Exploring the Energy of Nature An award-winning artist, Susan creates bold and expressive paintings with acrylic and mixed media. The energy of nature is explored in her paintings of birds, flowers and landscapes. Exploring the outdoors and taking photos are used as inspiration. Composition and a loose impressionistic style are important to help bring life to the subjects, and depth and movement into her work. This translation brings together all the elements into a composition that is a pure expression of herself. Being able to explore and be inspired from new experiences has kept her passion alive. Feelings are explored from different perspectives with bold color, line, composition and all the tools at hand. Each represent a moment in time. Susan attended the Academy of Art, in San Francisco after high school and continued taking workshops to further her interest in painting, carving and mosaic. A professional career of over 25 years as a graphic designer, helps composition and color stand out in her art. Susan lives in Salem, Oregon and is a member of Artists in Action, Salem Art Association, Hallie Ford Museum of Art and Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. She is a part of ArtMarks, a local critique group.