Oil painter Susan Patton offers a nostalgic look at life through her warmly inviting, ethereal artwork. Visit her website to see more.
![painting of an old tractor in a field by Susan Patton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/USE-for-feature-image-Not-Forgotten-1.jpg)
“Not Forgotten” oil, 30” x 24”
I began working as a professional, full-time artist in 2017, devoting six days a week and most of my waking time to either painting, studying or preparing to teach workshops.
![painting of hydrangeas by Susan Patton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Thinking-of-You.jpg)
“Thinking of You” oil, 10” x 8”
I come from a family with a lineage of artists. My grandfather was an undiscovered artist. My mother, Dot Courson, is currently an award-winning professional artist. I feel extremely grateful for the support and advice she has given as I’ve pursued this career in art.
![painting of a little girl by Susan Patton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1-Discoveries-1-resized.jpg)
“Discoveries” oil, 12” x 16”
I enjoy painting people, still life and plein air. I have juried into multiple national and international shows and have won awards for my work.
![still life painting of a bowl and acorns by Susan Patton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/acorn-soup.jpg)
“Acorn Soup” oil, 14” x 11”
My favorite part of being an artist is teaching oil painting workshops. I love to teach! I worked as a physical therapist for twenty years before transitioning to full time art. As a P.T., I was able to also observe, instruct and encourage people. Now I do the same when I teach art workshops.
![painted portrait of Lady Lee by Susan Patton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Lady-Lee.jpg)
“Lady Lee” (commissioned portrait) oil, 30” x 40”
Besides teaching oil painting, I am also known for painting people—portraits as well as figurative work. I have closely observed people all of my life. I’m constantly studying how to improve painting them.
![still life painting of turnips by Susan Patton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Arrayed-in-Beauty-resized.jpeg)
“Arrayed in Beauty” oil, 36” x 12”
I also think a lot about new ways to teach my students in a way that is engaging. My goal in every workshop is for the students to be challenged and strengthened in a specific area that helps them grow.
![still life painting of turnips by Susan Patton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1873-2.jpeg)
“Pretty in Pink” oil, 10” x 8”
I have learned under many artists, such as Roger Dale Brown, John Pototschnik and Dawn Whitelaw, as well as Kim English, Kenn Backhaus and Michael Shane Neal.
![painting of family members socializing by Susan Patton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PattonReminiscing.jpg)
“Reminiscing” oil, 9” x 11”
As a student, I am also greatly inspired by John Singer Sargeant, partly because Neal and Whitelaw studied under Everett Raymond Kinstler, whose teachers included Sargeant. I admire Sargeant’s art, and study his work and technique often.
![figurative painting of a woman cooking by Susan Patton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/patton-s-b.jpg)
“Still Stirring (At 93)” oil, 11” x 14”
Much of what I enjoy painting is based on memories of growing up around my grandparent’s farm and the nostalgia I feel around my home.
![artist Susan Patton en plein air](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Susan-Painting-500px.jpg)
Artist Susan Patton en plein air
I think the best art is created using intellect along with good technique and skill, but which also leaves a little bit of the soul of the artist in the picture—art that is created like a hymn that sings the melody of the heart.
These are excellent. My favorite is Pretty in Pink.
Thank you so much, Martha! That painting was done from turnips I gathered from my Uncle’s garden out in front of my home.