During my thirty-two years of my elementary teaching career I always wanted to learn how to paint with watercolors. Back then, I had never had an actual art class, but I had always had an interest in art of all forms.

When I finally retired in 1998, I found time to take watercolor classes. I’ve taken instruction from Maryann Rollinson, Susan Spears, Lee Baughman, Leslie Cheney-Parr, and Chris Keylock Williams. I’ve taken workshops from Arleta Pech, Skip Lawrence, two from Ron Ranson, and one from Frank Francese at Art in the Mountains in Bend Oregon. Then I decided to branch out and I took an encaustic class from Lauren Mantecon at Sitka Center at Cascade Head. To top it all off, I’ve taken two pouring classes from Pat San Soucie at the Village Gallery of Arts.

Joining two art guilds, North Clackamas Art Guild (NCAG) and The Oregon Society of Artists (OSA), and becoming an active member of The Village Gallery of Arts (VGA) has given me an opportunity to watch many accomplished artists demonstrate their techniques and further my own skills. I have served on committees to help run the OSA Rose Art Show and served as secretary on the board at Village Gallery of Arts for a year. One of my proudest achievements was being juried into the Watercolor Society of Oregon (WSO).

I have entered many art shows—some of them juried— and have been fortunate to sell several paintings and some of my cards. I received a second place award at the NCAG show and was awarded a ribbon and art supplies as “The Most Promising Watercolorist” at the Lake Oswego Festival of Arts in 2007.

Contact Susan with your questions, inquiry or positive feedback by completing the form below.