Hello and welcome to my corner of the world!

I'm Sandra J Schultz, the artist behind Talking Sky Wildlife Art Gallery. For as long as I can remember, nature has been my sanctuary.  A place where I feel deeply connected to something larger than myself. The wind through the trees, the birdsong in the early morning, and the quiet, graceful movement of wildlife are what inspire my art.

There’s something incredibly powerful about capturing the essence of animals and the natural world.  Something that can’t always be expressed in words. When I’m painting, I feel that connection with nature more strongly than ever.  Each piece reflects not just what I see, but how I feel when I observe the beauty of the world around me. It’s this deep emotional connection to nature that drives me to paint.

Through my art, I aim to invite others to experience the same awe and wonder I do when I encounter the wild. There’s a sense of peace in witnessing an animal in its natural environment, and I try to convey that sense of peace in my work. I want my paintings to be more than just pictures; I want them to evoke a feeling, a moment in time that stays with you long after you’ve walked away.

I’m fortunate to live in a place surrounded by beauty (the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains)  and spend the summers at our cabin in rolling hills near Lake Mildred in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  Both offer some of the most stunning views and wildlife in the country. Every day, I’m inspired by the creatures I see: everything from the wolves I’m currently painting to the quiet loons that call the lake home.

Through my art, I hope to share this world with you. My goal isn’t just to sell paintings but to connect with people who share a love for wildlife and the natural world. My gallery is not just a place to buy ar, it’s a place to come together, to appreciate nature, and to experience the wild in a whole new way.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me and my work. I look forward to sharing more stories, paintings, and connections with all of you.

Sandra

2025. What a number! It's hard to believe how much time has passed. I remember looking ahead to 1972 - the year I graduated high school in a town of just about 300 people. Right after graduation, I set off for Madison, Wisconsin to start a job, and didn't return to school until 1980. So much has happened since then.

Through the years, I've seen both change and continuity, especially in my art. In my younger days, I didn't believe I was a good artist, so I let it go. Then, in the mid 1990s, I picked up a pencil and started drawing again. My meticulous nit-picky tenancies led me to another hiatus, but in 2013, I found my way back through watercolor.

Without ever attending a workshop or formal class, I studied relentlessly. My journey expanded into oils, leading me down many artistic rabbit holes. But ultimately, I've returned to what feels most natural: painting in a way that is true to me. No more "YouTube University." No more chasing techniques that don't resonate.

Looking back at my earliest work, I see the essence of who I've always been. My love for wildlife remains as strong as ever. They are my first friends. My preference for minimal distraction in my compositions still holds. And my commitment to painting from the heart  is unwavering.

So, as I step into 2025, I make a promise to myself: to let the noise fade and fully embrace my own creative voice. I will resist the urge to conform to external expectations and trust in my own artistic instincts.

Here's to a year of authenticity, inspiration, and painting from the soul.

Sandra