The Studio
I'm really lucky to have such a great outlook from my studio. It allows me to monitor the seasons and changing environment on a daily bases and observe the wildlife, farm animals and poultry close by. I can work in the warm and dry in winter and during the summer months open up the doors and enjoy the sounds of the countryside on my doorstep. What's more with animals grazing in the little orchard next to the studio it's a good place to catch them in a natural pose for future work.
They are relaxed and contented there, making for some great images to work from. When I need a break from the detailed work I can pick up my sketch book, charcoal or graphite stick and step outside the studio for some, quick and loose sketching from life. Good practice for me, as the animals seldom keep still, and a diversion from the more detailed work. Most of the images I create start life as a drawing and it's a great love of mine.
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My Inspiration
Living on a livestock farm is my inspiration, I love to work from people or animals I know, this give me an insight into their character, something I like to bring out in my paintings. Without the animals it would not be the same, they bring the farm to life. I have always been interested in drawing people espically as they go about their work, and people that make a living from working on the land, with it and not against it, seem to respond to the familiar surrounding with ease. Animals too, within their natural environment are relaxed and at ease, which makes for a natural balance and interesting composition. During the time spent studing for my BA Hons in Art, Design fine art. I spent hours drawing and painting in the life room, using many different types of medium it was a great experience, and I learnt a lot. During this time, painting figuratively from the body I found stimulating and absorbing. I painted the skin, the flesh and anatomy of the body, and this subject matter led easily to my more recent work on other animals. Susan Heath |
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