Artist Spotlight: Victoria Schandler

Artist Spotlight: Victoria Schandler

This week, we are delighted to feature Victoria Schandler, an artist whose work is inspired by the natural world and shaped by a life lived across some of the most vibrant cultural and geographic landscapes. From the forests and coastlines of Northern California to her formative years in New York City, Victoria’s art reflects both her surroundings and her ever-curious eye.

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Meet the Artist

Victoria currently lives in Sonoma County, a region of Northern California known for its redwood groves, vineyards, small farms, and dramatic coastline. “It’s such a beautiful part of the world. The colors and landscapes here continually inspire me,” she shares.

Before California, Victoria spent many years in New York City, a bold leap that became a pivotal part of her artistic journey. “Moving to NYC was exciting, the best place to immerse myself in art classes, find work, and share studio space with three other women artists,” she recalls. During her time there, she studied at the Art Students League, worked in the exhibitions department at the Museum of Modern Art, and surrounded herself daily with extraordinary works of art.

Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Victoria studied Fine Art and Studio Art and earned her teaching credential before moving to New York. She reflects warmly, “I’m thankful for all of these experiences, and for the influence of many wonderful teachers and artists.”

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Artistic Style & Inspiration

Regardless of where she has lived, Victoria’s inspiration has always been drawn from the natural world. “Winter colors change from gold and neutrals to the vivid greens that come after rain. I love the tawny summer hillsides, the inky blues of forest shadows, and the vibrant colors of flowers in full bloom.”

Gardens, in particular, captivate her. “The best gardens are bordering on wild and untended,” she explains. Working outdoors to capture ever-changing landscapes presents a challenge that excites her creativity.

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Process & Technique

When beginning a painting, Victoria often starts with quick reference drawings and watercolor studies. She takes photos, then experiments with color and composition. “I look for the big shapes and movement that keep the eye moving,” she says.

Her process is one of layering, building up color to achieve depth, light, and texture. She often mixes mediums, combining watercolor and gouache with oil pastel or colored pencil. She also enjoys revisiting the same subject across seasons or reinterpreting it with a non-traditional or limited palette.

“I love to prepare the cradleboards I paint on, sanding first, then a layer of gesso, sanding again, and repeating. The result is a silky smooth surface that’s wonderful to paint on.” While she also works on canvas and paper, well-prepared wood remains her favorite.

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Connect With Victoria

We’re thrilled to highlight Victoria as part of our Art Source roster of artists. You can explore more of her work and connect with her below:

✨ Victoria’s art celebrates both the wild beauty of the natural world and the patient process of capturing it. We are honored to feature her story in our Artist Spotlight series.

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