Check out Susan Kay Stuart’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Kay Stuart.

Susan Kay, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am a former interior designer with a passion for contemporary art and design. At a fairly young age, I became fascinated by abstract art. I loved how it took me to nonexistent, but oddly familiar places. A good abstract painting will command my attention – daily, which is why I choose to live with this type of art in my own home.

I started painting over 15 years ago, without proper training, and gradually worked my way from watercolors to acrylics. Although I was beginning to have some interesting outcomes, I really wanted to take my work to a higher level. So, I enrolled in the Art Mastery program at Milan Art Institute, where I received classic training. This program helped me to find my voice and build a recognizable body of work. It took me a little longer than most folks, but I feel like I’m finally living my true purpose. It’s really never too late to follow your dreams.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My body of work includes both abstract and representational paintings. These two styles require their own process and materials, but both contain several layers of mixed media. Some of my favorite mediums are charcoal, spray paint, markers, acrylics and oil paints.

The abstract paintings have an ethereal, atmospheric feel, with depth and visual texture. The colors are slightly muted to keep them in a neutral range. The more representational pieces include celebrity portraits and botanicals. What’s interesting about my portrait process, is that the entire canvas is covered with washes, spray paints, shapes and drips, prior to sketching the subject. Oftentimes, I don’t know who I will paint until the background is complete. This process allows interesting bits of the background to be seen beneath the skin. There is something very magical about watching a face emerge from the canvas, it never gets old.

Celebrity mania, and pop culture in general, inspire my portrait paintings, while the abstracts come from a desire to explore and express myself with color, line and texture. I hope that my work will speak to people and evoke emotion. Whether it’s nostalgia, wonder or contemplation, art creates a very personal experience for the viewer.

The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
There’s no way around it, making art takes time and money. When no one’s buying, it can seem a little hopeless. My advice is to keep working with passion and perseverance. Maybe do a series of paper pieces, or small canvases to keep costs down, just don’t give up on your dream. Every single painting you complete increases your skill level and provides another opportunity to gain exposure on social media. Just. Don’t. Quit.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
The most up to date information on exhibitions and events can be found at my Instagram account. Followers can get a glimpse of my newest paintings (before they make it to my website), as well as works in progress and studio shots.

The best way people can support my work is to buy it (originals or prints), follow me on social media, like and comment on my posts, and attend my shows. Any and all support is appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.susankaystuart.com/
• Phone: 480-695-5011
• Email: susan@susankaystuart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susankstuartart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanlewisstuart/

Image Credit:
Marilyn Monroe – Michael Ochs

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