Susan Petty
Artist Profile

Susan Petty

LOCATION
Madison, WI
MEDIUM
Painting
STYLE
Watercolor | Abstract | Expressive Watercolor | Abstract | Expressive
FOLLOW
@petty_ism

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Susan was raised in Madison and has lived in Oslo, London, Singapore and Houston. She has studied calligraphy and has a diploma in Typographic Design from London College of Printing. She started painting circular works at an early age inspired by a seventh grade art project. More recently, influenced by learning zentangle and the need for small work as she traveled after retirement, she started painting watercoloring circles and drawing intricate patterns over them with pens. This has morphed into some works of solely watercolor. She loves the playful, colorful, experimental nature of working with unpredictable watercolor. She is also a master giftwrapper.

CREATIVE PROCESS

I start with a blank square of paper and create a world of movement, depth and infinity as the marks and swirls expand beyond the frame. My work is happy, colorful and spontaneous.
Completed pieces displayed in my studio inspire new work. There is a constant dialogue between old and new.

My art includes the playful use of watercolor in both color and shades of black/grey. I love watercolor’s unpredictability and watching it flow. I have an experimental nature and try out different techniques to see how they achieve different outcomes. I am a detail person and prefer working on a small scale. Because my pieces build on each other, are unique and very difficult (if not impossible) to repeat, I have a very hard time parting with them. But, it is time….

Featured Works

This artist’s work is currently available in-store. Online shop coming soon.

View All Artists