My name is Sue and I have been running creative businesses since 1997 when I started my jewellery design and making business, specialising in wedding jewellery. I then had a break for a few years and obtained a psychology degree which has been an amazing addition to my working and artistic life. I then started painting when my mum suggested I have a go. My mum was a water colourist and painted wonderful landscapes. When my pet lurcher died she did a surprise painting of him in pastels, it was lovely and I said I would love an oil painting of him too, so mum told me I best go and learn that for myself! I found a lovely artist who did a three day pet portrait course using oil paints. I loved it and was so happy with what I had created I still follow her method now.
I love painting wildlife of all kinds, but mostly from all around the UK, I have done the occasional animal from further afield, but I love the wildlife we have here. I now live on the west coast of Scotland so get a lovely variety of inspiration from otters, sea birds, a variety of deer and golden eagles. So I am never short of subjects to work on. Having done oils for a few years I now also use pastels, coloured pencil and graphite. When accepting a commission I often let the client choose the medium that suits their pet and tastes, or I recommend the medium I think will work best for their painting.
For me creativity has to come out of me and over the years I have loved the story have made for myself so far. I might just be thinking about trying sculpture, a new chapter to investigate…..
Exhibition and shows 2026:
July and August solo exhibition at The Gather, Tarbert.
July 3rd, 4th and 5th Scottish Game Fair exhibitor – also pleased to be donating a large oil painting in the gun dog competition.
August 21st to 31st Artmap Argyll when my studio will be open for visitors.
Schedule for 2027:
Spring painting retreat in March for four separate weeks.
Me and my lovely dog, Amber, on one of the days during our painting retreat in Southern Spain in 2020. Spring sunshine and happy customers.