Bio:
Rhonda Schrage is a mixed media artist based in Jefferson City, Missouri, with roots in the wide-open fields of northwest Missouri. Growing up on a farm, she spent countless hours outdoors, developing a deep appreciation for the intricate details and hidden layers of the natural world. From the delicate veins in a dragonfly’s wings to the weathered grooves in an old tree trunk, she’s always been drawn to what lies beneath the surface — the textures, patterns, and stories quietly waiting to be noticed.
After a decade in the corporate world as a mortgage underwriter, she traded spreadsheets for paint palettes, devoting the past ten years to creating a professional art career showing in various fine art shows and galleries across the region. Over the last three years, her work has evolved into a layered abstract style, rich with texture and etched detail, echoing the complexity of nature and the layered experiences of life.
Her process mirrors the slow, intentional building of a life: each layer of paint and collage represents growth, change, and the influence of what came before. Some layers shine through; others remain hidden, yet still shape the whole. Nature’s details guide her hand, but the work ultimately explores deeper concepts of connection, spirituality, and the unseen forces that shape us. Beneath the surface, there is always more to discover.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:5
What lies beneath?
As an artist I strive to bring more to your home. I want you to have a piece of art that becomes an heirloom for your family, something that sparks a deeper connection and makes you think about what shapes who we are. Each painting or series of paintings starts with written script in the underneath layers forming a hidden foundation. These messages aren’t always meant to be fully read, but to be felt. At times, fragments peek through; other times, they’re re-etched or rewritten into the surface, becoming part of the final composition in subtle, unexpected ways.
It began as a private way to process thoughts or ideas, often influenced by scripture as I work through the layers of painting. As this process developed I began to see how it not only allowed me to ponder the meaning, but the final piece showed bits and pieces of influence from each layer, mimicking how we can be transformed ourselves when we allow these seeds to move from our minds to our hearts. Just as each layer of paint shapes the next, our lives are formed by the truths, experiences, and faith we carry deep within us. The process is rarely perfect — mistakes, smudges, and rewrites remain — yet these “imperfections” echo the beauty of being human. I began sharing these hidden sentiments while traveling for art shows and found that collectors resonated with and found a deeper connection to the paintings when they knew these hidden layers. This has become my ultimate gaol as an artist. To create something of beauty to adorn your walls that carries a deeper meaning so that when you look at your painting you are uplifted, encouraged, hopeful & reminded of your own powerful journey. Each painting 16x20 and larger comes with a certificate of authentication that includes the hidden script beneath.
