I paint in oils focusing on the “plein air” tradition of painting out doors in the landscape. Most plein air paintings are completed in one session using rich color, loose brush strokes and emphasis on capturing the effect of light and shadow. I am in love with the honesty and immediacy of the plein air painting process. Speedy and accurate color mixing using a limited palette and the fast changing light require that one's “inner critic” take the day off. This style of painting is not for the timid. The rewards are well worth the effort.
Painters whose work has influenced me are Cezanne, Gauguin, John Singer-Sargent and Maynard Dixon to name just a few. I have studied and taken workshops from: Brian Blood, David Gallup, Peggy Kroll-Roberts, Ray Roberts, Elizabeth Tolley, Paul Shapiro, Michael J. Lynch, Kim English, Richard McDaniel, Morgan Stanley-Price, Jim Smyth, Brigitte Curt and Marta Szobozlay.
One of my lifelong goals is to paint in every State. My “Paint the States” paintings and stories can be seen at www.pleinairmuse.com
Personal Notes: I was born in Malawi in Africa and lived there until I was 16. My participation in art making started in childhood and then lay dormant until my 40s. I have lived in California since 1973. My husband and I also have a summer home on the coast of Maine. I go there once a year and paint. I truly believe that it is never too late to do what you love. My lifelong love of nature and the landscape made plein air painting a natural fit for me. Every time I go out to paint it is always worth it – no matter how my day may have started out. The painting process is what really interests and engages me. It is always fresh and wonderful.
Suzanne Elliott joined Pixels.com Licensing on November 3rd, 2012.
