TAC Member Highlight: Rosanne Schaefer
- TAC Gallery
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Rosanne Schaefer has always felt that art was her calling. She built a successful career as a painter more than 20 years ago, then stepped away from the studio to raise her children. That pause wasn’t an end but a season of growth. Motherhood gave her new perspective, deeper stories to tell, and layers of meaning that now infuse her work. Returning to painting felt like coming home—only this time with more purpose and clarity.
“My journey has been shaped by balancing family, business, and creativity—and I believe those layers add richness to my work today,” she reflects.
Inspiration often begins with a spark: a memory, a place she’s traveled, or even a shift in mood. Working primarily in oils, with touches of acrylic, she thrives on experimentation—testing unusual palettes, exploring bold brushwork, and embracing the “happy accidents” that bring a painting to life. Some works stand alone, while others unfold into series, each one shaped by her openness to surprise.
Her style blends realism with expression, always aiming to capture not just how something looks, but how it feels. Early in her career, she focused on precision and control, but over time she let go of perfection in favor of storytelling and symbolism. “I like to think of my paintings as living narratives, not static images,” she says. Playful subjects and dreamlike touches often weave their way into her canvases, reminding viewers to look beyond the surface.
Raised in Tulsa, Schaefer is deeply rooted in her hometown. She credits the city’s balance of urban life and natural beauty, along with its strong sense of community, for shaping her practice. Travel continues to inspire her as well, offering fresh colors, cultures, and ideas that find their way into her work.
When motivation wanes, she leans on discipline. “Showing up, brush in hand, is just as important as inspiration,” she explains. That balance of curiosity and commitment sustains her art.
Schaefer also finds joy in sharing what she’s learned. Teaching workshops—such as her upcoming session, The Perfect Portrait Palette: Mixing Skin Tones with Confidence at Tulsa Living Arts—has sharpened her own skills and reminded her to stay curious. “Students bring fresh eyes, and that energy feeds my own practice,” she says.
The months ahead are full of creative momentum. She’s developing three new collections: Cocktail Muse, celebrating moments of joy; Moments with Paws, a playful animal series; and Brushstrokes of the Brave, honoring first responders. On October 4, her work will be featured at Art in the Square at Utica Square. She also connects with collectors nationwide through her monthly print club, available at www.RedheadArts.com.
Looking back, Schaefer sees her path as one shaped by family, creativity, and community—all woven together into a practice that continues to evolve. Today, her paintings are more than images. They are stories, invitations to pause and reflect, and reminders of the beauty found in both everyday life and imagination.
Follow Rosanne Schaefer:
Website: redheadarts.com
Instagram: @rosanneschaefer
Patreon: @RosanneSchaefer
TikTok: @rosanneschaefer
LinkedIn: @rosanne-schaefer
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