It's one of the classic signs of spring: a turtle emerging from the dried winter leaves to bask in the warm sunlight. As the snow starts to melt and grasses poke out of the undergrowth, the turtles climb out of hibernation to start their yearly journey across America's highways. Where they're going, no one seems to know; but this one seems to have taken a break to enjoy the light breeze on its face.

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This piece by photographer Kelli Lowe is the first of Lowe's pieces to be featured in the Schmidt Fine Art Gallery. This charming photograph features an American box turtle peeking out of its shell with what appears to be an unmistakable smile on its face. The dead leaves in the shadows serve as a reminder of the cold winter months, while the bright green grasses offer the hope and optimism of spring. As the sunlight reflects off the turtle's shell, the viewer is invited to consider the promise of spring and what it means for the animals who just spent months in hibernation.


If you grew up in a small town, you probably saw countless scenes just like these. But for those of us who grew up in the city, or lived in a small town but never took the time to notice the wildlife, Kelli Lowe's photography opens a whole new world of fascination. When you view this photo, you can practically hear the rustling of grasses and feel the sun shining on your face. It's sweet, subtle, and quietly moving--exactly the kind of work that we're proud to display at the Schmidt Fine Art Gallery.

Growing up in rural Missouri, Kelli Lowe was raised to have a unique appreciation for the nature and wildlife around her. She started practicing photography at a young age, snapping pictures of the trees and animals she saw in the small town of Cassville. Her parents frequently took her on long car drives, where she and her brother gazed in amazement at the landmarks and landscapes that dotted the American Midwest. As she grew older, she developed a fascination for cars and eventually became a truck driver. The landscapes that she's seen on her travels continue to inspire her photography, which typically features rural America as a subject.

In her line of work, Lowe has traveled across the country and seen a multitude of states, including California, Texas, Maine, and Colorado. While she's photographed buildings and architecture, Lowe finds herself drawn toward natural landscapes. Her work typically focuses on fields of flowers, summery beaches, brightly colored sunsets, glittering lakes, and miles of grassy farmland. As a truck driver, she's seen just about every different landscape and environment in the country, although she still plans to travel to major parks like Sequoia National Park. Her travels have given her a unique appreciation for nature that shines in every photograph that she takes.

Like the best photographers, Lowe's pieces capture a perfect moment in time: a bright red leaf quivering on a branch, or a turtle smiling to itself as it enjoys the afternoon sunlight. In her own words, Lowe's goal is to help people see everyday life from a new perspective, whether it's viewing nature from another angle or seeing something that they otherwise would've missed. Few people would notice the expression of a happy turtle in the springtime. But Lowe's has preserved this moment forever--and now you can own it to enjoy in your own home or office.

This might be Lowe's first piece in our gallery, but it certainly won't be the last. At Schmidt Fine Art Gallery, we're looking forward to hosting a full gallery of her work in the future. From towering buildings to impressive bridges, grassy mountains to flower-covered hillsides, shimmering lakes to breathtaking sunsets, Lowe's work encompasses all the natural beauty that the United States has to offer. And she's not done yet! She plans to travel all across the country and photograph all the natural beauty that she can find, making her portfolio an impressive window into a variety of landscapes. We're proud to host her work, and can't wait to see what she offers in the future.

Lowe's might have a rich body of work, but at the Schmidt Art Gallery, we're just getting started. We were founded in March 2020 by Kurt Schmidt, an IT professional-turned-woodworker who wanted a place to share his love of photography with other like-minded enthusiasts. The gallery is open to photographers of all skill levels, from experts in their field to beginners who just bought their first camera. The Schmidt Art Gallery is funded for artists, by artists. It's here to give artists like Kelli Lowe a platform--and if you'd like to support her works, buying a piece from her is the perfect way to fund her passion.

Schmidt Fine Art Gallery is proud to offer a handpicked selection of works from the best artists and photographers in Texas. And when you buy art from us, we're committed to helping you get the best experience possible. For that reason, this piece and others are able to be customized in our online customization shop. "Not a Spring Chicken? Spring Turtle" is available in a wide range of products, including calendars, wallets, mouse pads, mugs, key chains, iPhone cases, and more. We also offer traditional prints on a wide range of papers, with a selection of professional frames to complete the look. Whether you're trying to spruce up your office, decorate your living room, or find the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life, this piece is so fun and versatile that it's sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

If you'd like to own a piece of Lowe's oeuvre, simply click the purchase button to add this piece to your cart. And don't be afraid to haggle! Unlike other fine art websites, which force you into a single price point, we're happy to accept offers on the price. We also offer free shipping on basic 9 x 12 framed art prints.

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