A Louisiana artist known for her passion for outdoor painting is celebrating both a major artistic achievement and the recovery of one of her most treasured works after it was stolen from an exhibition venue. Despite a year filled with awards, travel challenges, and unexpected setbacks, painter Sarah Schmidt remains focused on creating art inspired by nature and the landscapes she loves.
Artist Finds Inspiration in Plein Air Painting
Sarah Schmidt has built her artistic career around plein air painting, a style that requires artists to create their work entirely outdoors.
Unlike studio painting, plein air artists must work quickly while dealing with constantly changing light, weather conditions, and natural surroundings. Schmidt typically uses a limited four-colour oil palette, challenging herself to capture the essence of a scene within a short window of time.
She says the process allows her to connect deeply with nature and experience each landscape in a unique way.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged her to spend more time outdoors in 2020, Schmidt has completed dozens of sketches and paintings across Louisiana and beyond.
Ambitious Project Focused on New Orleans Landmark
One of Schmidt’s most significant projects began in 2024 when she set out to paint the famous Dueling Oaks in New Orleans City Park near the New Orleans Museum of Art.
The historic oak trees have long been considered one of the city’s most recognisable natural landmarks.
According to Schmidt, she wanted to capture the emotional feeling she experiences while standing beneath a large oak tree. She described the experience as grounding, comforting, and deeply inspiring.
To properly represent the iconic location, Schmidt chose an unusually large surface for the painting: an 80-by-30-inch door.
The project required nearly a year of work and countless days painting outdoors before it was finally completed in March.
Painting Stolen After Delivery to Exhibition
After completing the artwork, Schmidt prepared to showcase it at the Creative Industries Assembly Exhibition, a major art event held at the historic Ford Plant in Old Arabi.
The exhibition features thousands of square feet of artwork from artists across the region.
However, the excitement surrounding the project quickly turned into heartbreak.
According to Schmidt, the painting was stolen on the very day she delivered it to the exhibition venue.
The artwork, titled “Dueling Oak New Orleans City Park,” carried a price tag of $7,500. Yet Schmidt said the emotional loss was far greater than its monetary value.
She described feeling as though she was searching for a missing family member after learning the painting had disappeared.
Community Helps Recover Missing Artwork
News of the theft quickly spread throughout the local community.
Law enforcement officers, media organisations, and thousands of social media users shared information about the missing artwork in an effort to locate it.
The widespread attention generated strong public interest and support for Schmidt.
Just two days after the theft, the painting was discovered outside the same gate where it had been taken.
Most importantly, the artwork was returned undamaged.
Authorities later arrested two individuals in connection with the theft.
Schmidt expressed gratitude to everyone who helped bring attention to the case and praised law enforcement officers for their efforts to recover the painting.
Roller-Coaster Year for the Louisiana Artist
The theft occurred during a period that Schmidt describes as both rewarding and challenging.
Shortly before the painting disappeared, she attended the Teche Plein Air event in New Iberia, where she earned two of the competition’s highest honours: Best in Show and Artist Choice.
The awards represented a major professional achievement and recognition from fellow artists.
However, the celebrations were short-lived.
While travelling to another event in Florida, Schmidt’s vehicle broke down in Mobile, Alabama. The repair expenses forced her to use much of her recent prize money to pay for towing services and a rental vehicle.
The challenges continued when she received a speeding ticket while trying to reach a painting event in Apalachicola, Florida.
Despite the setbacks, Schmidt continued travelling, painting, and participating in events across the region.
Recognition From Fellow Artists and State Leaders
Schmidt’s work has gained recognition at festivals and exhibitions throughout the United States.
In addition to winning Artist Choice awards in Pennsylvania and Louisiana, she recently received a commendation from the Louisiana House of Representatives.
She says recognition from fellow artists means the most because it comes from people who understand the challenges and dedication required to succeed in the profession.
For Schmidt, those acknowledgements provide motivation to continue developing her skills and exploring new creative directions.
Painting as a Form of Meditation
Beyond professional success, Schmidt views painting as a deeply personal and spiritual practice.
As a licensed yoga instructor, she often compares painting outdoors to the mindfulness and focus required in yoga.
She believes both activities create a strong connection between the mind and body while encouraging awareness of the present moment.
According to Schmidt, nature constantly provides new discoveries, making every painting session a learning experience.
This connection is one reason she prefers outdoor painting to working exclusively inside a studio.
Sharing Louisiana’s Beauty Through Art
Much of Schmidt’s work is inspired by Louisiana’s landscapes, waterways, historic trees, and natural scenery.
Although she has painted in states such as Wyoming, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, and Texas, she remains passionate about showcasing the beauty of her home region.
She frequently organises local painting events known as Paint the Parish days, encouraging other artists to visit and paint scenes throughout St. Bernard Parish.
Through these efforts, she hopes more people will discover the unique beauty that exists throughout southeast Louisiana.
