Magnolia Tree: UW Arboretum by Emily Marie Schroeder

22x30” (framed to 24x30”) Watercolors by Emily Marie Schroeder

Artist Statement:

As a University of Wisconsin Graduate and a Wisconsin-born artist, my art celebrates the beauty of our state. In my most recent work, I explore beloved places around Madison, WI including Olbrich Gardens, Cherokee Marsh, and the UW Arboretum. 

One of the reasons why I enjoy painting pictures taken around Madison is because I am also a local watercolor instructor.  Before beginning my career as a full-time artist, I was a Bilingual Elementary teacher for the Madison School District for 6 years and a teacher in Guadalajara, Mexico for 4 years.  My true passion as an artist is in teaching others the beauty of watercolors.  I turned to watercolors as an adult as a suggestion from my therapist.  It became a way for me to cope with my anxiety and depression. 

Over the past 3 years, I have taught hundreds of beginners to watercolors: many of whom fall in love with the medium and continue to explore it outside of my classes.  Painting from reference photos from around Madison helps my students to see that they can find inspiration all around them.

My watercolor paintings celebrate our wonderful place in this world.  They invite others to see the beauty of our state parks, natural areas, and botanical gardens.  And I hope they will inspire a future generation of watercolor artists to pick up their paint brushes and paint whatever it is that they love.