Featured Artist Susan McCollough

Artist Susan McCollough creates boldly colorful abstract paintings in large format. Enjoy her dynamic portfolio and see more by visiting her website.

 

 

Every artist seems to have a story to tell. As the age-old adage states, “There is a reason for all things.”

 

 

There is a reason why we paint, draw, sculpt, design or promote an agenda. For me, I view every project as a journey—an adventure of approaching a blank canvas, armature, or a box of clay, and seeing where the exploration takes me.

 

 

My own journey into the world of art began at an early age. My mother brought into our home the love of the collective arts through musicals, operas, Broadway plays, museums, books and more books, on artists. Although she was a self-taught artist, she possessed extraordinary insight into the world of art. Spending many of my formative years in New York and then returning every summer to visit family, I was given opportunities to be exposed to all forms of art.

 

 

As a college student, I temporarily pursued a career in the theatrical arts. However, once I became exposed to painting and sculpting, I knew where I needed to direct my passions and efforts. I went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from the University of Alabama.

 

 

From the first time I picked up a crayon and pencil, the thrill of expressing my thoughts, feelings and visions never left.

 

 

After several decades of painting, drawing and now sculpting, I opened my own gallery and studio approximately eight years ago. For the first time—after a life that took me through raising children and interior design—I was able to paint every day; for as many hours as I was driven to do so.

 

 

For reasons I am unable to explain, I am drawn to paint on large canvases with bold and bright colors. I enjoy working in oil, charcoal, ink and water-based clay. I treat every raw canvas with the same feeling, as if I am going to meet someone new.

 

 

With each painting I know ahead of time which colors I will use and the direction I will take. However, after those preliminary steps, I allow the experience to take over the process.

 

 

Every painting is a new adventure. It is part of a larger journey. It becomes a new puzzle, with me fitting all the pieces I have in my mind together until it is finished.

 

 

Sometimes I enjoy painting alla prima, but I also enjoy every aspect of playing with color, the blending of colors and the good fortune to know when my work is complete. I experience gratification beyond description when someone other than myself loves my paintings and sculptures, takes them home and enjoys them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

 

Artist Susan McCollough invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Tumblr.

 

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