Judy Schrader - Biography

My husband Terry and I live in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest in rural Pennsylvania. We have two grown children; Terry Jr. and Kristi Dawn, and a grandson Hunter, of whom they are very proud.

I began painting in 1978. Oil is my favorite medium although I work with acrylic, colored pencil and mixed media.  I think that every painting is a learning experience and hopefully can grow from each one.

I have always loved to draw and credit my artistic gift to her grandfather, Ernest Albaugh. An artist most of his life, he was self-taught and enjoyed giving paintings to his family and friends. As a child I would take my drawings to my grandfather so he could help me with my work.

My favorite subjects to paint are animals. I love bringing my canvas to life through the eyes and personality of the subjects I paint. I enjoy painting wildlife, pet portraits, farm animals and country scenes. Living in the country, I have access to beautiful scenery and animals. The streams, trees, meadows, domestic and wild animals are such an inspiration for painting. I take my camera when I go for hikes in the woods; you never know what kind of animal you may see. I have paintings with clients worldwide, throughout the USA, Europe, Australia, Mexico and Canada.

My top award winnings from newest to oldest are as follows:

1. Honorable Mention in Miniature Art Society of Florida: 2016

2. 3^rd Place in the MSPGS 2015 Miniature Art show in Washington DC 

3. Miniature Art Society of Florida; 2015 Exhibition; Best Work for a First Time Entrant Award

4. Two Awards at the 2014 Kentucky National Wildlife Art Exhibit; the Merritt Deitz Memorial Award and the Vaughn Insurance Award.

5. The 2012-2013 Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Competition (1st place).

6. 2011, An Original oil painting of a Timber Rattle Snake was accepted for the cover of the JAVMA (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) for their March 1, 2011 Magazine.

7. The 2010 Henderson Area Arts Alliance Award, (one of the top 5 awards at the 2010 Kentucky National Wildlife Art Exhibit).

8. 1st Place in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s PGC’s 2006 Working Together for Wildlife Contest with “Hummingbird Hangout”, this paintings was also displayed on the cover of January’s 2007 PA Game News.

9. 2nd Place in the PGC’s 2007 Working Together for Wildlife Contest.

10. Other awards include numerous Best of Shows, First Place Awards and several Special Excellence Awards from local, regional and national shows.

My past exhibits have been in many national and regional juried and invitational shows including the Ciel Gallery's 2016 Back to the Garden Art Show in NC, 25th International Miniature Art Show at the Seaside Gallery in Nagg's Head, NC, the Snow Goose Gallery's Art of Miniature XXIV, Miniature Art Society of Florida’s 2015 Annual International Miniature Art Show, The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, DC’s 2014 International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature, the Roger Tory Peterson’s "Nature Art Festival", Jamestown, NY, “PA Waterfowl Management Art Contest”, Pymatuning, PA, "Images Regional Art Show", State College, PA, "Wilson Gallery Art Show", NJ, "HTA National Art Show", KY, the "2005 Nature Art International Member’s Show", Chesterton, IN., the Potomac Art Show in WV, the Great Lakes “Small Works” Exhibit in Ypsilanti, MI, and the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center Show in Basking Ridge, NJ, and many years in the Kentucky’s National Wildlife Art Exhibit.

One my most satisfying accomplishments was my tribute to the Fire Fighters and Police Officer of New York City after the 9-11 disaster. My painting titled “Tribute” was raffled and raised more than $3,100.00, all of which went to the New York Police and Fire Fighter’s Widow’s and Children’s Benefit Fund.