Artist: Susanne Taylor

Currently featured in the 2024 Spring/Sunmer issue of Chatham Living Magazine, artist Susanne Taylor applies classical training and techniques to her painting.  Her inspiration is the light and atmosphere near water.  A lifetime of summers on Cape Cod is the root of her artistic influence.  The color of the sand, the beach grass, the water and the light captivate her: the atmosphere of light in the presence of the ocean is her endless inspiration.

Her creative process for still life painting begins with an idea: in general, she has an image in mind of what she wishes to create.  She continually studies older, master painters and contemporary work.  A blend of these ideas comes together as she creates.  For development and execution, she assembles the elements; create a composition of the objects and lighting; render a detailed drawing; transfer drawing to canvas; paint a layer of underpainting; and, build layers of paint.  In creating a plein air landscape, the composition is built with direct paint, all the while recalling the masters of landscape painting.

“I create art because I love it.  I especially love painting and studying painting.  There is nothing I would rather do.  I have an inner desire to create paintings: a deep, rich pool within me that serves as both inspiration and motivation.”

Susanne’s work can be found at Chatham Fine Art Gallery, Main St, Chatham and at Tree’s Place Gallery, Orleans, or online at https://www.susannetaylorfineart.com/