Unable to afford the necessary painting materials as a young artist, Schluss began sketching with charcoal and cheap pencils. He gave his sketches away to anyone who showed interest in his work. His main objective was the development of his craft. During his early 20’s, Schluss and his family migrated to Montreal, Canada. In 1969, he enrolled in the renowned art school “Ecole des Beaux Arts.” Soon after, he began teaching private lessons to other students of the school. In 1971, he pursued his interests in art education at the University of Sir George Williams in Montreal where he earned his fine arts degree.
Influence from great masters such as Chagall, Miro, and Botero inspired Schluss to create his own individualized style and technique of painting. He began experimenting by painting with his hands, using no paintbrush or spatula.
“With the palm of my hands I can get a play of light that I could never achieve with a brush. I start with the abstract, and figures emerge.”
Today, Schluss paints only using his hands. Using his fingers as paintbrushes, he sculpts out images, textures and colors directly onto the canvas. It is with this unique vision that Schluss creates his whimsical and playful images.