Sandra J. Schultz: Capturing Wildlife with Heart, Soul, and Sierra Art Panels

At the crossroads of science and art stands Sandra J. Schultz, a self-taught wildlife artist whose stunning oil paintings bring the untamed world to life with profound sensitivity and technical mastery. A retired wildlife biologist turned fine artist, Sandra blends a deep understanding of animal behavior and anatomy with an emotional resonance that speaks directly to the viewer.

Her work is more than beautiful—it’s intimate, soulful, and deeply rooted in the wild. Each piece reflects decades of field observation and a profound reverence for nature’s creatures, from majestic elk and rare white bison to lesser-known species like the Knabstrupper horse and the elusive rusty spotted cat.

A Lifetime with Wildlife, Now on Canvas

Sandra’s creative journey began in the early 1990s, exploring pencil, ink, sculpture, and watercolor before she found her true voice in oil painting. Her subject matter is almost exclusively animals, which she paints with a goal not just to depict their form, but to express their spirit. Atmospheric backgrounds and rich color palettes further enhance the immersive quality of her compositions.

Notable works include:

• “Mountain Elk” – a 36x24" oil painting that captures the noble stance of elk in the high country.

• “Little White Dove” – an 18x15" portrait of a rare white bison, filled with tranquility and quiet power.

• “Of Earth and Sky” – featuring the dappled coat of a Knabstrupper horse in a windswept setting.

• “Rusty Spotted Cat” – a 17.5x17.5" oil piece that explores this tiny, elusive feline with breathtaking delicacy.

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Ambassador for Sierra Art Panels

Sandra J. Schultz is also a proud ambassador for Sierra Art Panels, professional-grade painting surfaces handcrafted by artist Tom Applegate. Known for their superior craftsmanship, Sierra Art Panels offer an archival, warp-resistant foundation for oil, acrylic, and mixed media. Sandra chooses these panels for their smooth painting surface and exceptional stability, allowing her to focus on detail and layering without distraction.

“Working on Sierra Art Panels elevates my process,” Sandra shares. “The surface responds beautifully to oils and allows me to push my work further, especially when building depth and atmosphere.”

As an ambassador, Sandra not only uses Sierra Art Panels in her own practice but actively shares them with fellow artists, collectors, and students who care about quality materials and long-lasting work.

Available Work and Collaborations

Sandra's paintings are featured on Tom Applegate Art, where she collaborates with Tom Applegate as a guest artist. She also accepts commissions and select collaborations, bringing custom wildlife artwork into private collections.

To explore more of her work or inquire about originals, visit her full portfolio at www.sandrajschultz.com.

Why Sandra’s Work Matters

In a time when our relationship with the natural world is more important than ever, Sandra J. Schultz’s art is a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose—and what we must protect. Her paintings aren’t just wildlife portraits. They are quiet calls to care, to look closer, and to appreciate the wild beauty still thriving all around us.