BIOGRAPHY
As a child growing up in Darien, Connecticut, Susan Prentice knew she wanted to be an artist. At that time, Fairfield County was filled with artists, photographers, illustrators and other creatives. Being in such close proximity to New York City made it a wonderful place to become exposed to great art of all kinds from a young age.
After graduating with honors from Syracuse University’s School of Visual & Performing Arts as an illustration major, she landed in the Hartford area.
A career as a commercial artist ensued:
First as an advertising art director. She collaborated with some of the best photographers and illustrators in the country working on ad campaigns that took her, via helicopter, to the Grand Canyon and out to oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
That was followed by a career as a graphic designer for several companies and corporations. Often, she used her own artwork for the projects.
Then came an opportunity to fulfill a life-long plan to paint. All the experience as illustrator, art director, photographer and designer melded to complete the package.
Now, years later, there have been shows, awards, collectors and since 2017, a 500 sq.ft., off-site studio and gallery.
STATEMENT
My paintings tell stories reflective my experience or moments in my life. In that way they are very personal. My painting style has evolved over several years as I have grown as an artist. The subject matter determines what direction I take each work stylistically.
In retrospect, I discovered that my mood reflects my color choices. In the past my work tended toward blue and cool colors. Then, when life was cheerier, my palette went to vibrant warm colors.
My work incorporates my design aesthetic, solid drawing skills and a love of color. I incorporate precise marks, dots and line work instead of traditional brushwork.
I tend to work in series in order to explore a subject matter or a technique. My subject matter is varied but mostly it is a celebration of nature and color.