Susan Smith is intrigued with texture and lines and uses scraping tools instead of brushes to create a tactile surface. Each painting begins with lines that are refined and eliminated until a composition emerges. A thought or feeling emerges to speak to the viewer.
Self-taught in an abstract style, Susan painted in the ’70s until she had children. After raising kids and growing food for many years, she took up spinning, weaving, dyeing, creating, and selling handwoven clothing. A cancer diagnosis and treatment led to her examining her life ... view more »
Susan Smith is intrigued with texture and lines and uses scraping tools instead of brushes to create a tactile surface. Each painting begins with lines that are refined and eliminated until a composition emerges. A thought or feeling emerges to speak to the viewer.
Self-taught in an abstract style, Susan painted in the ’70s until she had children. After raising kids and growing food for many years, she took up spinning, weaving, dyeing, creating, and selling handwoven clothing. A cancer diagnosis and treatment led to her examining her life and asking, “What do I want to do?” The answer was easy — “Paint!”
Susan chose watercolor because its transparency is similar to dye. After years of practicing loose still lifes and scenic images, she yearned to explore a more abstract style.
Eventually, collage with hand-made painted papers would guide her back into abstraction. Collage morphed into mixed media, giving her the confidence to use pen, pencil, and crayon with acrylics. The freedom of mixed media has put her on the path to creative liberty.
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