A Painted Tribute to Mother's Day
Celebrating my mother in words and watercolour! Watch a mini timelapse of my painted tribute to Mother’s Day, accompanied by a little poem.
Mum, digital watercolour painting
A little poem and painting in tribute to a special lady!
Mother, sometimes sister, daughter,
Constant friend & councillor,
Wise beyond measure, loyal to a fault,
Strong in will, yet vulnerable
Bearer of heavy burdens, yet the first to give, despite her cares.
Ever kind, a child to joy, unconditional in her loving
Half the source of my life and the roots from which I grow.
This digital watercolour is a portrait of my mother in a sunshine moment, sitting on a bench by the river near Putney bridge.
A quick snapshot taken on one of our lovely lockdown walks, refreshed by river breezes, warmed by golden sun and each other’s company.
Painted loosely, I wanted to explore the wonderful contrast of light and shadow that were at play across her face, bringing to life all the amazing contours of her expression and the years of stories they tell.
Raising a Rose to International Women's Day
A special international Women’s Day Tribute in celebration of the women in my life and their amazing support and encouragement!
Raising a rose to all women today!🌹
Saying thank you to all the amazing ladies in my life, your support, kindness and inspiration are more precious than words can express!
Because of you I have dared to dream and in dreaming see the possibilities beyond today!😊
Painting Info:
Dreams of Tomorrow and Yesterday
Oil on canvas
100 x 162 cm (40 x 64 inches)
For further details click the button below
Dance, Paint and Play
Letting loose in a bit of playful paint play with this study of two dancers mid-performance. Watch a little glimpse of this in action.
This is a very quick, quiet experiment, listening to some bachata tunes and having a good old fashion play with paint.
I was deliberately going loose and free to see what would emerge.
Been a bit locked into a mindset of trying to polish and refine everything before sharing it, so as a little challenge to myself I'm throwing something very unpolished out there to say, just now, I'm letting my hair down!💃
Freedom in paint, freedom in mind, freedom in dance - vive la liberte! ✊😊
A Lively Start to 2022!
Welcoming in the new year with a new and energy bursting painting of a fantastic dancing duo! Discover the story behind this piece and watch a time-lapse of how it was created.
Happy 2022! I thought a dance inspired piece would be a joyful way to greet the new year!
Presenting my painting of the lovely Ben ( @benchaiofficial )& Jovana in the finale pose of an energy bursting dance, choreographed by the fantastic Jeff ( @incognito_dance ) & Valentina ( @valedq )of the Incognito Dance Company.
It is a dance I also participated in and I was curious to see how I could weave in the feeling and magic of it into a painting!
I hope there shall be a great deal more dancing in 2022 and I look forward to sharing some more of these paintings along with some new dancing exploits of my own!
Do you have a memorable dance or performance you would like me to paint? Click the button below for more info.
Wishing everyone a fantastic start to the year!
A Halloween Spiderman
Showcasing the fist painting from a new collection I’m working on all themed around Kids in Costume. Read on for the full story and to find out how you could collaborate with me on it!
SPIDERMAN, A DIGITAL OIL PAINTING
Happy Halloween!
This painting is the first example of new collection I am working on, themed around kids in costume!
This digital oil painting was inspired by a wonderful photograph taken by @davi_swordmanblue of his son. It is one of those spontaneous moments caught on camera and as such is full of life and playful energy.
Add to which it reminded me of my bro @ajsyogi who always loved dressing up as Spiderman when we were kids.
So what do you think? Would you like to see more paintings like this? Let me know what you think in the comments below. The idea is to build a collection which I will turn into fine art prints and greeting cards .
Even better do you have any pictures of your child in costume that you think would work well for this collection? If so I very much welcome your collaboration!
To get involved:
Email your pictures to me at info@susannahnathanson.co.uk along with the story behind them if there is one!
Bonus: you get a free complimentary greeting card if your image is chosen for the collection!
