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…..
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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.