Born in Buffalo, New York, Susan began painting at age 12, continued her studies at Nazareth College of Rochester and earned a degree in art and design from Rochester Institute of Technology. She began her career in Colorado before moving to Alaska and now divides her painting time between Anchorage, Alaska and Fort Myers, Florida.
Her work has been exhibited in galleries, included in numerous national and regional juried exhibitions and can be found in private and corporate collections across the United States and abroad. Susan is a signature member of Oil Painters of America and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society and an associate member of the Portrait Society of America.. Studies include workshops with Sherrie McGraw, Stephen Assael, Robert Liberace, and Derek Penix as well as a mentorship with Thomas Kitts.
Through contributions of her artwork and time, Susan has supported many community service and arts organizations. In 2006, she was honored as the featured artist at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art Gala.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I received a wooden paint box, oils and bristle brushes for Christmas when I was thirteen and have loved the smell, feel and rich pigment of oils ever since. One painting leads to another and I continue to be motivated and challenged to show up at my easel.
In my still life work, design and pattern of light draw me to my subject. I am attracted to simple everyday objects, as well as botanical subjects, and hope to draw the viewer in to their serene beauty. I like to use repetition, enjoy pushing color and often focus on edges to create feeling and atmosphere. In addition to still life, I paint portraits and the figure, working from life when possible. When working en plein air, I love the challenge of capturing a scene before the light and color escape.
There is beauty in our surroundings. We often walk right by. I hope to bring a different viewpoint, to catch the overlooked glimmer of grace in our lives.
JURIED EXHIBITIONS AND INVITATIONALS
PUBLISHED WORK AND RECOGNITION
· Georgia Blue Gallery, Anchorage, Alaska
Her work has been exhibited in galleries, included in numerous national and regional juried exhibitions and can be found in private and corporate collections across the United States and abroad. Susan is a signature member of Oil Painters of America and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society and an associate member of the Portrait Society of America.. Studies include workshops with Sherrie McGraw, Stephen Assael, Robert Liberace, and Derek Penix as well as a mentorship with Thomas Kitts.
Through contributions of her artwork and time, Susan has supported many community service and arts organizations. In 2006, she was honored as the featured artist at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art Gala.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I received a wooden paint box, oils and bristle brushes for Christmas when I was thirteen and have loved the smell, feel and rich pigment of oils ever since. One painting leads to another and I continue to be motivated and challenged to show up at my easel.
In my still life work, design and pattern of light draw me to my subject. I am attracted to simple everyday objects, as well as botanical subjects, and hope to draw the viewer in to their serene beauty. I like to use repetition, enjoy pushing color and often focus on edges to create feeling and atmosphere. In addition to still life, I paint portraits and the figure, working from life when possible. When working en plein air, I love the challenge of capturing a scene before the light and color escape.
There is beauty in our surroundings. We often walk right by. I hope to bring a different viewpoint, to catch the overlooked glimmer of grace in our lives.
JURIED EXHIBITIONS AND INVITATIONALS
- Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition 2018, 2007, 2000
- Oil Painters of America Western Regional Juried Exhibition 2021, 2019, 2016, 2011, 2001
- National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society Best of America 2019, 2018, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992
- National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society Best of America Small Painting Exhibition 2019
- Biennial National Art Exhibition, Visual Arts Center, Punta Gorda, Florida 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016
- Oil Painters of America Salon Show 2016, 2015
- American Women Artists Juried Invitational 2012, 2004
- National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society Signature Artists Exhibition 2016, 2006, 2003
- Lighthouse Plein Air Festival 2015
PUBLISHED WORK AND RECOGNITION
- National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society Best of America Small Painting Exhibition 2019: Award of Excellence
- Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition 2019: Award of Excellence
- Plein Air Magazine: Plein Air Portfolio; Doors, Windows and Passageways, January 2019
- “Artist to Watch” SouthWest Art, December 2018
- Oil Painters of America 27th National Juried Exhibition (2018): Most Original Honorable Mention Award
- National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society Best of America Exhibit 2016: Merit Award
- Finalist, Artist Magazine Annual Art Competition 2013
- National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society Best of America Exhibit 2008: Best Still Life
- Grand Prize Winner, Challenge #32, International Artist Magazine, April/May 2006
- Finalist, Challenge #28, International Artist Magazine, August/September 2005
- Finalist, Artist Magazine Annual Art Competition 2005
- National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society Best of America Exhibit 2000: Best Use of Light and Color
- National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society Best of America Exhibit 1999: Greater Lake Area Council Award
- Fine art cards, reproduction and giclée prints
· Georgia Blue Gallery, Anchorage, Alaska