Image guidelines of what I'm looking for:
🎃Ideally include the full figure of your child within the image
🎃A natural, charismatic and fun pose - spontaneous without being blurred
🎃An image photographed in good light (ideally an even natural light – no flash)
🎃Good resolution images – no smaller than 1MB (1000KB) i.e. image needs to be crisp and clear when you zoom in, not pixelated
Feel free to spread the word amongst any friends who you think might like to get involved.
Painting Memories
Today I’m talking about portraits that celebrate a special moment in time; in this particular case a salsa performance. Read on to hear about my latest salsa portrait of the wonderful Ratnanjali.
Today I'm sharing a little portrait I did this week of the lovely Ratnanjali, who has accompanied me on my Incognito ladies salsa journey over the last couple of months.
In performance costume, looking dazzling, my aim was to capture this special moment for Ratnanjali, and create a happy reminder of a joyful experience!
I'm using a painting programme called Rebelle 4, whose digital oil brushes and canvas textures are just such a pleasure to work with. I feel like I'm at an easel rather than a computer when I'm working.
My focus was keeping my brushwork loose and playful, picking up the rainbow of colours I could see in the light and shadow. Hopefully the painting in itself becomes a bit of a dance!
Are there any experiences you would like me to capture in paint, perhaps celebrating a special occasion for you or a loved one?
Click the button below to find out more about my commission service and how it works.
Sir Mo Farah, Portrait of an Olympic Champion
A painted tribute to a British Olympic Legend, Sir Mo Farah. Hear the story behind this painting and the exciting collaboration it is part of!
Sir Mo Farah, Digital Painting
The Olympic Games in Tokyo are now in full swing.
Whilst the amazing Sir Mo Farah will not be there to defend his gold medals, his spirit and legendary performances are very present in our minds.
I painted this digital oil painting in tribute to him, marking the moment he celebrated after winning the men's 5000m final at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on 20th Aug 2016, days before he also won the men’s 10,000m. It weaves in a little nod to his 2012 Olympic triumph in the 5000m & 10,000m, along with reference to his Somalian roots.
This painting was my contribution to an exciting collaboration with a group of talented artists where we’d been invited, by the platform TodoNFTs, to portray important moments and people in Olympic history and create a special NFT collection. This also marks my very first experience of minting an NFT!
This collection can now be viewed online, click the button below to have a look
But I suspect I might have lost you at NFTs? :)
I too, am still in the process of getting my head around how this all works, so you are not alone! I have found a very helpful article, written from an artist’s perspective, which I think will help explain it for you better than I could. Click the button below to have a look and let me know what you think!
Do check out the videos below which give you a promotional sneak preview of this NFT Olympic inspired collection along with a time-lapse of my painting in progress.
As you might already have observed, I am continuing to use the amazing Rebelle 4 painting software, working with their digital oil brushes and canvas. The textures are just phenomenal and really simulate the real deal!
A Tour de France Inspired painting experiment
Today I’m explaining how the Tour de France inspired my latest painting experiment. Read on to hear all about it and watch a time-lapse of this painting in the making.
Mark Cavendish, Digital Painting
I really enjoyed my experiment with the portrait of Harry Kane and decided to have another go.
This time with the amazing Mark Cavendish, the British sprinter cyclist who is currently testing his limits at the Tour de France. He has just survived the gruelling mountains of stage 17 and has two more sprint chances to come to secure the Green Jersey.
This is my second experiment with the brilliant Rebelle 4, painting software, created by Escape Motions, and I cannot emphasise enough what a joy it is to use. It simulates oil paint and texture in a way that feels so natural.
The sped up time-lapse below gives you a flavour of how I use it, working with wet on wet oils, building up the surface from light to heavy paint.
Exploring sports as context for portraits has been really exciting for me, in many ways it plays with many of the aspects I am drawn to in the realms of dance and performance, namely animation, movement and that active expression of an internal energy.
Do you have a lively portrait in mind that you'd like me to paint?
