# Icing-Inspired Paintings Allison Schulnik's Unusual Thickly-Painted Canvases By sara Harari | Published 2009-02-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allison-schulnik References: [mikeweissgallery](http://mikeweissgallery.com) & [allisonschulnik](http://www.allisonschulnik.com/index.html) I immediately fell in love with the beautifully executed [thickly-painted canvases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorscape-installation) by Los Angeles-based artist Allison Schulnik. A Cal Arts graduate in Experimental Animation, Schulnik has surpassed painters such as Leon Kossof and Frank Auerbach in her generous use of paint with colors blended flawlessly together. Up close, her paintings are enticing, irresistible and, as Stephen Maine points out, reminiscent of cupcake icing. Stepping back further, however, the subject matter itself is nothing to be ignored. Schulnik creates a [strange and dramatic world](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anima) in which the characters are somewhat familiar yet eerily all her own. The viewer will at once become strangely attached to these characters, which are not quite human yet not quite animal. This entire sensibility is further understood in viewing the artist’s [ceramic sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handpainted-ceramic-collections) and fascinating Claymation video, which are nothing less than remarkable. Schulnik’s work has been shown in Los Angeles at Mark Moore Gallery. She has recently however, been participating in shows all over the world, including Germany, Italy, Austria, and Dubai. Her first solo show in New York was this past September at Mike Weiss Gallery, earning her a much-deserved review in Art in America. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Thickly-painted Canvases:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the art industry by creating textured and visually captivating paintings. - **Ceramic Sculptures:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the ceramics industry by pushing the boundaries of sculptural techniques and designs. - **Claymation Videos:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the animation industry by exploring new ways to create captivating stop-motion videos. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the art industry through unconventional techniques and boundary-pushing artwork. - **Ceramics:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the ceramics industry by experimenting with new materials and forms. - **Animation:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the animation industry by embracing new technologies and animation styles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Design-Centric Dynamic Artful Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artful-cake.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md) - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [Human Embraced-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallmounted-sculpture.md) - [Candy-Like Colorful Glass Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gele-series.md) - [Mesmerizing Sculpture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesmerizing-sculpture.md) - [Oil Painting-Inspired Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antonio-santn.md) - [Large Structural Ceramic Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olivia-cognet.md) - [Leftover Househouse Paint Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paint-drop.md)