Introducing Xavier!
Introducing my son Xavier, 3 months old today and full of bounce! Watch a little timelapse of my first 'early days' sketch of him.
It is with great pleasure that I introduce our son, Xavier, now 3 months of age and full of bounce!
Not surprising, given that it was a big pink bounce ball that got me through labour and travelled in the back of @victorianathanson's car on route to the hospital, with me on all fours, draped over it, huffing and puffing away!
Huge thanks to the team @stgeorgeshospitalcharity and @homebirth_stgeorges who looked after us so well! with special thanks to Gloria and Marta and their Rainbow Team!
This is very much a quick little 'early days' sketch, a flash in the grand scheme of things, but a nod to the ever evolving expressions each day and week brings. I am dazed and enamoured, full of wonder at this little Mr, so small yet so all encompassing.❤️
Oil Painting Workshop at Waldergrave School
Curious to try oil painting? Find out about the recent oil painting workshop I did at Waldegrave School, introducing their year 12 students to oil paint for the first time.
Ever tried oil painting?
Well, last week, I was invited by Waldegrave school, to introduce their Year 12 students to it! I am so proud of what they achieved in just a few short hours.
The workshop was both a practical how to, where I shared my approach to palette layout, colour mixing and paint application techniques. I also gave a talk, explaining my path into painting and what being an artist in this day and age, looks like.
Claudia, one of the students, shared her thoughts: "In the beginning of the workshop I had no experience in oil painting but by the end I felt I had gained an amazing understanding thanks to the artist Susie. I loved learning and insight into the everyday life of an artist!"
These short intensive workshops are a wonderful way to begin your oil painting journey or, if you’ve dabbled before, to enhance your confidence working with it.
I do workshops, either one to one or in small groups which I can accommodate, or can bring the workshop to you. For more info, click the button below and say hello with your requirements.
“Susie is an amazing artist and communicator! She began with a talk including information about her educational journey, painting mediums and studio setup. She also covered the business side of the artworld including informing students how to use various platforms for selling work, being represented by galleries and taking part in markets and trade-fairs. This led onto a practical portrait painting session. All of the students developed their skills during the workshop and thoroughly enjoyed the day”
A Mother's Day Portrait
Discover the journey behind this portrait I did of my wonderful mother. Watch the painting timelapse and see how it turned out printed!
In honour of the wonderful Victoria Nathanson (aka mum).
Painted in digital watercolour, this portrait celebrates a sunshine moment I had with mum, sitting on a bench by the river, near Putney bridge.
I loved the way the light played across her face, capturing all the kindness, warmth and love within it. Thanks mum for all you do!❤️
Sending warm wishes to all those amazing mothers out there!
Do you have a special someone you’d like a portrait of?
Click the button below to check out my commission service and find out where to start.
A Salsa Celebration of International Women's Day
Finally sharing a very special ladies salsa performance I did with some very special ladies! Watch the video and discover the full story!
Celebrating my incognito ladies today!💃
Thinking back to this time last year when we were hard at work rehearsing for our show 🔥Aves de Fuego🔥all part of the @incognitodanceproject!
So many hours went into crafting this performance and it is my pleasure to finally share what the results were! Here we are performing at Incognito's Saturday Club in Putney last year!
So proud of what we all achieved, not only in the dedication to training, but all the costume detailing, amazing chats and time spent together. These are memories that I shall truly treasure!❤️🙏
💃Dancers featured
🔥 Project by Incognito Dance
👗 Outfit by Dance and Sway (customised by the dancers)
💎accessories by @nelly.incognitodance
🎥 Video edit by Susie Nathanson
🎵Song: La Malanga · Mercadonegro
🤗 Also big hugs and shout out to my other incognito ladies present & past 🤗
Happy international women's day ladies! ❤️
team in training -Featuring (clockwise): Alex, scarlett, Nelly, Aliki, Corina & Susie
A New Portrait Story
Introducing my portrait of Cash. Discover the painting journey behind this recent commission and watch how this oil painting took shape.
Introducing the playful and dynamic Cash, who has a passion for sand, sea and mountain biking!
During this commission I worked closely with Cash's family to find the perfect combination of elements that would capture this spirit.
I blocked out the early stages of the painting in acrylics for speed but then moved into oils - my preferred medium- and immersed myself in the glorious sunshine and energy of this happy scene.
Keep an eye out for part 2, where I share the final stages of varnishing and framing this portrait.
