Esther Schnerr is a painter based in the Netherlands. From a young age, she had a great talent for drawing but becoming an artist was not in line with her background. After 30 years of working in management and finance, she decided to start a second career in the arts. In 2020, she obtained a master's degree in painting at the Classical Academy of Painting in Groningen (Netherlands). Esther is fascinated by evolution and the impact of mankind on nature. Her drawings (pencil on paper) are large (average 130 x 200 cm) and very detailed. In her paintings (180 x 120cm), she strives through colour and movement to create a captivating representation of the energy and grandeur of the universe.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
My work is undoubtedly expressionist. I create images to express my fascination with (the development of) the earth en the overwhelming influence of mankind.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
I am working in my atelier every day.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
Works come about in different ways. Sometimes I read about evolutionary developments or natural phenomena and create an image to go with it. Sometimes I am struck by a photograph and edit it.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
Difficult choice. There are so many! I like to use Helene Schjerfbeck as an example, because she had such a great classical technique and used it to create beautiful modern work.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
I would continue my management career and later travel through Europe.
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
I read about the evolution and nature and I browse the internet.
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
The ‘Nachtwacht’ by Rembrandt. There is so much to see and to admire in that painting.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
The ‘Stedelijk Museum’ in Amsterdam or the MoMa in New York.
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist” - Picasso.
10) What is your favorite book of all time (fiction or non fiction)?
Impossible choice. I hesitate between ‘Cat’s eye’ by Margareth Atwood and ‘Deutsch Stunde’ by Siegfried Lenz. But there are many more.
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non traditional art setting, where would that be?
In a nursing home. People feel better in an environment with art.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
To make large and complex paintings and drawings, you first have to look at them in an abstract form. What is the division of the surface, what is your composition, where is the light and the dark? The filling of the picture is of minor importance.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
I would love to be an artist well known for her professional skills and unique artworks. And I hope to be making large drawings and paintings on the walls of museums and public buildings.
Learn more about Esther and discover her collection of artworks.
