life was vibrant and rewarding, yet the artist within him was quietly waiting for its moment.
The Pension Consultant Chapter
Life took another turn when Bill transitioned from the music scene to finance. He worked for Kidder Peabody and eventually opened his own pension consulting firm. The financial world was lucrative, with clients paying handsomely for managing money—quite a contrast to the typical “starving artist” stereotype. However, despite the monetary rewards, he felt a growing disconnect from his creative self.
His decision to leave this successful career shocked many, including his business partners, who thought he was making a mistake. But Bill had a clear vision: he didn’t want to work until he dropped dead only to leave money for his children to enjoy their retirement. Instead, he chose to embrace his passion for art full-time, selling his business in 2011 and diving back into painting with renewed vigor.
Returning to Art: The Role of Education and Mentorship
After stepping away from finance, Bill went back to art school, attending the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He studied under iconic teachers like Bill Parks, Harley Brown, and Richard Schmid, absorbing lessons that would shape his style and philosophy. These mentors were not just instructors; they were influential figures who instilled a deep understanding of representational art and the importance of continued learning.
Learning from Bill Parks: Seeing Beyond Symbols
Bill Parks, in particular, had a profound impact on Bill’s approach to art. Parks emphasized the importance of seeing the world not as symbols or labels but as a mosaic of shapes, values, and colors. This idea challenges the common human tendency to interpret objects through symbolic shorthand rather than true observation.
“As artists, we have to see the world the way an infant sees the world. An infant doesn’t see eyes, nose, or hair; it sees a moving mosaic of shapes, values, and colors.” – William A. Schneider
This philosophy encourages artists to break free from “symbol land,” where we rely on mental shortcuts like drawing an eye as a simple oval with a circle inside. Instead, Bill advocates for training oneself to observe the subtle nuances of light, shadow, and form that bring a subject to life.
The Challenge of Breaking Symbolic Thinking
Breaking the habit of symbol-thinking is notoriously difficult, especially for beginners, but it’s essential for creating realistic and compelling artwork. Bill shares practical insights, such as focusing on partial shapes instead of complete symbols to fool the left brain into letting the right brain take over and truly observe the subject.
For example, when painting an eye, he suggests only sketching the upper eyelid and parts of the iris, avoiding the lower lid to prevent the brain from defaulting to the symbolic oval shape. This method helps artists engage with the actual visual information rather than preconceived notions.
The Intersection of Science, Philosophy, and Art
Bill’s background in psychology and his intellectual curiosity bring a unique dimension to his art. He explores how humans perceive the world, the neurological basis of observation, and even the evolutionary mechanisms that influence artistic expression. His discussions with fellow artists like Carolyn Anderson and Dan Gerhartz often delve into these philosophical and scientific territories.
One fascinating topic is how our brains process changing environments and visual information, which affects how we perceive and create art. Bill explains that when we move from one environment to another, our brains clear old contextual information to focus on new surroundings—a survival mechanism that also impacts artistic observation and memory.
Visual Art as a Language System
Bill likens visual art to a language system, similar to verbal language or music. As a musician himself, he understands deeply how different languages—verbal, mathematical, musical, and visual—interact and can be learned. This perspective enriches his teaching and artistic practice, emphasizing the intellectual rigor behind the creative process.
Mastering the Craft: The Role of Copying and Practice
Copying masterworks is a traditional method of learning in art, and Bill is a strong advocate for this practice. Rather than distinguishing between old and new masters, he sees value in studying any artist who has solved artistic problems elegantly.
He shares that copying allows artists to internalize techniques and aesthetics physically and mentally, embedding knowledge through the act of making marks. This process is far more effective than passive reading or viewing because it engages muscle memory and neural pathways.
Bill references historical practices, such as those at the Academie des Beaux-Arts in France, where students were encouraged to copy masterpieces at the Louvre after mastering fundamentals. This tradition underscores the idea that learning art is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
Exploring Composition: The Muka Method and Beyond
Bill also delves into compositional techniques, including the lesser-known Mucha method, which involves dividing spaces in a ratio of 3:2, inspired by natural segmentation patterns found in insects and other biological forms. This method contrasts with more famous compositional tools like the golden spiral or the armature of the rectangle.
