About Susan

Susan co-owned In2ArtGallery in downtown Oakville, Ontario Canada for 15 years. In 2023, she decided not to reopen the gallery. While she cherished the interactions with clients and the joy of art discovery, it became clear that it was time for a shift—a fresh wave of creativity. This shift led her to a fulfilling new path: teaching art, predominantly painting, to elementary school students. Perhaps the most significant development for Susan was rekindling her connection with painting. She has found great joy immersing herself in the creative process once again, exploring new ideas and techniques.

Artist Statement

As an artist, my work is a vibrant celebration of colour and emotion, brought to life through expressive brushstrokes and a dynamic sense of movement. Each piece captures the boundless possibilities that arise when colour intersects with feeling on the canvas.

I create using layers of traditional oil paint, often scraping back into previous layers to reveal striking contrasts. With palette knives, I build rich textures that invite both touch and visual exploration. Rather than replicating what I see, I aim to breathe life into my subjects through dynamic mark-making and bold bursts of colour.

What captivates me most is the dance between light and shadow. In these contrasts, I uncover the essence of my subjects, revealing textures and depths that might otherwise remain hidden. My process is often intuitive, allowing the artwork to evolve organically.

My inspiration springs from everyday life, focusing on places and people that resonate deeply with me. I transform these meaningful moments into visual narratives, inviting viewers to find beauty in the mundane and to recognize the extraordinary within the ordinary. Through my work, I hope to inspire a sense of wonder and connection in all who engage with it.

Education

Fine Arts Certificate, Sheridan College

OCAD, Art and Design Studio Skills Certificate - ongoing

Bachelor of Arts, Concordia University, 1984-1987

Various Workshops: 

Alyssa Monks, New York Academy of Art, Transcending the Photograph, Creating a Reference Photo (Camera, Photoshop, Printing) 2020, online

The Imprimatura 2020, online

Jessica Masters, Colour and Light in Oil Painting, 2023

Life is a Beach- Capturing Figures on the Beach, Robin Cheers, Penn Studio School

Ingrid Christensen – The Figure: Graceful and Loose; 2023

Juried Exhibitions

Artworks Oakville 23rd Annual Juried Show 2024

Oakville Art Society Juried Show 2006

Affiliations

Canadian Federation of Artists

Oakville Art Society

Artworks Oakville

Etobicoke Artist Group

Shows

Julia Veenstra Square Foot Show 2021

In2artgallery Smalls Show 2011-2022

Petite Art Show 2023

United Way Art Show 2022-2023

Art in My Garden 2021-2024

Linger Light Art Show 2024

Holiday Art Market, Colbourne Street, 2024

Holiday Art Show, Blu-Dog gallery, 2024

Squaretreatsartshow, Oakville, 2024

Elements - An exhibition of non-objective works with specific requirements by E.A.G artists 2024