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Art medium(s): Mostly oil paint, but I also work often in charcoal, acrylic and pastels.

How do you describe your art? Greatly inspired by nature, and I hope my personal artwork brings the viewer a peaceful feeling.

Were you always interested in following a creative path? Yes. I have absolutely loved to draw and paint since I was a young child. I always knew I wanted to have a career in the creative world.

What does your “day-in-the-life” look like? I am an art teacher at Kimberly High School, and I love working with our great students and being a part of their journey. I am also an active artist, and oftentimes after my kids are in bed, I am working on my own projects or commissioned pieces.

Where do you get your creative inspiration? Many of my personal pieces are inspired by photos I have taken or moments that have inspired me.

Why do you love what you do? I love seeing students feel proud of themselves and develop confidence and know they can do more than they realize!

As an artist, I love being able to help others’ visions come to life. I often draw or paint portraits as well as pets, and I’ve enjoyed painting a number of murals in the last couple of years as well. I am discovering I love the challenge of working larger and helping create the mood of the space in a building to make it come to life with the vision of the client. I’ve done several murals in homes, and I am especially grateful for my experiences painting murals in the last couple years at Tipsy Taco and Tequila Bar.

One thing most people don’t know about being an artist, in your opinion: No matter how much you love to create, it still takes motivation and a good kick in the butt to make yourself get to work. I always find that “you just have to start” and then the creative flow begins to find itself.

Early bird or night owl? In the summer, I am definitely a night owl because it’s not as important to be up early and on the go. And even in the school year, I always tell myself “tomorrow you need to go to bed earlier, lol!” But I really want to be a true early bird—someday—up before the sun rises!

Last movie you watched or book you read: Inside Out 2 with my kids. I absolutely loved it!

Is the glass half full or half empty? Half full.

What makes you happiest: Being on a hike somewhere beautiful in the woods or near water with my husband and two kids.

Find Heather at www.heatherlynnschaefer.com and on Facebook: Heather Schaefer Art.