Out of interest, where do you stand on the acrylics vs oil discussion? Do you prefer one over the other? Let me know in the comments below?
Any Qs, fire away! For all info about my commission service click below
Celebrating Valentine in paint!
Celebrating Valentine’s day with a Flamenco Serenade, my vintage toy inspired painting of two dancers in full swing! Discover their story!
Valentine's Day greetings to you all!
Sharing a Flamenco Serenade, another of my vintage toy inspired paintings.
I found this duo at a Sandown Toy Fair and was instantly engaged by their energy.
I studied them in the round and found the pose that, for me, best captured the essence of them - eyes locked, hearts, feet, arms and bodies beating to a unified rhythm - a moment suspended in time!
The power and intensity of the flamenco dance seems to me the perfect analogy for those first passionate steps of love.
Wishing you all a beautiful rest of day, filled with love, music and dance! 🎶❤
Summing up 2023
Kicking off 2024 with a quick video sum up of 2023! Feeling ready and excited for the new year and the next chapter!
It’s an annual tradition! Splicing together highlights of 2023 is always an informative exercise - reminding me of all the amazing people I've met & collaborated with, alongside the exciting projects I've been part of, and the experiences I've been blessed to have.
I inhabited many different roles last year: dancer, student, artist, model, teacher, accountant, art administrator, social media manager, chef, cleaner, handyman, councillor etc…
It's kinda crazy when summed up like this - but does go to show how complex and hard to define any life is and that none of us are one thing alone.
I've certainly not got the balance right yet, but each year I am a bit more informed and feel ready for and really good about 2024!
Sending out a big Happy New Year hug and wishing you all a fantastic start to your own new chapter! Let's make it a fantastic year!
A Corgi Classic
Presenting my newly finished painted tribute to a Corgi James Bond Classic! Find out the story behind it and watch a timelapse of how this painting took shape.
Courtesy of Peter Klobikowski, I was introduced to a beautiful 1960s Corgi James Bond Aston Martin DB5 (model no.261), box and all!
This is my now finished painted tribute it, bringing to life all its special elements, the ejected baddie, being my favourite!
DID YOU KNOW?
Corgi based this model on the film Goldfinger and going 'gold' was apparently a marketing decision - it's actually a silver Aston Martin that features in the film!
Having painted many a Dinky toy car, this is my very first Corgi!
It is also, by far, the most detailed toy car painting I have done - I feel like I know every inch of that box!
I will soon be launching the Art print of this painting on my website, so keep an eye out. DM me if you'd like to know more!
It is also currently on display at my exhibition at the RAC, Pall Mall, London - more details of which you can find HERE
Toy Box Treasures
My new exhibition ‘Toy Box Treasures’ at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London is now open. Showcasing artworks celebrating the beauty and nostalgic charm of vintage toys, 8th December to 5th January.
I am pleased to announce that I’ve just installed a new exhibition at The Royal Automobile Club Picture Gallery on Pall Mall.
The show shines a spotlight on the magic, beauty and nostalgic charm of vintage toys, celebrating their weathered, playworn characters.
Growing up surrounded by my father’s dusty collection, I was fascinated by these old die-cast treasures from an early age, and have frequented many toy fairs on the hunt for something special. These toys, with their unique array of flecks and patina have a sculptural, dynamic quality that invites connection. They are miniature but mighty in how they capture the spirit of an age and engage our imaginations.
The exhibition features both oil on canvas artworks, a range of limited edition reproductions of original oils, along with a new collection of digitally paintings, created freehand using a wacom tablet and stylus and printed on high quality art paper.
TOY BOX TREASURES
8TH DECEMBER - 5TH JANUARY
The Picture Gallery, at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London.
For more details or any questions, please send me a message by clicking the button below.
EXHIBITION INSTALLATION SHOTS
BROWSE SLIDESHOW BELOW OF ALL ARTWORKS FEATURED
A Remembrance Day Tribute
My painted tribute of this powerful little vintage toy duo, who captured the essence of Remembrance Day for me.
A painted tribute, inspired by....
a crescent toy military nurse attending to her soldier patient, which I encountered in The Brighton Toy Museum’s wonderful collection.
The weathered nature of these toys gave them such a particular energy and quality. They felt to me both historic and very much alive, conveying, without words, huge pathos and power.
May they say more, than my words ever could, and pay tribute to all those brave souls who fought with their lives.🙏
Painting a Dog Portrait - Part 3
The final part of this portrait story, showing you what I do to finish off an oil painting. Watch a mini video of the varnish and framing stages.
