Born to an artistic family in southern California, Brad Schmidt's first ar lessons came by way of his father, a full time painter. Over the years, he would be heavily influenced by some of the world's finest artists including R. Brownwell McGrew, Ray Swanson, and watercolorist Donald Teague. Brad spent his early years teaching in an international school and painting native cultures throughout Latin America. He notes, "I'm a people person, so it is just natural for me to paint them. I especially like working with children. I enjoying seeing the life through their eyes and capturing their innocence." Over the years, Brad has developed a special affinity for Native American people. "Artists have been painting Indians for hundreds of years, their history recorded by both pen and paint. American Indian tribes are being swallowed up by modern life. As such, much of what I paint is a recreation of yesterday's culture. My two favorite groups of people are the young and the old. They are generally carefree and easy to get to know, and they have what nobody else does: time. Children can laugh and play without worrying about where their next meal is coming from, or who is going to pay the bills, or who is running the world. That's a nice place to be! The elderly have time to sit and visit, watch their grandchildren play and show interest in a new doll or a strange looking bug. Both groups are generally very friendly and easy to get to know. I think God made them for each other. They both have what the other needs. And they both have what I need... a great subject!"

 brad@bradschmidtart.com