I invite you to check out my Commission service page, by clicking the button below, where you’ll find all the info you’re looking for.
In Celebration of Harry Kane and a New Approach
Today I’m talking about a couple of things that have recently inspired me and sharing a new digital painting experiment celebrating the wonderful Harry Kane.
I've been rather inspired by a couple of things recently.
One has been the outstanding performance of the England Football team and Harry Kane's goal scoring!
The second is a new piece of software I am playing around with called Rebelle 4, which simulates the use of oil paint, like nothing I've yet experienced.
I decided to have a play around with it, keeping everything very light and free.
This was the result and is my little gesture to say the best of luck to the England team for tonight's big game against Italy!
Harry I hope you have your scoring shoes on and in full swing!
Do let me know what you all think of this painting experiment in the comments below, as it is always good to get feedback on new ideas
Hughie the Explorer
Today I am continuing my theme of first steps with this digital painting of the wonderful Hughie. Read all about the story behind this painting and watch a video of it coming to life.
The second painting in my ‘first steps’ series has been a beautiful deep dive into the story of a little boy called Hughie.
During a lovely dialogue with his mummy and daddy, where we talked about all the things that were special to Hughie and them, a fantastic range of visual references emerged.
I have incorporated these into this painting, creating a portrait that hopefully works on several layers; capturing a physical likeness whilst also paying tribute to and celebrating those symbolic elements, unique to Hughie and his family.
The stars are a double reference, first to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, sung before Hughie’s bedtime and second, to a much loved piece of artwork that hangs in his home.
The rose is an emblem of the Hospital in which he was born. His favourite toy, Freddy Firefly accompanies him. He wears a cardigan much treasured by his family, which was worn by his daddy as a baby.
The decision to show him in his bouncer became a wonderful nod to various characteristics and with everything combined Hughie has become an explorer flying high into the night sky with Freddy his trusty sidekick.
It is perhaps one of the most detailed digital paintings I have embarked on so far and, combined, has totalled over 20 hours of painting, but what an extraordinary journey it has been. I have put together an abbreviated timelapse of it below, so do take a look.
The Art of Smiling
Today I am exploring a new theme called First Steps Friday, introducing portraits of little ones and their stories. Read on to hear about Artie, whose smiles are very special.
Today I am exploring a new theme I’m calling First steps Friday, creating portraits of little ones.
Most fitting that I should start with Artie’s portrait, my cousin Hannah’s beautiful boy who recently made his entrance into the world. This portrait shows him at 8 weeks old, discovering his first smiles. Hannah explained the power of this moment:
These first smiles were some of his widest! And felt so joyous. They also come at just the right time - when you’re feeling so tired and questioning what you’re doing all the time...the smiles show that you are in fact doing something right!
I kept my approach quite loose on this, it was an action shot after all. And I can hand on heart say it certainly does the spirit good to spend a few hours meditating on a smile, especially one so vibrant and fresh as Artie’s!
Watch the timelapse below to see how this painting evolved. Funnily enough the first track title that accompanies this video is called ‘Mr Sunny Face’ which I think characterises Artie perfectly!
Wishing everyone a very bright, sunny and of course smiley rest of day!
The Power of Dance
Today is International Dance Day and I wanted to mark it with something special celebrating someone who, both in dance and spirit, I am truly inspired by. Read on to discover the amazing dancer this digital painting pays tribute to.
Ezgi Zaman, Dance Allegory, Digital painting, April 2021
Today is international dance day and I wanted to mark it with something special celebrating someone who, both in dance and spirit, I am truly inspired by.
Before lockdown I was dancing several times a week but over the course of the last year, dance gradually became an absent friend. That is, until I signed up for Ezgi Zaman’s zoom classes a few weeks ago.
Since then I have rediscovered what joy and magic dancing can bring, especially when guided by Ezgi’s amazing energy and warmth.
