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.
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
Introducing Tango
Pleased to introduce my now finished painting called ‘Tango,’ inspired by two wonderful dancers, Dmitry Vasin & Esmer Omerova. Discover the ideas behind this painting and watch how it developed from start to finish.
Introducing my finished painting Tango.
Inspired by the wonderful @dmitryvasintango & @esmer__omerova and their spellbinding performance of Argentinian tango in 2015, which utterly transports me every time I watch it - click button below to see them in action.
I loved how this performance paired power with grace, strength with delicacy and underlying all of it, an exquisite, intimate connection between lead and follow.
The moment I chose to paint was a split second, held just before Esmer is lifted overhead. This is where the idea for the King Fisher came from, rooted in this feeling of taking flight, both literally and emotionally.
I also wanted to play with what the digital watercolour could do, loading my virtual brush with water and tilting my virtual paper in different directions, to let the paint run and drip and express itself, searching for the balance between control and spontaneity.
I am pleased to announce, Tango is now available as a beautiful art print, in a range of sizes and finishes. For buying options see listing below.
If you are quick you can see it up close in person at Putney library [5-7 Disraeli Road London, SW15 2DR] until 5pm today, all part of an exhibition called Performers in Paint, showcasing artworks by myself and fellow artist Stella Tooth.
Any Qs, let me know!
This fine art print is of my original digital painting of two beautiful Tango Dancers, inspired by Dmitry Vasin & Esmer Omerova. 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
Introducing Raven
My new artwork ‘Raven’ is today’s spotlight, celebrating mystery and magic. Discover what inspired her and watch the painting emerge from first to last strokes of the digital brush.
Introducing another newly finished painting called Raven.
Did anyone else get inspired by the new Netflix show Wednesday?
The seed of this artwork was in fact twofold, based primarily on a magical street mime I saw along the Royal Mile, one Edinburgh Festival. But the gothic sense of intrigue behind Wednesday, a Netflix drama which follows the imperturbable Wednesday Adams on her ventures, in a reimagined coming of age drama, full of surprisingly compelling twists and turns, was definitely the impetus that got me thinking more about this street mime; chiming very naturally in mood and ethos
There was something wonderfully mysterious about her, steeped in an otherworldly, fairy-tale atmosphere. The idea of the Raven organically sprung from this. with thoughts of prophecy and totemic spirit. I hope she captures your imagination as she did mine!
Like my painting Rose, she is now also available as a beautiful Art print!
For buying options click the product listing below.
You have a few more days left to see ‘Raven’ & 'Rose,' up close at Putney Library, along with a super line up of other performer inspired artworks by myself and fellow artist @stella_tooth, all part of our exhibition Performers in Paint. The Last day is this Saturday 15th July!
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Address: Putney, Library 5-7 Disraeli Road London, SW15 2DR
Opening Times
Mon, Wed, Thurs: 9am - 8pm
Closed Tuesdays
Fri, Sat: 9am - 5pm
Sun: 1 - 5pm
Any Qs, let me know!
This fine art print is of my original digital painting of an Edinburgh Street mime. 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
Introducing Rose
Discover the story behind my new painting 'Rose,' inspired by an Edinburgh Festival Street Mime. Watch a short time-lapse of this artwork's creative journey, from start to finish.
I am pleased to finally reveal my finished painting called Rose.
It is based on a street mime I saw during one Edinburgh Festival, who completely captured my imagination. Her quiet poetry, deeply moved me, conjuring thoughts of love, faith, hope, fragility, wisdom and transformation.
The butterfly background emerged naturally as an extension of these ideas, along with the interplay between refined detail and loose drips. See how the painting progressed in the time-lapse above.
What thoughts does she inspire in you?
I am also happy to report she is now available as a beautiful Art print. For buying options see below.
You can also say hello to Rose, face to face, at Putney Library until the 15th July along with a super line up of other performer inspired artworks by myself and fellow artist Stella Tooth, all part of our exhibition Performers in Paint
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Address: Putney, Library 5-7 Disraeli Road London, SW15 2DR
Opening Times
Mon, Wed, Thurs: 9am - 8pm
Closed Tuesdays
Fri, Sat: 9am - 5pm
Sun: 1 - 5pm
Any Qs let me know!
This fine art print is of my original digital painting of an Edinburgh Street mime. 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
A Tango in Paint
My latest dance in paint, exploring the passion and power of Argentinian Tango. Watch how the early stages of this new painting unfolds along with the incredible dancers that inspired it.
Connection, power, emotion, grace and elegance - the extraordinary energy of Argentinian Tango is mesmerizing to watch!
It is a dance I would love to learn one day. For now, I pay homage to it in paint, beginning my journey with two extraordinary dancers Dmitry Vasin & Esmer Omerova and their spell binding performance in 2015.
Every movement deeply felt, a triumph of nuance, expertly expressing the music and creating an electric intimacy. At times gentle as a feather and sensuously slow, at times exhilaratingly quick and passionately strong.
Click HERE to watch them in full swing!
This painting is in its early stages, with various elements still to add. My aim is to visualise and conjure the sensation of the dance, let's see how things progress!
