Susan Johnson - painter

Artist Statement

With degrees in painting and 26 years of teaching Art, I now work full-time on my own canvases. My focus for the past 18 months has been local, CNY landscapes.   Painting is what I love to do and I will be forever grateful that I have the time and the drive to follow my passion. I use the amazingly beautiful scenery where we live as reference for each painting.

Artistic Process

Plein air painting is a major part of my process. For each canvas it is important to begin outside, experiencing nature firsthand. It is the light and shadows that seem irresistible to me. Weather and clouds motivate my compositions as try to recognize patterns of light and shadow. I have to observe as quickly as I can or resort to photography. Then, I return to my studio and continue, relying on my incomplete sketch, memory and imagination to recapture the colors, sounds and the light of those fleeting moments. This seems an impossible task but, for me, the challenge is endlessly compelling.

©2023 Susan Johnson. All rights reserved. Duplication is not allowed without permission.