Today I’m showing you how I finish off an oil painting.
I start with a coat of retouch varnish to even out the surface of the painting whilst providing a layer of protection. I always use a nice big brush to do this.
Then onto the framing. I’m a big fan of float mount box frames, which give a shadow gap effect around the painting. I’ve recently discovered a great online company, called The Picture Gallery that makes them to measure, in different coloured finishes. I opted for a smart steely grey which offset the colours of the portrait well.
Tussock’s portrait, now framed and ready to go, will be packed and posted out to its new home very soon!
Want to know more about my commission service? click the button below for more info!
Painting a Dog Portrait - Part 2
The second instalment of this portrait’s story, where I dive into the oil paints! Watch how the painting starts to build in depth and detail.
Welcome to the second part in this dog portrait mini series, where I’m diving into the oil paints!
This video is a spliced summary of several sessions, where I worked up the tones, colour and detail gradually, usually leaving a few days in between each session for things to dry.
I favour using big sheets of tracing paper for a palette, where I can really spread out and mix up the colours I need.
In part three I will try and do a little overview of all the equipment I use. Here you’ll eyespy a few things, my trusty painting stick being one of them, which really helps steady the hand for fine detail.
The commission brief requested that Tussock’s name be featured in the painting, allowing me the perfect opportunity to play with a beautiful formula, I’ve long admired, often seen in the 16th century portraits of Hans Holbein the Younger.
Stay tuned for the final stages in part 3, where I walk you through the varnishing, framing, packing and posting!
Painting a Dog Portrait - Part 1
Discover how I get going on a dog portrait in oil on canvas. Walking you through part 1 of the journey with this painting of a beautiful dog called Tussock.
How I begin an oil painting…
There's been a lot going on behind the scenes over the last few months.
I've been working on a number of projects and I’m finally getting round to sharing them!
Kicking things off with this portrait of Tussock. For those of you more familiar with my digital paintings of animals, I thought it would be nice to walk you through what I do with an oil painting.
So here we are, Part 1 - mapping out the foundations of the portrait in acrylic. Why acrylic? because it dries super quickly. In part 2 you will see me moving into oils - which I much prefer!
More updates, coming soon! For now wishing you all a super weekend!
Smash Hits
Smash Hits, is a happy dose of Grayson Perry magic! Read about my visit to his all bells & whistles retrospective at the Royal Scottish Academy.
Funny, clever, beautifully crafted and full of punch! Say hello to Grayson Perry's riveting retrospective 'Smash Hits' at the Royal Scottish Academy!
I was lucky enough to see it last weekend on a special hop up to Edinburgh. Encompassing a plethora of mediums: pots, sculptures, bright and brilliant tapestries, huge woodblock prints and sketchbooks, Each piece takes you on a journey into the artist's mind, 'designed to mystify as much as explain.'
Grayson Perry's visual language has both an honesty and quality that, for me at least, invites an instant rapport. He isn't afraid to confront contradictions & confusion. He completely embraces a sense of the ridiculousness, and in doing so often grapples with the profound. Underpinning all, is a sophisticated sense of design, and consummate skill in how to tell a story.
I remember listening avidly to Perry's Reith lectures in 2013, where he likened the journey of young artists to choosing a bus route. No matter what the provocation or temptation to change, he emphasized the importance of sticking with it and staying your course. This is something that continues to deeply resonate with me 10 years on, with all the inevitable doubts and challenges that come up in being an artist. It is what inspired my painting 'I know where I'm going' a declaration of intent to stay my own path, albeit with frequent feelings of facing the opposite direction!
Thank you Grayson Perry for giving me a much needed dose of your lively wisdom and good humour. I always feel re-invigorated after seeing your work with a renewed sense of purpose and trust in myself.
Thank you also to the Royal Scottish Academy for putting on a beautifully curated show, which is on until the 12th November - so go and see it if you find yourself in Edinburgh! Click the button below for full details.
Nutrition Studies
Find out how I got going on my Nutrition training journey and how I am getting on with it all!
This time last year, I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Frustrated by the very limited insights given through the normal channels, I went on my own voyage of discovery which led me to the College of Naturopathic Medicine [CNM].
I started their 3 year diploma in Nutrition at the beginning of this year and have been on an intense learning curve ever since!
