Painter Susan Miller-Havens uses portraiture to bring relationships to the forefront. Enjoy her fascinating portfolio, and be sure to visit her website for more.
Miller-Havens in her studio: the dilemma of the blank canvas
The blank canvas brings terror or at least uncertainty to most artists. Like the writer, the artist needs time to recharge and believe that the talent and muse will still be within reach for the next piece of work.
“Number Eight” Oil on Marine Plywood, 15″ x 9″ Custom Frame Dutch Maple Shadow Box
My intent is to invite the viewer and subject into a space of visual correspondence. I see the subtleties in life and in relationships as being more powerful than meets the eye.
“We Are Not Privy #7″ Oil/wax 16″ x 12” on Baltic Birch, Custom Dutch Maple Frame. 2014 Palmer Memorial Award, National Association of Women Artists, NYC
A colorist at heart, I was influenced by Delacroix’s, Goya’s, and Matisse’s daring use of color to create psychological and geographic depth.
Installation Example for “We Are Not Privy #7”
To help the viewer visualize a piece of art in their home, it can be helpful to provide an interior example.
“Corredor de Bases” Oil on Baltic Birch, 15″ x 12″ Custom Dutch Maple Frame
I remain challenged and fascinated by the color white. My light sources are produced using both traditional under-painting and the modern technique of pigment applied directly onto the support with a palette knife.
“Alive Still Life” St. Louis Catcher Mike Matheny, Oil/Wax on Wood, 44″ x 16″, Custom Graphite Wood Frame
My “Alive Still Life” invention began when I saw a catcher, stretching out. I noticed that his equipment overtook his body so the image looked like a still life; and yet, he was alive under it all.
Installation Example for Alive Still Life
“She is one of the very few artists who gets down into the soul of her subject and brings that aspect to life on canvas……….remarkably so” Patrick J. Riley President, The Miami HEAT, Art Collector, Miller-Havens patron
“We Are Not Privy #3″ Oil/Wax on Birch Tondo 24” diameter, unframed.
I use both the representational and abstract schools of painting to try to solve the problem of conveying to the viewer what I can see and what I want you to see.
Installation Example for “We are Not Privy #3”
I am honored to have two portraits in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery Washington D.C., to be represented in public and private collections in the US and England and to have exhibited in museums and galleries. An Arts in Education advocate, I served on the AIE Advisory Council at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
“We are Not Privy #2″ Oil/Wax on 14″ x 11” Custom Black Maple Frame. 2007 Palmer Memorial Award, National Association of Women Artists, NYC
My first 20-year career was in the world of psychology, my second 20 years in art. I received Honors in Studio Art from Wellesley College and a Doctorate in Human Development from The Harvard School of Education.
My goal is to bring to the viewer, via the two dimensional picture plane, a three dimensional sense of psychological ambiguity and timelessness.
Susan Miller-Havens invites you to follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
So pleased to have known you in another career. You have extremely well in your endeavors. Proud to say I once knew this woman.
Thank you, Elaine. We started out as young women preparing for a career that was about taking care of and understanding the body, the mind, and the human condition. That knowledge has always fed into to my art. You and our little class of 13 were so very important to who I am and strive to be today. I will always treasure our times together.
What incredible work. All your paintings are great.
interesting work, i like the colors
Absolutely stunning paintings, Susan. Visually riveting!
I absolutely love Susan’s work! This is the first time I’ve seen these installations. Her paintings bring life and meaning to the spaces.