Daily Inspiration: Meet Anna Schuster

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Schuster.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I didn’t realize how long I had been doing this until I started reflecting on where I started. In 2018, circumstances led me to be a single parent of a then 6-year-old. I quickly realized that when my kiddo went to bed at night, I couldn’t leave my house and I was getting incredibly restless. I started dabbling in different crafts and art projects that would positively occupy my time. We live in such a beautiful area, how could I not have been (and still very much am) inspired by the nature around me?

So, I started mocking up many different designs for geometric, colorful, Coloradocentric mountains – the kind I’d want to have on my walls. My cousin came to visit one day, and he looked through this large pile of mountain paintings I had been working on. He picked one up and stated that out of all the different art he’s seen me do over the years, he thought that I had something special with these. That gave me the confidence I needed to make more – and he still has that very first painting up in his house.

My daughter is who inspired me to start making the animals, as she kept begging me to try this one or that one – and I wanted them to vibe with the mountains which is why I keep everything I make geometric. As the paintings were quickly accumulating, I bought a tent and signed up for a booth at the Erie Block party to shoot my shot. To my surprise, I almost sold out on my first night there! It was an amazing feeling to see that I wasn’t just making something I liked, I was making paintings that other people wanted to hang in their space too.

That was the springboard I needed for taking more chances and signing up for different art shows in the greater Denver area. I work from home for my day job, which I do love, but I don’t get a chance to interact live with others during that time. I truly appreciate that my art gives me a chance to meet and interact with unique people. It’s very energizing and I value the inspiration they bring me. 5 years later now, I paint almost every night, and haven’t lost an ounce of passion for it, or what it gives me back in return.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been too rocky. I’d say if anything it’s been fun and a whole heap of trial and error! From logistically how to be a small business owner, to purchasing supplies, signing up for events promptly, social media, to booth set up. I think the biggest obstacle I faced… was booth setup.

How do I display all these cool paintings I made in a 10X10 space, and fit that all in my vehicle – and carry it to and from the locations with just me and my kid?! After many rearrangements, I finally was able to create a unique space that could hold all the pieces and display my art in a way that was true to me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make geometric, Coloradocentric (mostly) nature paintings on wood. I get inspired by the beautiful place we live in, and you can often find me painting in the local parks on a nice day for that very reason. I’m most proud of how much joy the whole process brings me. I love painting and creating. I love being a part of the Larimer County Farmers’ Market and other local events.

I love teaching my daughter the ins and outs of a business. I love meeting the other vendors and hearing their stories. Most of all I love talking to the people who stop by my booth – especially when they show me pictures of where they hung up their paintings in their homes or cabins! It’s a great feeling knowing something I created played a part in making someone’s space feel unique and cozy.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about Fort Collins is the small town in a big(ish) town feel, and there’s so much to see and feel inspired by, always.

I never get sick of the views at Horsetooth (where I spend a lot of time painting), going camping at Red Feather Lakes, spending time in Old Town where there are so many fun events – like first Fridays, and being close enough to take day trips to Denver whenever we feel.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Annabop_art