Joseph Schott
Artist Bio
Joseph J. Schott, born February 19, 1922 in Newark, NJ, is a WWII Navy veteran, longtime Fanwood resident, and retired Bell Laboratories employee. He and his wife of 64 years, Alice “Nancy” Hart Schott, raised five children in Fanwood. A self-taught trompe l’oeil oil painter, Joe earned recognition in 1969 when he exhibited at the National Academy of Design in New York City. Joe also served on the Westfield Art Association Board of Directors.
Joe’s realistic still life works, often featuring weathered objects and Americana themes, are known for their remarkable texture and “fool-the-eye” effect. After decades away from painting, Joe returned to art during the pandemic, revisiting unfinished works and creating vibrant new mixed-media pieces filled with color and whimsy. Now 104, he continues painting daily and earned multiple honors in the Union County Senior Art Show, including first, second, and honorable mention awards in professional oils.
Artist Statement
I began painting in my mid-40s and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed creating realistic compositions. Although I took a few art classes, I mostly taught myself by studying light, texture, and detail to achieve a true “fool-the-eye” effect. I was especially inspired by Early Americana themes—weathered wood, rusted metal, old tools, and everyday objects—and by trompe l’oeil painters William Harnett and John Frederick Peto.
After many decades away from painting, I returned to my studio during the pandemic and rediscovered the joy it brings me. While I still love realism, I now experiment more freely with bright colors, whimsy, and mixed media. At 104, I continue to create my art every day because it’s extraordinarily fun to discover how ordinary things can become something meaningful, surprising, and fun for me as well as others to experience.
