About Artist
Susan René

Artist Susan Rene’ says, “magic happened when I combined my two loves…dogs and painting”.  For many years Susan painted “serious” art, and was very successful as a “struggling artist”.  One day she was feeling very down about her situation.  To cheer herself up she painted one of her dogs, Charlie, living the good life, reclining in a lounge chair sipping a tall cool drink.  At that time she had a small studio in the arts district on Miami Beach.  The next day, the painting sold…..magic!  She has continued to paint and sell her whimsical dogs and cats and has never looked back.  Susan now lives with her husband, Bill, and their four dogs, Whoopi, Lulu, Muffin, and Boo in Redmond, Washington and Mesa, Arizona.

Susan has, as she says, “been many places and done many things”. Her life has been full of change. And like most people in mid life, she has had her share of life’s fullness….the joys and the sorrows. Throughout her life, Susan has always had animal companions. “They have always been there for me, to share the ups and the downs.”  She regards animals as her greatest teachers of important life lessons. “They teach us so much about life….unconditional love, loyalty, service, joy, and the importance of afternoon naps!  Most of all, they remind us to not take life too seriously, and to appreciate the little things all around us…..especially the unexpected treats in life.”

The richness of her experience, including considerable time spent in museums and galleries all over the world, is reflected in the sophisticated humor and underlying wisdom of her paintings. She cites the Impressionists, particularly Matisse, as primary influences for her work. Her admiration for their artistic freedom and use of color is apparent in the lively, lyrical feel of her paintings. 

Starting with a blank canvas, Susan first makes an oil pastel drawing and then applies layers of vibrant acrylic paint. Traces of the drawing and many colorful layers of paint are visible in the finished work, imparting an air of spontaneity and directness.   “Paintings develop the same way people develop, one step at a time.  “I like the viewer to be able to see how a painting has evolved”, she says.  Allowing the painting to develop is an essential part of her process. She remarks that the canvas seems to take on a life of its own as soon as she begins to paint. “I just have to get out of my own way, and let the painting flow through me.”