When did you first get interested in Digital Painting and do you have natural media painting experience? Are you also a photographer?

I was first introduced to digital painting about 10 years ago while I was working in wallpaper graphic design. Before the industry went digital, I had 8 years of hand painting color separations under my belt. My experience using brushes and paint helped develop the steady hand that was needed for sketching those designs on a Wacom tablet. I began adjusting photos with Photoshop and then 3 years ago I was introduced to Painter and I haven’t put down my stylus since. I never had formal art training, except for a few classed in High School, but always believed myself to be an artist since as long as I can remember. My photography skills have improved since acquiring a Canon Rebel XTI and a purse size Fugi Finepix. I am constantly taking pictures to use for my paintings. I just purchased a new zoom lens which I can’t wait to experiment with. My summers are spent on the beaches of Cape Cod and thus my paintings are mostly scenes of the beach and dunes. I try to capture the beauty that can only be found on the Cape and hope that my work will attract buyers.

How is your art printed? What canvas or watercolor paper do you use for printing them?

I have all my work printed by Millhouse Graphics. Master printer, Jason Pryor, has printed over 200 pieces for me and I have never been disappointed. My canvases are printed on Parrot High Performance Matte and my linens are on Schoellershammer cotton rag linen. Jason prints them with an Epson 9600 using Ultra Chrome ink. Premier Art Print Shield is sprayed on both canvas and linen to preserve their vibrancy.

Do you hand embellish your finished pieces?

When applying an acrylic coating I use Golden Gel Mediums and really like the thick impasto effect it gives. This adds so much texture and dimension. I am partial to the look of the canvas without the gel so I offer the gel as an option to my customers.

How do you promote your work and do you sell any to the public?

I have my work for sale at Montano’s Restaurant, in North Truro, Ma., where I have had steady sales throughout the summer months. My work is also for sale and on the walls at Magazines and More in Norwich, CT.

I run my digital painting business, Seabreeze Studio, out of my home. I specialize in portraits of people and pets. Presently I am holding private parties in homes throughout my area. The party venture has been successful due to the enticing incentives that are offered.

Besides Corel Painter and Adobe Photoshop, what other software or plug-ins do you use to create your art?

I use Photoshop 7 and Painter 9.5 and haven’t really felt the need to upgrade yet. I will use BenVista Photozoom Pro when a picture needs adjusting.

Where are you located and do you give workshops or classes?

I am located in Lisbon, CT and have my office and studio in my home there. The walls of my home are covered with my work. I have never given classes though I have been asked to give lessons. I look forward to having free time to work on my originals.

Tell us something about you and your life that you would like to share with others that has affected your creating art.

I have always loved to draw and Painter has enabled me to paint as well. I paint because I love to do it. With the help of the fabulous people at Marilyn Sholins’ POTF and Karen Bonakars’ Painter Talk I am able stay on top of my game and learn the latest tricks of the trade. Nothing makes me happier than being able to give someone a painting that I know they will enjoy for years. I am presently taking various art classes in the Open Studio at Painter Talk and at The Digital Art Academy I also attend Thursday night art classes at the Lisbon Art Guild. I use to be an avid gardener whose perennials had nary a weed. But I am afraid that my painting has pulled me from the garden instead. My two adult children and husband have been more the generous in allowing me this obsession.

What artists do you admire the most and why?

I admire the works of Sergeant, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, and Van Gogh. Their use of color and light in their portraits is what I wish to emulate one day.

What do you look forward to the most in the art world in the future?

I hope, like all digital artists, that the day will come when our work will be accepted as a true art form. I feel it is the ignorance of the process involved that holds back the traditionalists from welcoming digital art into their galleries. Unfortunately there are some people who merely apply filter to photos and call it digital art. Those results are very disappointing and shed a negative light this new medium. It is the combination of hours of hand applied brush strokes, and applying of textures and embellishments that set our work apart from the rest.

What advice do you have for those just beginning to digitally paint?

If someone has a love of drawing and painting and is considering getting into digital art I will whole heartily say “Go for it!” Though it may seem daunting at first, the more you practice and study the work of others the better you will get. I highly recommend taking online classes and buying the wonderful DVD tutorials that are out there. There are many fine ones here for sale in the “Shop”. It has opened a new world for me. The hardest part is to remember to get up from my chair!

Sue’s Links:

• Sue’s Basic Website
  
• Sue’s Blog
• Sue at FineArt America
• Sue at the Official Corel Painter Magazine Website

Sue’s Awards and Accomplishments:

• I was accepted into the 64th Annual CT Artist Exhibition 2007
• My work is on display and for sale at Montano’s in North Truro, MA, and Magazines and More, in Norwich, CT

Tags: Featured Artists

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