The Mucha method offers a unique internal logic that creates visually pleasing and balanced designs. Bill encourages artists to study and experiment with various compositional systems to find what works best for their style and subject matter.
Pastel and Oil: A Symbiotic Relationship
Bill paints in both pastel and oil, and he believes that exploring multiple mediums enhances an artist’s skills. Each medium has its strengths and challenges, and learning from one can inform and improve work in the other.
For example, pastel naturally lends itself to soft edges through blending, which can teach an oil painter to incorporate more nuanced edge control. Conversely, oil painting’s ability to create rich, transparent darks can inspire pastel artists to seek similar effects in their work.
This cross-pollination of skills and techniques encourages artists to think more deeply about the properties of their materials and how to use them creatively, rather than becoming stuck in a single mode of expression.
The Importance of Artistic Community and Lifelong Learning
Bill emphasizes the value of painting with other artists and engaging in philosophical discussions about art. He believes that being part of a creative community fosters growth, inspiration, and problem-solving.
Whether it’s painting alongside friends, attending workshops, or participating in artist groups, these interactions provide valuable feedback and motivation. Bill’s own relationships with artists like Dan Gerhartz and Carolyn Anderson exemplify how mutual learning and support can elevate everyone’s work.
The Mindset of a Perpetual Student
One of Bill’s most important messages to artists is to adopt the mindset of a perpetual student. Artistic mastery is not a final destination but an ongoing process of discovery and improvement. Every new skill or technique opens the door to another challenge, whether it’s getting proportions right, mastering values, edges, color temperature, or design.
“There is no plateau. You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse.” – William A. Schneider
This philosophy encourages artists to embrace humility, persistence, and curiosity, avoiding stagnation and continually pushing their creative boundaries.
Entering Competitions and Building Your Artistic Career
Bill is a master signature member of several prestigious art societies, including the Oil Painters of America, the Pastel Society of America, the American Impressionist Society, and the Chicago Pastel Painters. Achieving these accolades requires dedication, consistent work, and strategic participation in competitions.
His advice for artists aiming to earn signature memberships or similar recognition is straightforward:
- Enter many competitions to gain exposure and experience.
- Approach rejection as a learning opportunity, analyzing accepted works to understand what works.
- Put aside ego and stay open to feedback and growth.
- View entry fees as a marketing and learning investment, not just a cost.
Bill’s approach to competitions reinforces the broader theme of lifelong learning and resilience in the artistic journey.
Sharing Knowledge: Generosity in the Artistic Community
Bill is known for his generosity in sharing knowledge and resources. Whether through his blog, newsletters, workshops, or one-on-one conversations, he passes on the wisdom he has gained from his mentors and experiences.
His educational offerings include:
- Free ebooks, such as his guide on facial proportions.
- Workshops and demos, including upcoming events like the one at the Franciscan Life Center in Michigan.
- Instructional courses available on platforms like PaintTube TV.
- A newsletter and blog that provide concise, valuable insights.
This openness enriches the pastel podcast community and the wider art world, fostering a culture of support and shared growth.
Conclusion: Embracing the Pastel Spirit and Artistic Growth
William A. Schneider’s story is a vibrant tapestry of creativity, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. His journey from musician to pension consultant to artist exemplifies the courage to follow one’s passion, no matter the stage of life or previous career paths.
His approach to art—grounded in observation, informed by science and philosophy, and enriched by community—offers a roadmap for artists seeking to deepen their practice. The Pastel Podcast’s spotlight on Bill not only celebrates his achievements but also inspires artists to embrace lifelong learning, experiment with different mediums, and engage actively with their artistic communities.
Whether you are a beginner struggling to see beyond symbols, a seasoned artist seeking compositional techniques like the Mucha method, or someone looking for motivation to keep entering competitions and growing, Bill’s insights provide valuable guidance.
Remember, as Bill wisely advises, to be a perpetual student. The artistic journey is endless, full of challenges and discoveries that keep the creative spirit alive and thriving.
For more inspiration, education, and connection with the pastel art world, continue exploring resources like The Pastel Podcast, pastel societies, and the vibrant community they foster. Your journey with pastels and beyond is just beginning.
Related Links from this episode of the Pastel Podcast:
- William A. Schneider website
- List of Pastel Societies to join
- Bill’s instructional courses on PaintTube.tv
