Jules Schurer

Jules Schurer is a fine artist based in Columbia, South Carolina, whose work explores the natural world through traditional oil painting. Specializing in landscapes and wildlife, he draws inspiration from the rural countryside, waterways, and diverse ecosystems of the places he has lived. His paintings reflect a fascination with impressionistic values and the relationship between light, atmosphere, and the character of a place.

With a background in, engineering, graphic design and traditional atelier training, Jules has developed a strong appreciation for draftsmanship, composition, and painting from observation. Much of his work begins outdoors, where he paints directly from life, studying the subtle relationships of color, value, and light. His plein air experiences often serve as the foundation for larger studio paintings, allowing him to explore a subject more deeply while retaining the immediacy of the original observations.

Jules is an active participant in South Carolina's arts community. His work has been exhibited at the South Carolina State Fair, and he has received third-place recognition in an ArtFields plein air competition. He has also participated in, the Cotton town art crawl, Open Studio tours, and South Carolina's Ag + Art Tours, creating paintings that celebrate the state's agricultural landscapes and the people who care for them.

Beyond his individual practice, Jules is involved in local drawing and painting groups, believing that artistic growth comes through continuous study, experimentation, and engagement with other artists.

Through his work, he hopes to encourage viewers to look more closely at the natural world around them and discover the stories, beauty, and quiet moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

I have had no formal education, however I have been very purposeful in my approach. I pursued structured atelier training through Watts Atelier of the Arts, studying foundational drawing, anatomy, figure drawing, portraiture, composition, and traditional drawing techniques. This training helped establish a strong foundation in observation, draftsmanship, and the fundamentals of representational art.

I have continued developing my painting skills through other means, I have studied with Marc Anderson, Patrick Okrasinski, and most recently Daniel Keys, all of which have influenced me greatly!

Alongside my "formal instruction", a significant part of my education comes from independent study, master copies, regular plein air painting, tons of reading, and working directly from life. I believe that artistic education is a lifelong pursuit, and I continue to dedicate a substantial portion of my practice to studying and refining my craft.

My artistic influences come primarily from the great landscape and representational painters of the past. Artists such as John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, Isaac Levitan, Richard Schmidt ( a big one ), and all of the impressionists have had a significant influence on how I approach painting, in particular their command of brushwork, color, atmosphere, light, and the natural world.

John F. Carlson has also been particularly influential in how I think about landscape painting, encouraging me to look beyond simply reproducing what I see and instead consider the underlying structure, harmony, and relationships within nature.

3rd place in the Winsboorow Artist Guild
3rd place in the Art fields Plein Air Competition

I spent my early childhood in Colorado before moving to Washington State around middle school, which is where I first developed my passion for art. Having lived in different parts of the country, I've grown to appreciate the unique landscapes, people, and cultures that make each place special.

I have called Columbia, South Carolina, home since 2023, and much of my time here has been spent exploring the surrounding countryside, state parks, rivers, and small towns in search of interesting places to paint. I love hiking, traveling, and spending time outdoors, especially when it leads me somewhere new.

Outside of painting, I have a strong interest in design, craftsmanship, and creative projects that challenge me to learn new skills and explore different ways of making things. I also love meeting new people and experiencing the traditions, perspectives, and everyday details that make different communities and cultures unique. I believe there's always something to learn from the people we meet and the places we visit, and that curiosity has become an important part of both my life and my artistic journey.

I'm a young, free-spirited artist who is always eager to learn, explore, and try new things. My hope is to grow alongside the gallery, I hope to continue to develop both as an artist and as a professional while contributing to a creative and welcoming community.

I hope to introduce my work to new audiences, connect with collectors, and establish a stronger presence within the regional arts community. I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to exhibit alongside other artists, exchange ideas, learn from their experiences, and participate in gallery events and exhibitions.

As I continue developing my body of work, I would love for the gallery to become a place where visitors can follow my artistic journey and discover new paintings inspired by the landscapes and wildlife.

I'm also very interested in sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for art through teaching. I would love the opportunity to offer classes or workshops in Gelli printing, oil painting, and plein air painting. I enjoy connecting with people through art, and I believe teaching can be just as much a learning experience for the instructor as it is for the students.

Ultimately, I hope to build lasting relationships with fellow artists, collectors, and visitors while making a meaningful contribution to the gallery's growth and success. More than anything, I'm excited to be part of a community where we can inspire, support, and learn from one another.