The Power of a Red Rose
A new work update, see the early stages of my latest painting on the digital easel. All part of the Performers in Paint series I will be launching this June.
Romance, love, beauty, hope and courage - the powerful associations of a red rose!
Add one quiet, introspective expression, and a fabulous costume, and you have the performer that inspired this latest piece I'm working on.
Part of a new ‘Performers in Paint ‘ series that I will be launching in June.
I am thinking of a suitable name for this painting, any suggestions?
What does she inspire in your imagination?
A New Work in Progress
It’s official I am taking part in this years Wandsworth Art Fringe Festival in June; collaborating with the wonderful Stella Tooth to put on a joint exhibition entitled Performers in Paint! In this week’s post, I'm sharing a behind the scenes glimpse of a new work in progress, that will eventually feature in this show.
This week I have been finalising my registration for the Wandsworth Arts Fringe Festival [9th-25th June 2023].
I'm very excited to be collaborating with the wonderful Stella Tooth where we will be celebrating the theme of Performers in Paint, in a joint exhibition at Putney Library! More details to come over the coming weeks!
In the meantime, here is one of the things I am working on for the show, a magical street mime I saw one Edinburgh Festival.
She is also a happy nod to another festival currently in full swing, the Venice Carnival. Something that has been on my radar forever, but that, as yet, I've never managed to get to; a trip for the future perhaps!
Who are the performers that have captured your imagination?
Dancing in Paint
Ben and Jovana’s performance story captured in a special painting. Watch all whole journey from show stopping finale lift, my painting’s evolution and the finished framed canvas presented to Ben in the Dance Attic rehearsal studios in Fulham!
This is the story of Ben & Jovana's finale moment at the Edinburgh Salsa Congress, where they performed in January 2020 and how it inspired a painting.
I performed in the same show and wanted to see if I could explore the feelings & mood of the experience using their wonderful pose as the starting point.
These shows are a powerful synergy of elements; connecting music, movement, you with your dance partner and the audience; not to mention the weeks of training and drills that go into these precious few minutes of amazing energy.
Needless to say it was a really lovely exercise visualising these ideas in a painting.
Following completion, I discussed display options with the lovely Ben @benchaiofficial, who opted for a framed printed canvas.
I then had the honour of presenting the finished artwork to Ben after an Incognito dance training session - a beautifully fitting context given the circumstances!
Dance and painting are two of my biggest joys in life and it was magical weaving them together for this project.
Like the idea of capturing a special moment in a painting? I have something exciting in the pipeline, launching in April, so keep an eye out!
In the meantime, check out my commission service [currently fully booked until March] and feel free to contact me with any questions!
Quick shout out to the fantastic Jeff of @incognito_dance & Valentina @valedq for putting together the dance choreography that got this creative ball rolling!
Harry Kane Painting Launch
Celebrating the launch of my finished painting of England football captain Harry Kane. Discover how to get hold of your very own print and greeting card of this painting.
The World Cup kicks off today. So, what better moment to launch my finished painting of England’s football captain Harry Kane.
It was inspired by a particularly powerful game played by the England Team last year, against the Ukraine, when Harry Kane contributed 2 brilliant goals to a 4 goal win.
The aim was to create a loose, dynamic portrait which captured the emotions of the moment, with Harry, in full swing, animated with arms flung open in celebration, backed by the England flag & a triumphantly netted football!
I am happy to report that this painting is now a beautiful fine art print, available in a range of finishes & sizes as well as a jolly greeting card.
So, if you've been on the look-out for a fun football twist to your festive shopping list, hopefully this hits the mark!
Click on the product links below to explore your buying options!
This fine art print is of my original digital oil painting of a Harry Kane. It was painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
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.
A great gift for a football enthusiast or Harry Kane fan!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of Harry Kane, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for football enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW
A Tribute Sketch
Celebrating in watercolour, the wonderful Anoushka Lucas, in her new debut play Elephant at the Bush Theatre, London. Read and watch the full story.
On Tuesday I went to see this inspiring lady perform her brilliant debut one-woman play Elephant at the Bush Theatre!
I've known Anoushka since the early 2000s and have been following the evolution of her music and talent ever since! I was absolutely blown away by this latest effort, which shines bright in its sense of truth, coupled with exceptional storytelling.
A bold and beautiful story of self discovery, mixed race identity, love and creativity that looks conflict in the face and calls out contradictions. It made me laugh, it made me cry and held me completely entranced throughout!
@anoushkalucasmusic you are an inspiration and I can't wait to see what you do next! Your words and music, so deeply personal and true, create bridges that connect us all!
ELEPHANT
Written and Performed by @anoushkalucasmusic
staged @bushtheatre
Developed with and Directed by @jsaedwards
Dramaturgy - Daniel Bailey and Deirdre O'Halloran
Script Consultant - Tia Bannon
Production and Company Stage Manager - Ruth Burgon
Set & Costume Designer - @georgiathought
Lighting Designer - @lauraamhoward
Sound Designer - @kearbella
On until 12th November.