Her classes are as much a lesson in dance philosophy as technique, creating a space to talk about the roots of salsa and our experiences of it. It was one of these conversations that triggered the idea for this painting. Namely how dance helps us to wind back the clock to our childhood when movement is uninhibited and a fully integrated part of our self-expression.
Ezgi says it beautifully (to visit Ezgi’s instagram page CLICK HERE):
Dance is a way to understand who we are! It's not for success in society! It's just a way to find peace in our souls and with all lives around us!
Dancing is not movement which is well matched to the music; dancing becomes real when you take the music out from your body, the melody from your heart always tells the truth.
You can see these thoughts in shining life when you watch Ezgi dance.
In an attempt to capture this spirit, I used a freeze frame of her dancing as my reference point. As such I had to keep my brush strokes much looser, as the detail was out of focus. It was the overall energy and gesture that I was looking at. The background design is very much rooted in this energy and the ideas Ezgi’s dancing and teaching inspired in me.
Watch the timelapse below to see how this painting evolved.
World Burlesque Day
Read all about the collaborations that led to today’s digital painting which celebrates World Burlesque Day!
I am excited to share with you my latest digital painting, literally just finished, of the wonderful dancer Corina!
In celebration of World Burlesque day I reached out to Corina for this collaboration.
This painting was actually based on a circus themed performance she did and, whilst you can't see it, the rest of Corina was on stilts!
So whilst not strictly speaking a Burlesque, I nevertheless felt the razzle dazzle mix of sequins, feathers and general va va voom still hit the mark, hopefully you think so too!
It was a lovely opportunity to really explore ‘drama’ in costume and makeup and what an amazing mood it can conjure.
Watch the time lapse below to see the action unfold.
Jeff & Corina
Today I am sharing my newly finished portrait of the wonderful Jeff & Corina. Read on to hear about the back story to this artwork and see a timelapse of the painting in progress.
Today I’m putting the spotlight back onto the theme of dance with my now finished digital painting of the wonderful Corina (@corinabailarina) and Jeff (@incognito_dance), who have taught me so much over the last few years about salsa.
I started working on the idea for this painting back in July last year, when I was just beginning my digital painting journey.
I ended up recently reworking my original efforts, being more confident in the medium than I was back then. My ultimate aim was to try to capture the spirit and energy of the dancers and something of what the idea of dance represents to me.
A big thank you to the awesome Darryl (@bgumedia) whose photograph was the initial spark that set this painting in motion!
I am keen to build my portfolio of dance and performance inspired paintings and incorporate this into the commission service I will soon be launching.
It is my hope to use my skills and knowledge of dance and performance to help others capture their special moments in artworks that act as joyful reminders of an occasion, an idea or even just a feeling!
If any dancers and performers out there reading this would like to work with me to help celebrate your moments in a painting feel free to get in touch.
A Mother's Day Special
In honour of Mother’s day I pay special tribute to my wonderful mother through this digital painting. Read how it came about and watch a timelapse of how it developed.
Today I wanted to pay a special tribute to my wonderful mother through a digital painting. This was a long belated follow up to one happy afternoon I spent with her, talking about her life .
In this conversation various ideas emerged which I have tried to weave into this painting. The flowers on her top, a reference to the flora and fauna that she is constantly inspired by. The Robin, at once small and fragile but strong, is the creature that for her symbolises hope. The choice of palette which emphasises greens, whites and reds, was a gentle nod to her Italian roots. And finally the paint brush, a gesture to her profession as an artist and her joy in creating. The anchors on her scarf are more my own reflection of how she has been a true and steady presence to me throughout my life.
With this portrait comes my thanks to her for her unconditional love, for being the person to whom I can say anything to, for her strength and vulnerability, her humour and patience, and most powerfully for being the loving nurturing spirit in my life for which I will be eternally grateful!
Watch the timelapse below to see the painting in progress.
