About Susan
Artist Statement
I am a pastel artist and I love to translate my observations into visual stories. From wide-spreading vistas, to shadowed alleys, I observe as I explore. I take my time framing scenes, looking at combinations of light, shadow and color. When these elements converge into an idea that tugs at me, I take photos and bring them back to my studio to further develop them into the final composition.
In the studio, I find the best way to communicate my memories. I want to connect the viewer to the feeling of that time and place. I enjoy including figures within the scene as they provide a pulse to the narrative, a silent dialogue between people and their surroundings. My painting process begins with the under-painting, a foundational layer that establishes the mood and structure of the painting. Through the interplay of layering, blending, and mark making, pastel allows me to achieve a visual mixing of colors that captures the essence of a landscape’s textures. The beauty of pastels lies in their simplicity - pure color in your hand, and the unique luminosity that allows me to suggest a visual effect with just a few marks.
I am excited for my upcoming chapters where I will seek out fresh terrain and fresh faces to inspire my work. New subjects, coupled with new, innovative pastel products and techniques will help me push my boundaries and lead to exciting growth in my art.
In the studio, I find the best way to communicate my memories. I want to connect the viewer to the feeling of that time and place. I enjoy including figures within the scene as they provide a pulse to the narrative, a silent dialogue between people and their surroundings. My painting process begins with the under-painting, a foundational layer that establishes the mood and structure of the painting. Through the interplay of layering, blending, and mark making, pastel allows me to achieve a visual mixing of colors that captures the essence of a landscape’s textures. The beauty of pastels lies in their simplicity - pure color in your hand, and the unique luminosity that allows me to suggest a visual effect with just a few marks.
I am excited for my upcoming chapters where I will seek out fresh terrain and fresh faces to inspire my work. New subjects, coupled with new, innovative pastel products and techniques will help me push my boundaries and lead to exciting growth in my art.
Biography
Susan Warner is a pastel artist with a passion for light, color, and the natural world. She is a lifelong learner, constantly experimenting with new techniques and subjects. This dedication to growth is evident in her diverse portfolio, encompassing everything from traditional landscapes to unexpected scenes of shape and shadow.
Susan's work gained acceptance into the prestigious Pastel Society of America and her piece One Extra Season was exhibited at the Pastel World Exhibition of the International Association of Pastel Societies Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her painting Valletta Banners, depicting a street in Valletta Malta, was awarded first place at the Lake Country Pastel Society Show at the Red Wing Depot Gallery. Her work has been exhibited in juried shows at the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Competition as well as local galleries including White Bear Center for the Arts and Artistry Minnesota. Her solo shows include exhibits at Boreal Art Loft in St. Paul and through the Healing Arts Program of the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin. Susan actively participates in the pastel artist community where she currently serves as Lake Country Pastel Society treasurer.
Prior to her work as a full-time artist, Susan’s career in international business provided a global experience, influencing her art and giving her a nuanced perspective of the world and its cultures. Today she still loves to travel and she makes her home in Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she enjoys the urban energy and is part of a vibrant artistic community.
Susan's work gained acceptance into the prestigious Pastel Society of America and her piece One Extra Season was exhibited at the Pastel World Exhibition of the International Association of Pastel Societies Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her painting Valletta Banners, depicting a street in Valletta Malta, was awarded first place at the Lake Country Pastel Society Show at the Red Wing Depot Gallery. Her work has been exhibited in juried shows at the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Competition as well as local galleries including White Bear Center for the Arts and Artistry Minnesota. Her solo shows include exhibits at Boreal Art Loft in St. Paul and through the Healing Arts Program of the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin. Susan actively participates in the pastel artist community where she currently serves as Lake Country Pastel Society treasurer.
Prior to her work as a full-time artist, Susan’s career in international business provided a global experience, influencing her art and giving her a nuanced perspective of the world and its cultures. Today she still loves to travel and she makes her home in Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she enjoys the urban energy and is part of a vibrant artistic community.
