Hi, I’m Shanna!
With over 5 years experience in teaching online art classes, 20 years teaching art workshops around the world, and 30 years painting as a full time artist, I am excited to share this new journey in helping you find your unique voice and personal artistic growth in a mindful and intentional approach.
My artistic journey began at the age of 29 when I fell in love with watercolor. I pursued formal studies at Utah State University, had mentorship under Adrian Van Suchtelen and Chris Terry. Through my exploration of art history, particularly the Tonalist movement, I shaped my individual voice emphasizing mood and atmosphere over detailed realism. I am a full time working artist, with over 8 galleries and in 2026 I was invited to join Plein Air Painters of America.
Featured Articles
Southwest Art Magazine Feature, April/May 2026
Modern Impressionist Magazine, July 2025
Plein Air Magazine, October/November 2024
Plein Air Magazine, Dynamic Symmetry, August/Sept. 2024
Plein Air Magazine, Feature Article, March 2023
Carl Olson Artful Painter Podcast, 2021
Art Of The West, Feature March, 2020
Western Art Collector, two features July 2019
Southwest Art Magazine, Feature article Feb. 2018
Western Art & Architecture, Ones to Watch Oct/Nov 2017
Select Awards & Exhibitions
Plein Air Painters of America 2026
Oil Painters of America Western Regional, 2025
American Tonalist Society, Ballards Fine Art, 2025
American Tonalist Society, Salmagundi Club, 2023
Catalina Island Conservancy Wild Side Exhibit and Sale, 2021, 2022
Oil Painters Of America, National Exhibition, Wildhorse Gallery 2022
Oil Painters Of America, Western Invitational, Illume Gallery 2020
Paint with Intention, Heal with your Canvas, and Deepen your Connection.
“I can't thank you enough for making your art instruction so accessible and affordable. You are helping make my long-delayed dream come true.”
“I can't thank you enough for making your art instruction so accessible and affordable. You are helping make my long-delayed dream come true.”
“Like so many people, I dreamed of painting my whole life and finally made the leap after retirement. I never imagined doing much more than playing with paints. But after attending your three-day workshop, I am inspired to shoot for the stars! Your patience and encouragement combined with the skillful ways you explained how to compose, determine values, mix colors, create perspective and build confidence has been a game changer for me. My friends and family all declare my work is better. Supported by your on-line demos and lessons, I continue to learn and improve. I am so looking forward to attending your October workshop and taking my painting to yet another level.”
“Like so many people, I dreamed of painting my whole life and finally made the leap after retirement. I never imagined doing much more than playing with paints. But after attending your three-day workshop, I am inspired to shoot for the stars! Your patience and encouragement combined with the skillful ways you explained how to compose, determine values, mix colors, create perspective and build confidence has been a game changer for me. My friends and family all declare my work is better. Supported by your on-line demos and lessons, I continue to learn and improve. I am so looking forward to attending your October workshop and taking my painting to yet another level.”
Peggy Sechrist
Peggy Sechrist
“I originally planed to absorb her content in only one month - which I did. But I admire her paintings and her demonstrations are so instructive that I’m a lifer!”
“I originally planed to absorb her content in only one month - which I did. But I admire her paintings and her demonstrations are so instructive that I’m a lifer!”
”Shanna Kunz as a terrific teacher! She breaks down the magic of painting into easy steps I can apply to my own paintings. She explains her color palette, her choices of grounds, demonstrates how to prepare different colors of the same value and introduces new tools that enhance our paintings.”
”Shanna Kunz as a terrific teacher! She breaks down the magic of painting into easy steps I can apply to my own paintings. She explains her color palette, her choices of grounds, demonstrates how to prepare different colors of the same value and introduces new tools that enhance our paintings.”
Leslie Wagstaff
Leslie Wagstaff
Shanna Kunz is a fabulous teacher with a talent, passion, and enthusiasm for teaching landscape painting.
“Shanna Kunz is a fabulous teacher with a talent, passion, and enthusiasm for teaching landscape painting.”
“Her knowledge of light, color, and creating strong compositions is invaluable for anyone looking to become a better landscape painter.
She breaks down the painting process into clear, simple steps and encourages her students to find their own artistic style, which is something not all teachers do. If you have the opportunity to take one of her classes, I highly recommend it. She is one of the best teachers around, in my opinion, and a quality artist. Her paintings are beautiful.”
Steve Mclean
Steve Mclean
