Alma Shrum’s fond memories of her childhood years growing up on a Missouri farm were the source of inspiration for In the Barn. When she looked at the finished piece for the very first time she thought, "I could not believe I could do this good." Art has always been important to members of her family. An aunt, who is also a painter, introduced Shrum to painting and motivated her to develop her skills.

A mostly self-taught painter, who could not devote all of her time to this activity because of family responsibilities, Shrum now dedicates her retirement years entirely to painting. Upon moving to Florida in 1989, she enjoyed playing golf in her leisure time. But when she had to give up this activity, Shrum fully immersed herself in painting, which now she considers her favorite pastime. In her own space at home, she enjoys painting almost any type of subject, birds being her personal favorite.

Shrum finds in painting not only a creative way to express herself but also an activity that fulfills her life. "My life would be too boring without it. I cannot imagine it without painting."

[artist biography by Ximena Cisneros; artist photograph by Alice Ong]
Alma Shrum
In the Barn, 1998, acrylic on canvas