Portrait of Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon - A painting Spotlight
To celebrate International Women’s day, I have put together a special 10 minute spotlight on my portrait of the wonderful Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, where I tell all about her and the story behind the painting.
Happy International Women’s Day!
In honour of the day I wanted to share a portrait I did of a very special lady called Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon. Here it is, all 100 x 100 cm of canvas.
To find out the whole story behind the painting I have put together a fun 10 minute video, where I tell you how it came about, take you on a tour around the portrait and reveal a very exciting new feature which I will be demoing toward the end!
Click play on the video below to watch, hope you enjoy and do let me know what you make of the surprise feature in the comments below.
A Love Story in Dance
Today is a Valentine’s special sharing with you my latest digital painting inspired by a love story in dance. Watch how this painting evolved and a video of the dance that kicked the whole thing off!
However you look at St. Valentine’s day, it is a moment to reflect on the idea of love, in whatever guise this may take.
Today’s digital painting is a glimpse of a love story in dance, inspired by the awesome Vinay Kapoor @vinaykapoor_bachata and Liza Bondar @lizbondar.
Taking a remix of the song ‘Stitches,’ they choreographed a stunning bachata dance to it. See them in action in the video below!
As you know I am rather in love with what dance can do, this medium without words that expresses so much. This painting was based on a freeze frame of a moment and gesture in pause. It was an attempt to capture the essence of a particular feeling and mood.
I love the challenge of enshrining such moments in a painting, to pick out those elements of a performance that spark something special. If any of you dancers and performers out there reading this would like to work with me to help celebrate your moments in a painting please do get in touch! Wishing you all a beautiful rest of day!
See below a short time-lapse of how this digital painting evolved.
A Burn's Night Salute
This was the little Burn’s night salute I did last Monday, putting a street performer twist on the theme! In this post I show you how this digital painting was made.
Couldn't resist this little Burn's night Salute!
I didn't have much time to throw this one together and found it interesting to see a looser digital brush stroke emerge.
It almost suited the subject - another Edinburgh festival street encounter, which got me smiling. Hopefully he sprinkles a bit of Scottish humour on your day.
Below is the a time-lapse showing you how I painted him. I apply the same approach I take in oil on canvas painting, just replacing physical brush and paint for the digital equivalent.
More Mime Antics
Today I’m sharing another mime inspired piece, this time a digital painting which I’ve been working on recently.
It features the dynamic and mesmerizing duo otherwise known as Compagnia Baccala (aka Simone Fassari and Camilla Pessifrom) who I met along the Royal Mile during the Edinburgh Festival some years ago.
I had seen their show PssPss which combined childlike wonder and raw feeling, with highly skilled acrobatics and storytelling ingenuity. Their quality of mime paid tribute to the legends of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, whilst bringing something entirely their own to the table.
Do check out their website for more details. I particularly recommend watching the short video below where you can see them in action!
These mime acts completely captivate me, perhaps because of their very silence and how they offer an invitation to the imagination to come and play. They have the power to take you on a journey which touches something deeply human.
Your thoughts…
I will soon be printing some of my digital paintings as high-quality art prints which can be framed and hung on a wall. I am therefore curious to know which subjects you could visualise enjoying in your home.
Could this duo, or perhaps one of your favourite performers, be something that could warm up a wall and get you smiling?
Do let me know in the comments below!
A Mime Inspired Painting
Today, in honour of the London International Mime Festival, I am talking about a mime inspired painting I did a few years ago. I will also be sharing details about how you can access more information about the Mime Festival.
This week, in honour of the London International Mime Festival, I thought I’d do a little spotlight on one of my mime inspired paintings:
Dreams of Tomorrow and Yesterday, oil on canvas, 100 x 161 cm
In the video below I share the thoughts and the ideas behind the painting. If you have any further questions about this piece then do let me know.
The Mime Festival has already kicked off so check out their website for more details about what’s on offer.
A lot more content will be made available from tomorrow (18th January) onwards so don’t miss out!
Wishing you all a lovely rest of day!