From these deities, or “archangels” all humans are descended and from which all personalities are born.
Schmidtling said that throughout history there have been myths that have described how people develop specific personalities. His drawings are based on this foundation of ancient explanations.
Schmidtling graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with an art degree, however he never had to complete a final project. He went directly from art school into music and then received a degree in geology specializing in paleontology.
This mix of art and science has served the artist well.
“I think you always use both sides of [your brain],” he said. “People have told me that my art has a logical point of view.”
It has also made him view science with a more creative eye. Schmidtling incorporates his music and art into science projects and vice versa.
Although the exhibit is the end of this art project, Schmidtling continues to create portraits.
“My first commission as a figure painter was of someone who was a breast cancer survivor,” he said.
The painting turned out well not only as a piece of art but also as a celebration of life.
“Everybody finds times when they are down or [feel beaten],” he said. “They may have a self image that may not be true.”
Schmidtling said that painting a portrait in this deity form goes beyond what a camera can see and delves into the true personality of the model.
“It is a way to reinvigorate them,” he said. “And who wouldn’t want to be painted as a goddess?”
The Coffee Gallery is located at 2029 N. Lake Ave., Altadena.