Juggling this alongside everything else I am doing has definitely been a challenge, but the material I am studying is truly fascinating and full of fundamental principles that I wish we were all taught from day 1!
I am studying everything online and part-time, so this Monday was a special opportunity to go into the CNM headquarters in Kings Cross for a face to face meet up with students and teachers.
It was a great day, full of interesting discussions - particular thanks to @bobbyqureshinaturopathy and Camilla Fayed founder of Farmacy London .
I am still early days in my journey to becoming a qualified nutritional therapist, but the more I learn, the more inspired I am by all the possible ways this knowledge could help people.
Little bit, by little bit, I shall try to share more of my progress as I go.
Max's Portrait
In honour of international Dog's day I'm talking about a very special Dog Portrait commission. Find out about Max’s story, and why it deeply moved me.
Early stages, sketching out Max’s portrait on my wacom tablet.
In celebration of international Dog’s Day I wanted to talk about a very special commission that deeply moved me.
I was contacted by John, whose first year ‘paper’ wedding anniversary was coming up and wanted to gift his lovely wife a portrait of their beloved dog, Max.
Max had, very sadly, died a week before their wedding the previous year, and his absence was greatly felt. Not least because of the powerful association Max had with their son, who had also passed away.
We decided on a monochrome, digital charcoal medium. When finished, the portrait was printed on thick archival art paper and framed.
Drawing freehand on my wacom tablet, I lost myself in the quiet contemplation of Max’s beautiful face, illuminated by seaside sunshine, animated by the dancing light reflected in the water around him. The powerful symbolism of the sea enfolding him. On the horizon I added two sailing boats, with the ‘somewhere beyond the sea’ associations of loved ones lost.
Finished PORTRAIT OF MAX, DIGITAL CHARCOAL DRAWING
When Kate, John’s wife, received the portrait, she said the following:
Words can’t really describe how wonderful Max’s portrait is, but I’ll have a go. I’ll admit that there were a number of tears shed when his portrait was given to me. Max was a soul dog and the best friend we could have possibly asked for. As a hugely loyal companion especially to our eldest son and I, he was an incredible comfort after the loss of our eldest son. Somehow our wonderful Labrador just knew how to hold space for us all. Consequently when Max passed away in 2021 it hit hard. Susie has beautifully captured Max in his portrait, so much so that he embodies the same soulful presence that he did in life. I take genuine comfort from his portrait everyday and really cannot thank her enough. Thank you Susie 💛
Experiences like this touch on something beyond a simple exchange of words, they go right into the very heart of us and open up dialogues full of meaning, healing and growth.
Do you have a special someone you would like me to paint?
Click the button below, to find out more, say hello and let’s have a chat!
Better Late than Never
Read about my slightly belated trip to this year’s Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy and discover which artists stood out for me.
Better late than never!
I finally made it to this years Summer exhibition at the Royal Academy - just in time on its last day!
Happy to report that, aside from a couple of stock favourites of mine [Paula Rego and Chris Orr], most of the works I was drawn to were by artists completely new to me.
I have included a selection of my favourites, with the respective artists names & IG handles, so do go and look them up!
Puppetry, storytelling, and the playfully, at times sinisterly unexpected, seem to be the main ingredients of this selection, along with an appreciation for the skilled handling of medium.
They have definitely given me food for thought which I'm sure will inspire a picture or two in the coming months!
Thank you to @david_remfry_ra for his excellent curation this year and thank you to all the artists that participated, especially those mentioned here. Keep creating and keep sharing!
Is Painting Therapy?
Sharing my new painting ‘This Little Pig’ and talking about how creating and therapy go hand in hand and the rich layers of thoughts and meanings a painting can represent.
What and why I paint is bound up in who I am, and the process of creating is always one of discovery. My new painting This Little Pig is rooted in a personal narrative.
The pig in question is based on a 1930s clockwork toy pig. I have seen quite a few versions of him over the years, some in mint condition, some in the company of fellow pig musicians. But this particular toy, picked up by my father, years ago at Sandown Park, is a bit bashed, with faded colours, and has a very particular expression the others did not.
His eyes are bright, alive, curious and hopeful. Paired with the drum, there is a sense of ‘declaration’ in his attitude, all of which got me thinking. I began projecting ideas onto him, seeing in him a symbol of strength and resolve, a theme I like to explore in my work, as a way to refuel my own determination in the face of challenge and difficulties.
The rough composition for this painting has been bouncing around my mind since 2017, but it was only in the last few months I actually got it out of my head and into a painting.
