SUSAN SPEARS

Artist’s Statement for Susan Spears, Artist
 
Some people are driven to paint.  I see something beautiful and I have to get it down on a piece of paper and paint.  I’ve filled up sketchbook after sketchbook with drawings hoping they become paintings. If I can’t paint I make elaborate drawings in pen and ink.
I’m happiest when I’m out painting with my class or with a friend somewhere with a terrific view.  Favorite places are somewhere in the Columbia Gorge or up on the side of Mt. Hood.  On the Washington side, Catherine Creek State Park is another favorite spot.
Watercolor is my favorite medium, but I like to work in all media.  I’ve taught my students how to do watercolor and acrylics.  We, also, do mixed media.
When working outside, I bring along a chair, light metal easel that is adjustable to lie flat and tip up at an angle, a light plastic palette with a simplified group of nine colors using the split primary system, plus, 3 pure secondary colors of orange, purple, and sap green.  With those colors I can mix any color bright or dull, that I need for the subject matter.  And an umbrella to keep the sun off of my paper.  We paint from 9-3pm.  That’s just enough time to get the job mostly done.  I put on final touches at home.
The harmony wheel is my go to method for getting harmony and mood into my paintings
I sell my work at my shows and on my website at susanspearsart.com.  I can be reached on my website.