Connie Schmidt

Mar 4

Connie grew up in Crystal City, Missouri with her parents and seven sisters. Her art endeavors began in childhood with drawing and painting, leading to a single art class in high school. During college years she switched from oil painting to acrylics as a creative outlet without any further art education. But a career in finance took precedence during her adult years.

During their 10 years in Crestwood and 25 years in Webster Groves, she and her husband vacationed almost exclusively in Colorado. They now spend five months of the year in Estes Park, Colorado.

After a 40-year hiatus, during retirement she returned to her love of art. Always fascinated by the beauty of watercolor paintings seen in galleries and art shows, she began her watercolor journey at workshops sponsored by Rocky Mountain Conservancy and the Art Center of Estes Park. The beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) became her inspiration. Watercolor as a new medium became her challenge and landscapes became her subject of choice.

Plein air painting, particularly in RMNP, is her favorite occupation during the summer and fall months. Along with a group of like-minded artists of all mediums, she enjoys weekly plein air sessions in and around Estes Park and RMNP. Her favorite location is Sprague Lake which provides endless compositions, changes in light and brilliant color. It has one of the most popular family trails in RMNP and as a result numerous park visitors stop to chat and watch while she paints.

She participated in plein air festivals in Boulder, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO and was juried into the Estes Valley Plein Air for three years. She continues to attend workshops throughout the year to improve her representational style.

Awards and Achievements:

Heartland Art Club Annual Members Exhibit 2023, “Cloudy Morning at Sprague” Honorable Mention

Saint Louis Watercolor Society Annual Juried Exhibition 2023. “Morning Light on the Crags” Renae Baker Memorial Award

Estes Valley Plein Air 2022, “Waiting for Moose” Mayor’s Award & Honorable Mention

Other Recent Juried Exhibits:

50th Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition, 2025

Missouri Watercolor Society International Juried & Judged Exhibition(s) 2025 & 2024

Webster Arts Art & Soul Exhibition 2025

Webster Arts Emerald Exhibition 2024

Boulder Plein Air Festival 2024 & 2022

Colorado Watercolor Society Annual State Watercolor Exhibition 2024

Estes Valley Plein Air 2024 & 2023