PATRICIA SCHAPPLER
Patricia Schappler is a narrative painter and draftsman whose work explores the language of the body, imbued with intimate cultural and personal storytelling. Inspired by the interplay of pattern, form, and proximity, she draws on biblical, mythical, and personal narratives to create portraits that feel both universally resonant and deeply familiar—a bridge between distant lands and the comforts of home.
Her creative process is as rich as it is varied. Schappler works across mediums—oils, pastels, graphite, and collage—using each to layer texture, emotion, and symbolism. Her paintings often feature figures robed in protective garments reminiscent of the home’s many comforting textiles; these choices symbolize both a covering and an offering, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexity of human connection and the beauty found in everyday ritual.
Educated with a BFA from the University of New Hampshire and an MFA from Brooklyn College, she now shares her expertise as a figure drawing instructor at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. Her formal training is evident in the precision and narrative depth of her work, which has earned her national and regional recognition. Beyond technique, her art is a profound exploration of relationships, identity, and the subtle communication inherent in body language—elements that speak to both personal and shared human experiences.
Schappler’s work not only captures a moment in time but also invites us into a layered conversation about love, growth, and the human condition. Whether through the vivid emotions of an oil painting or the delicate interplay of light and shadow in a graphite collage, her art is a continuous dialogue between the seen and unseen. Her unique vision encourages us to look deeper at the stories told by the human form and find meaning in every gesture.
With her innovative blending of media and narrative, you might also consider exploring how such artistic expressions impact your own creative journey. Perhaps you'd be intrigued by the ways in which her myth-infused symbolism resonates with broader cultural themes, or by how contemporary narrative artists are redefining the portrait genre.
Patricia Schappler’s work is characterized by a dynamic fusion of traditional techniques and innovative, mixed-media approaches that create deep narrative layers within her art. Here are some of the key techniques she employs:
Graphite and Collage Combination: Schappler often begins with detailed graphite drawings, laying a precise structural foundation for her portraits and figures. She then integrates collage elements—sometimes on specialized surfaces like Stonehenge paper—to introduce texture and complexity. This juxtaposition of fine, crudely drawn lines with the organic, unexpected qualities of collage adds a palpable depth and a sense of layering that mirrors the emotional and narrative intricacies of her subjects.
Pastel Layering: Working with pastels, she uses a nuanced approach where robust base colors (such as those from Nupastels and Rembrants) are laid down initially. She then builds on these with softer accents from brands like Unison, Sennelier, and Schmincke. This technique creates vibrant, luminous surfaces that capture the emotional intensity and delicate interactions in her work, particularly in capturing the subtle interplay of light and texture in her subjects.
Oil Painting Techniques: In her oil paintings, there’s a harmonious balance between realism and expressive abstraction. Schappler’s brushwork is often gestural, allowing her to layer color and form in a way that both delineates and softens the human figure. Her use of oil paints not only emphasizes the tactile quality of the medium but also lends an almost ethereal quality to the narrative, bridging the gap between literal observation and imaginative interpretation.
Narrative Symbolism and Pattern: Beyond the choice of mediums, a significant element of her technique is the deliberate use of symbolism. Whether it's the depiction of protective garments reminiscent of cultural textiles or the infusion of biblical, mythological, and personal storytelling, Schappler’s work is infused with layers of meaning. The patterns, textures, and overlapping materials work together to invite viewers into a dialogue about identity, memory, and connection.
By blending these techniques—precise drawing, layered collage, vibrant pastels, and richly expressive oil painting—Schappler creates a body of work that is both aesthetically intriguing and deeply evocative in its narrative scope. Each element of her technique is chosen to echo the themes of intimacy, memory, and the complexity of human relationships.
There’s a lot more to explore about how her techniques have evolved over her career. For instance, her evolving use of mixed media continues to challenge the boundaries between drawing and painting, inviting further discussion on how narrative art reshapes our understanding of the human form and its stories.