Graffiti, as I discussed in my last blog post, plays an important role here, weaving together a mix of ideas. I do dabble in journaling but there is something different about putting things together visually. It has a way of tapping into multiple layers of feeling, sometimes in harmony, sometimes contradictory, but all somehow true. Painting helps me anchor these thoughts in one place, without words or judgement - giving the feeling a face which I can hold up and reflect on, somehow helping me make sense of it.
In a way, any act of creation has an element of this, but certainly some paintings feel more cathartic than others. This Little Pig is about building something of your own, out of your hopes, dreams and vulnerability and pitching this energy against the inevitable challenges of life.
I would love to know how this painting lands with you, does he resonate? what points of reference does he connect with for you? Let me know your thoughts.
Whilst I usually print my digital paintings on Art paper, I decided to experiment with this painting and print it on canvas, which is now available to view in my shop.
You can explore buying options by clicking the picture below.
This fine art print is of my original digital painting of a vintage toy drummer pig set within an imagined urban stage. It was painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer.
Each print from this digital painting is an original; professionally printed on canvas, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please CLICK HERE for a quote
Why Graffiti Lights Me Up
A Trip to Lisbon, the Museu Banksy and my general musings on the power and relevance of graffiti and why I use it in my paintings.
Graffiti, the ultimate medium for taking familiar imagery or ideas and combining them in unexpected, playful ways, in a living, breathing, ever changing context. Beautifully unregulated and ephemeral, graffiti is an irreverent mixing pot of aesthetics and concepts, often satirical, offering a constantly evolving commentary on the social, political and economic cultures that surround us.
I’ve been mesmerised by it for years, and often find my eye on the hunt for these unexpected treasures as I walk around a city. No quirk of street furniture or structure is beyond interest, from sticker-plastered municipal bins to dilapidated walls, covered with graffiti, it all excites and engages my imagination.
I’ve recently returned from a few days in Lisbon, on a rare hop out of the UK. There were two particular encounters that gave me pause for thought. The first, a visit to the Tejo Power Station, where a contemporary art display left me feeling completely unengaged and unstimulated. The sterility and obscure, machine mediated concepts, of the display, surrounded by vast quantities of white walls felt quietly depressing. The second, and in contrast, were my happy wonderings up and down the streets of central Lisbon, I felt like Alice in Wonderland, discovering something interesting round every corner.
As if in celebration of this rich graffiti culture, Lisbon has set up the Museu Banksy , an immersive ‘Banksy’ experience, bringing together, through reproductions, some of Banksy most famous pieces. A walk around in time and place, charting work from the early 2000s around Bristol and London, through France, America, the Gaza strip in Israel, all the way up to the most recent pieces in the Ukraine. It really gave a flavour of the power and spirit of what graffiti can do and left me feeling very engaged and revved up!
As some of you know, I often weave graffiti into my paintings to visualise ideas and internal emotional states. The dynamic, raw and colourful quality of it, the serendipitous dialogues it strikes up, offers endless possibilities and seem a fitting language in which to visually discuss the human condition.
I could definitely write a lot more about this subject, but will leave it here for now and invite you to reflect on your own encounters with this lively medium, and ask, what your views on it are?
Introducing Bachata Twist
Sharing the story behind my new painting Bachata Twist. Discover what inspired it and watch how the painting developed.
My painting called Bachata Twist is now finished!
Watch the journey from a loose sketched beginning, to the final printed artwork, all inspired by the amazing @mgdanceteam and a show they did at Labksfestival in 2015.
My goal was to find 'that moment' within the dance that captured something special. This dynamic pose, held for a split second, struck a chord with me.
Click the button below to watch the whole performance, see if you can find the moment I’ve chosen!
The shape, emotion, power and intensity of it, really fired up my imagination and led to a whole new dance in paint, where the dancers became interwoven in a piece of narrative graffiti of my own devising.
Bachata Twist is now available as a striking, lively art print, which hopefully gets the eyes dancing when you look at it!
Available in a variety of sizes and finishes, check out the product listing below to take a look
Thank you @mgdanceteam for doing what you do, I love watching the innovation, skill and powerful expression of your choreographies. Keep up the excellent work!
To everyone reading this, please go check these guys out if you haven't already!
This fine art print is of my original digital painting of two Bachata dancers, inspired by then amazing MG elite dance team. It was painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer.
Each print from this digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please CLICK HERE for a quote