CANVAS JAZZ
by Jan Schrader
JAZZ INSPIRED ABSTRACT ART
MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE CANVAS
JAN SCHRADER
My approach to painting is straightforward:
I create beautiful, distinctive art that enhances its surroundings and enriches the lives of those who experience it—work the owner is proud to display.
Three primary influences shape my paintings.
The first is Mid-Century and Contemporary architecture. I’m drawn to the clean lines, originality, and spirit of nonconformity that define these styles. The second influence is Asian art, often rooted in simplicity and Zen minimalism. Its uncluttered aesthetic aligns naturally with Mid-Century design, and the harmony between the two continues to inspire me.
The third influence is jazz.
I’m a lifelong jazz fan, and it’s almost always playing while I paint. To me, abstract art is jazz on canvas. Like jazz, it’s limitless—free-form, improvisational, and open to creative riffs. A single word such as Eruption or Serendipity can spark an entire composition. I often begin with little or no sketch at all, allowing the piece to evolve organically as I work. It’s a one-man jam session. Every painting is an experiment.
Texture plays a central role in my work. I believe depth—the third dimension—is essential, because that’s how we experience life. My paintings frequently feature heavy textures layered with metallic and high-gloss paints. These reflective surfaces shift and change throughout the day as the light in a room evolves, giving the work a dynamic, almost living presence.
I’m also drawn to contrast and the unexpected. I often combine structured geometric elements with free-form, Asian-inspired gestures. These counterpoints create tension, balance, and visual interest—inviting the viewer to pause, explore, and discover something new.
I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy creating it.
"Abstract art is jazz on canvas."
- Jan Schrader
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The flaw the artist sees in their creation may be the element of beauty the viewer finds intriguing.
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Art shares an intimate insight into how the artist perceives the surrounding world and how those perceptions are processed. It can be close to reading the artist's diary.
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DISTINCTIVE ART. DESIGNED FOR REAL SPACES.
OWN THE ART
Original works and fine art prints are available for purchase—perfect for residential homes, offices, commercial spaces, and hospitality environments seeking bold, contemporary impact without gallery-only pricing.
Contact Jan Schrader today for more information.