Virgil (Virg) Schumacher has been tapped Artist of the Month by the Cheyenne County Art Guild. According to Schumacher it was after talking to Judy McElroy, a fellow artist from Gurley, a few years ago that he started to take his passion for photography seriously. His camera of choice is a Nikon--mainly shooting with a D60 and D90, and striving for excellence he does his own printing on one of his four Epson stylus photo printers.
Black and white is Schumacher's favorite to work in, but he also likes to play with various techniques of manipulation of photos in the way he takes them with his camera or some manipulation on the computer. "Nothing will look like it really does when I get done with it," he stated. "I just see things differently." In addition he has just started using all kinds of paint to enhance his black and white photos.
His favorite mode of transportation is his Harley and he thoroughly enjoys riding around taking photos as they present themselves. Storm chasing and the photographic opportunities it brings, nature, old buildings, and the various seasons provide Schumacher with many photo opportunities of interest. "Many times a simple trip to see friends has ended up taking twice as long to arrive due to my love of taking photos along the way. Nothing is to be overlooked as a photo opportunity…brandings, harvest, fireworks, etc.," he said.
Schumacher feels he has been lucky to show not only thru the Cheyenne County Art Guild but also in Alliance at the Carnegie Arts Center and the Western Nebraska Arts Center in Scottsbluff. He has started exhibiting his photos in various outlets in the last couple years in some galleries around the panhandle and hopes to widen the exposure of his finished photographs in the upcoming future. In downtown Sidney his work is exhibited at The Moose & the Goose Gallery.
Schumacher considers that there have been several people who have been mentors to him in getting him to exhibit and giving him encouraging words along the way. Members of CCAG and WNAC have given encouragement….as well as honest critiques’ of his work. "I always look to my peers for their experience and knowledge of the arts in helping me to gain insight to keep moving forward," he said. He enjoys going to art museums and reading and studying all kinds of art. "I am amazed at the talent that we have in the Cheyenne County Art Guild. The knowledge they have MAKES ME WANT TO LEARN MORE every time we have a meeting."
He went on to say, "A lot of people think I am different but I see things differently than most people and I try to use that in my art. The best compliment I can receive is the question, “WHY?” “Why did you do that?” Or “What made you do that?” I do it because I can and because I have to. It makes me feel good and complete."
And the results of Schumacher's talent are that his photos have won several awards the last couple of years. They also don't last long in a gallery. Sometimes his photographs never make it to the gallery as people like what they see and buy it on first sight either at his home near Gurley or at his and his wife's business in Dalton--Big V's.
Virg Schumacher's photograph titled "Misty Rock" is on display now through June 8th at the Sidney Public Library. In addition he has twelve more photographs on display at the Cheyenne County Community Center. The public is encouraged to see these fine and artful photographs.
And the results of Schumacher's talent are that his photos have won several awards the last couple of years. They also don't last long in a gallery. Sometimes his photographs never make it to the gallery as people like what they see and buy it on first sight either at his home near Gurley or at his and his wife's business in Dalton--Big V's.
Virg Schumacher's photograph titled "Misty Rock" is on display now through June 8th at the Sidney Public Library. In addition he has twelve more photographs on display at the Cheyenne County Community Center. The public is encouraged to see these fine and artful photographs.
