Artist of the week - Sue! - ART House Studios

Artist of the week - Sue!

8/31/2021

What inspires you?
The things that mainly inspire me is the challenge to get the end picture to look the way you want it to and it's a thrill when something works the way you want it to.
My favourite subject matter varies but I do like water scenes and reflections and of course lots of bright colours. I like arches as well so am quite interested in painting scenes with old buildings too.

How long have you been painting at Art House Studios?
I think I've been coming to your painting classes for 6 or 7 years. Luckily I discovered them soon after I moved to Newcastle from Sydney.

How have you changed as an artist in that time?
I've changed a lot as an artist since coming to Priya's classes. I used to paint watercolours but in my second class I think, we were inspired by Matisse and I thought the vividness of his style would work best with acrylics so now I've learnt to paint with acrylics.
I think I've learned lots more about using colours and understanding perspective better and so on. Every week we've focused on a different artist so there's always something new to learn or try.

What’s the secret to improving your painting skills?
I certainly wasn't confident painting people before but now I will do it although that's still developing.

Are you staying creative during lockdown?
Funnily enough I finally found time to paint this last weekend and while the finished work wasn't perfect, it did teach me a little about trying to paint glass vases.
I've also tried to give my students the opportunity to do some creative visual responses to the work I'm setting them for History and Geography lessons while we're in lockdown. Some of them have reacted well to that.

Which 5 artists (alive or not) would you invite to a dinner party?
Only 5? What a difficult choice. Frida Kahlo, Ben Quilty, Margaret Olley, Gustav Klimt, Vincent Van Gogh for starters. Recently I've been viewing a Facebook group devoted to the work of female artists and I'm constantly astounded by the numerous creative and talented people who have painted the most incredible works.

What do you miss about Art House Studios while in lockdown?
What I most miss about Wednesday social art nights is the fabulous mid-week opportunity to chill out and relax while playing with the colours. Priya always has a glass of red waiting for me and there's always lots of funny conversations and banter. I can't wait till we can all paint again!!!

Thanks Sue!
Click here to check out Sue’s online gallery -