Guild Member Salon Show 2021

Sue Bowerman

Guild Member Salon Show

Sue Bowerman ABOUT: Sue Bowerman is an artist who lives in Northern Michigan, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty, such as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas, with their inland lakes and rivers, vineyards, cherry orchards, sand dunes, and quaint coastal towns. Sue loves the creative process and the amazing feeling of being lost in painting, which feels very much like meditation. She particularly enjoys the challenge of plein air painting with its fascinating exploration of changing light and weather variables. Sue also appreciates exploring many sites she would not otherwise visit. Sue spends many happy hours in her studio. Often smaller pieces become the genesis for larger work. Some days, Sue has a specific idea, begging to be let out on to the canvas. Other days, she starts a painting without a preconceived plan. Often these turn out to be only exercises in color or texture (or a waste of a perfectly good canvas). But always, these times are pure joy! The challenge of learning to really see—color temperature, values, harmony, composition and perspective—keeps Sue painting. The rich colors found in nature, the interplay of light and varied textures are intriguing to her. She finds oils best portray her message. Most often, Sue paints landscapes. Occasionally, she paints still life, florals, and eclectic whimsy. A large part of her satisfaction with the painting process has been finding other artists who love painting. She especially values these wonderful friendships. THIS YEAR: So, this year has been challenging for each of us. I feel fortunate to have something I love to do, in any weather, inside or outside, pandemic or not. Painting tugs at me, and I find that if I am away from it for too many days I start to twitch. Part of the joy of plein air painting is the fun of painting with a group of fellow artists and this year, with social distancing that has not happened as much. I find that I miss the camaraderie and the critiques of a group but mostly, I miss the fun of the laughter about something that has happened or about a funny story shared. So what I have learned is to enjoy whatever I am painting, with others or not but I am DEFINITELY looking forward to freedom and more face-to-face fun with family and friends. CONTACT: suebow47@charter.net, 231-409-9320. My website is currently under re-construction but I would rather paint than work on it, which is causing me angst!

”Lady in Red,” Oil, 2019, framed 18 x 22 in, $495. The inspiration for “Lady in Red” came as I was scouting for scenes to photograph on the Old Mission Peninsula. As I followed the road along the water this scene appeared and I had to stop. The contrast between the dark shadows with the bright water and sunlight, along with the vibrant reds and oranges in the fall leaves just took my breath away. This is why I love to paint landscapes and be inspired by the beauty that is Northern Michigan. The area is endlessly intriguing!

“Dune Shadows,” Oil, 2020, framed 18 x 22 in, $475. The inspiration for ”Dune Shadows” came from multiple plein air sessions all over Leelanau County. The stunning natural shades of blue in the water and sky against the sand and shadows thrills me and challenges me to try to capture that beauty. There are no two days that are exactly the same. The clouds, the light, the wind, and who I am painting with makes for a totally new and exciting experience each time. I hope I have captured some of that story in this painting.

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