Alison Schuchs shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alison, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I am currently in Physical Therapy for my shoulder and arm, so I spend time doing therapy and exercises. Then I go to the Art Studio and start painting. My studio is in my home so during breaks I do chores around the house.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Scottish-American portrait artist, working in oils with traditional techniques. I began painting in 2009 as a form of therapy after the loss of a child, and over the years portraiture has remained at the heart of my practice. In 2025, following a car accident, my work has taken a new direction. Inspired by Picasso’s “Blue Period,” I’ve begun my own exploration of blue—my favorite color—as a theme of healing and therapy. For me, art is deeply therapeutic, and music plays a vital role as well. I often paint to music, letting its rhythm and emotion guide my brushstrokes. My style for these paintings is influenced by the culture around me and the San Antonio Fiesta.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moments that most shaped how I see the world were deeply personal and life-altering—first, the loss of a child, and more recently, surviving a car accident that left me temporarily paralyzed. Both experiences forced me to pause and look at life differently. I realized how fragile and precious our time is, and that what truly matters are not the small, everyday frustrations but the connections we make and the way we spend our days. These events deepened my sense of gratitude, shifted my priorities, and taught me to find meaning and healing through creativity.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Success is pleasant, of course, but it’s fleeting—it doesn’t change who you are at the core. Through loss and hardship, I learned resilience, perspective, and the ability to create for myself rather than for approval. I don’t measure my work by accolades or competitions; instead, I paint because it brings me healing and meaning.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m not a polished speaker, and truthfully, I’d rather be in my studio painting than standing in front of a crowd. Public speaking has never been something I trained for or felt fully comfortable with. But I make myself show up and do art demonstrations and talk about my art because I know how much it can matter. I still remember, as a child, a man visiting my classroom, with a guitar—it was a simple moment, but it inspired me to pick up the instrument later in life. That memory reminds me that sometimes just being there, even imperfectly, can inspire someone else. That’s why I do it, even though it doesn’t come naturally.
As an artist I promote myself on social media like many do and I’m hoping I don’t give the impression I’m boasting about my work, at times it feels like that but it’s how I get many of my commissions or people find out about my work. It’s necessary in today’s world. I don’t like drawing attention to myself. I let the Art speak for me and I always say “if I can do it anyone can.”
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I already think of each day I have now, as an extra day. The accident had a profound effect on me. I remember going to sleep not knowing if I would wake up the next morning. The car accident reminded me how fragile life is, and since then I’ve tried to live one day at a time. I focus on being the best version of myself, painting from the heart, and spending time in ways that truly matter. I am blessed to still be able to do what I love to do. I choose to paint fearlessly, as a way of healing and giving. Pursue the artistic “periods” that call to me, letting them unfold naturally. Let my art carry my voice into the future, long after I’m gone. Count each day as a gift, one more chance to create, to heal and inspire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alisonschuchs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuchs
- Linkedin: AlisonSchuchs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonSchuchsArtist
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aschuchs
