Those luscious fresh peaches simply taste like summer! Still life acrylic painting on stretched canvas depicting a pair of Georgia peaches.

This painting depicts an actual bike ride until a sandy pathway leading to the beach is reached. Inspired a trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia.

You can almost hear the gentle soothing sounds of the creek. The lower creek area of Amicalola Falls in the North Georgia mountains provided inspiration for this impressionist painting on canvas.

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Interview

Hello, Susan, I am so happy you could join me today. Your paintings are beautiful and bring a touch of nature into the home.

I am looking forward to learning more about your art journey and your artistic style.

Dave Nevue – Susan where are you from?

Susan Abell –I live in Athens, Georgia. This area may be best known as home to the University of Georgia.

Dave Nevue – How long have you been creating art?

Susan Abell –Creating art of all kinds has pretty much been a lifelong pursuit. After retiring from a long career as an elementary educator in 2014, what had formally been relegated to weekends and summers became a full-time endeavor. With a background in visual art education, I often incorporated art history and aesthetics into regular classroom lessons during my time as a teacher.

Dave Nevue – What inspired you to be an artist?

Susan Abell – Being an artist is my way of connecting others to nature in a spiritual sense and being creative is a natural expression of who I am.

Dave Nevue – Who are some of your favorite artists?

Susan Abell –There are many….some of the first and most prominent would be the French Impressionists, and especially Claude Monet. Some of my favorite American artists include Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keefe, and Childe Hassam.

Dave Nevue – Could you tell me about your artistic style and how it
evolved?

Susan Abell –  I believe observing some of the great masters’ work in various museums early on had a definite impact. Most notably, the Impressionists’ style of painting was the biggest influence. As a result, I often utilize a palette knife to capture light and shadow now when painting in acrylics. Additionally, I enjoy incorporating different techniques intoa watercolor painting.

Dave Nevue – Many times artists get stuck in the “safety zone” only doing what they feel comfortable with. What advice could you ggive theyoung artist that would encourage experimenting with different mediums and techniques?

Susan Abell – I think one of the most intriguing parts of being a visual artist is the exploration of new ideas. Simply being aware of how other artists create can open you up to new possibilities. There are so many wonderful resources to explore in all formats that can give you a window into new techniques and materials. By visiting art shows and festivals, you can become familiar with new methods and even have the opportunity talk to artists directly. Finally, just visiting the art supply store and choosing some new medium to try can help you delve into new territory artistically.

Dave Nevue – What are your favorite mediums to work with?

Susan Abell – I favor water-based media, and I often include acrylic inks and mediums as well to achieve textural effects.

Dave Nevue – How do you find inspiration?

Susan Abell – Inspiration is literally found any time I am outside, whether through long walks or visiting a local park. It isn’t hard to find!  I take many photos and keep a running list of painting ideas. Visiting the different settings of Georgia, from the beach to the mountains, also helps to fuel my creative process.
Dave Nevue – What message would you like to get across with your
art?

Susan Abell – All of my artwork reflects an experience that I hope resonates with viewers. I endeavor to connect in this way to others, perhaps as a reminder of a special memory for them. Most importantly, I would hope viewers gain a greater awareness of the world God has created.

Dave Nevue –  It has become a very fast paced world we live in, your artwork allows people to enjoy what they often miss because of their busy days. Do you think it is important for people to slow down for a few moments to enjoy the little things like the beautiful shades of greens and vibrant colors of the spring or the relaxing sounds of water rolling over rocks in a stream?

Susan Abell – Clearly, I do think people sometimes need to be reminded to slow down and enjoy the world around them. Helping people reconnect to nature through art is an aim for me. I enjoy recreating the places and settings that really resonate with viewers. It always amazes me how people respond to a particular painting that evokes some memory for them. Overall, I endeavor to capture the essence of being in nature through my artwork.

Dave Nevue – Do you sell your art?

Susan Abell -Yes

Dave Nevue – Where can people purchase your art?

Susan Abell-I sell my art through my website, Susan Abell Art

I also have products for sale based on my art. https://www.zazzle.com/abelltoart

Dave Nevue – How long have you been selling your art?

Susan Abell –After obtaining a business license in late 2014, I began selling.

Dave Nevue – Where can people learn more about you and your artwork?

Susan Abell –My website Susan Abell Art and the storage site.

(not all art is visible at once on the storage site)

https://www.artworkarchive.com/artwork/susan–3

Dave Nevue – Where can people follow you on social media?

Susan Abell – I am active on 4 main channels:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest

Dave Nevue – Do you enjoy the business side of being an artist?

Susan Abell –I’ve learned to enjoy it! Many days I spend as much time on the computer with various business tasks as I do in the studio. It is necessary, and it helps to be very organized, a skill I honed from my teaching days. Each day I work on striking a balance-what task to devote a given amount of time to.

Dave Nevue – What advice could you share with young artists trying
to enhance their craft?

Susan Abell – Whether trying to enhance your skills artistically or professionally, bear in mind all will improve with time and effort. You have to put the time and focus into developing your craft. Having a positive attitude always helps too. Be open to learning all you can and set goals for yourself.

Dave Nevue – What advice could you share with artists just learning
how to sell their art either online or offline?

Susan Abell– I would suggest starting small, perhaps one social media channel for sharing your art. If you already have a regular Facebook page, create a business page just for emphasizing your art. Look for opportunities in your community to display your art and to get more eyes on your art. Consider joining a local arts organization to connect with others. Participate in local art fairs and festivals to help you find your niche market and to collect booth visitors’ emails. When it comes to navigating the online waters, the best advice I could give would be to avail yourself of all possible resources to learn all you can. I have found the advice of so many art business and marketing experts to be indispensable.  Dave certainly fits into this category!

Dave Nevue – Thank you Susan.

Visit Susan Abell

• Susan Abell Art
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• Facebook
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