Presenting Walkabout Eddie
Next in my Edinburgh Festival Sketch line up, the wonderful Walkabout Eddie! Watch a short time-lapse showing my sketch evolve along with a little glimpse of Eddie’s Act!
The next performer in my Edinburgh Festival Sketch series!
Introducing Edwin Eddie Bond! Escape artist, fire juggler, magician and all round free spirit, always on the move, travelling one city and country to the next.
Check out his insta @walkabout_eddie
I found him performing outside St.Giles' Cathedral on the Royal mile. His banter was warm and comical and instantly drew in the crowd.
First he treated us to a fire juggling tour of nations; different tricks, characterising different cultures.
Next was the escape stunt, carried out whilst balancing on top of a massive segment of cylindrical pipe, which he'd found and customised with a beautiful array of patterns, cut into its surface. This, along with his patchworked jacket, checked trousers and wide brimmed olive green hat, conveyed a real sense of character and charm.
Thank you @walkabout_eddie for your brilliant show and energy and wishing you many a happy adventure on your travels!
Presenting Amelia Cadwallader
The first in my series of quick Edinburgh Festival sketches - presenting Amelia Cadwallader and her wonderful hula hoops. Watch a little timelapse of this sketch in progress and find out more about my encounter with her on the Royal Mile.
This is the first of my Edinburgh Festival sketch series, where I spotlight some of the wonderful performers I saw this summer through speedy digital watercolour studies.
Kicking things off with Amelia Cadwallader whose delightful Hula Hooping and humour I encountered in the middle of the Royal Mile on a gloriously bright afternoon.
There was a vintage chic theme that ran through her outfit and music choices, which set a warm and welcoming tone. But above all it was her lively, smooth humour that put the audience at ease, despite the increasing daring of her stunts.
It was the combination of haphazard obstacles (like her microphone that kept getting lost down her knickers) with an undeniable command of her hula hooping craft that made her act so joyful and compelling. Not to mention the effortless way in which she handled her crowd.
This little tribute to her is still a work in progress but hopefully gives you a sense of her animated charm!
More sketches coming soon!
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon's Portrait Update
A portrait update! Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon and her portrait finally meet this week at the Stemettes headquarters in London Liverpool Street.
Yesterday my painting of Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon went to the Stemettes headquarters at their new base in London Liverpool street, where subject and portrait finally met!
This painting was an experimental piece of interviewing in paint, where I wove in lots of visual references, paying tribute to different elements of Anne-Marie's story.
Last, but not least, was a jazzy little bit of AR technology that I incorporated!
For a full video tour of the painting click the button below. Watch to learn all about who Anne-Marie is, the story behind all the symbols used in the painting, and AR feature in action!
An Allegory of Kindness in Paint
Sharing the story behind my painting called Dreams of Tomorrow and Yesterday. Discover the thoughts and characters that inspired me and see how the painting evolved.
Today I’m sharing the story behind my painting of 'Dreams of Tomorrow & Yesterday'. In this video I share the thoughts and ideas that inspired this painting.
This painting is currently available for sale, to view details click the button below. You can also come and see it face to face at my exhibition now up at Putney Library (on until 15th July). For more details about this exhibition click the button below.
The Troubadour Story
Discover the story behind my painting of The Troubadour. Watch a little video revealing the source of inspiration for this artwork.
The Troubadour (oil on canvas, 70 x 141 cm) is another street performer inspired artwork, where the characters within the painting turn into an allegory about love. Watch the video to hear how this all came about.
This painting is currently on show at my exhibition in Putney Library, on until the 15th July.
For full exhibition details or to find out more about this painting, click the buttons below.
Hughie's Portrait Story
Today I'm talking portraits & stories, looking at this commission I did of lovely Hughie.
Today I'm talking portraits & stories, looking at this commission I did of the lovely Hughie 😊
There were so many special ideas that my chat with his parents brought up. It was a real joy to play with the different ways to incorporate them into the painting, creating something rich in personal meaning for Hughie & his family.
My commission service is all about getting to the heart of personal stories and finding imaginative ways to bring them to life in a painting.
For more info click the button below! (now taking bookings for August)
Hughie's portrait will also be one of several artworks I will be showcasing this June as part of a new 'story' themed exhibition I am launching at Putney library - all part of the @wandsworthartsfringe festival.
Keep a lookout, more details coming soon!👀😊
Celebrating International Dance Day 2022
In tribute to the day I share a little dance inspired poem! Also watch a short video telling the story behind this painting of Jeff & Corina and it’s journey from digital canvas to the framed print that now hangs in Jeff’s dance studio.
Some words & a painting story in honour of International Dance Day 2022!
Dance is…
A feeling in movement
A connection with sounds from outside and within
A connection with community
Listening with all our senses
A connection to the present moment,
We move in our entirety,
Alone and together
And something,
Far beyond words, emerges.
See below the story behind my dance inspired painting of two beautiful dancers and human beings Jeff & Corina.
Thank you also to Bubblegum Media whose photo inspired this painting.
The more I see and learn of dance the more in awe I am of its magic.
Whatever you are doing tonight, I thoroughly recommend you take a moment, wherever you are and play with some free movement, see how it makes you feel!