Susan Dale lives in SW Portland. She has always enjoyed art and craft projects - making jewelry, pottery, weaving and painting. She took art classes throughout primary and secondary education but this was never a major focus. She had a long and fulfilling career in the mental health field. Once her children were launched, she began to study watercolor with local artists, mentored by Mary Burgess and Nora Sherwood. The pandemic allowed access to many national and international artists such as Michael Reardon, George Politis and Evelyn Dunphy. It also provided the time to devote to art.
"I have been an amateur naturalist for as long as I can remember. I started focusing on watercolor more than 20 years ago, beginning with plein air watercolor on hiking trips. I am inspired by the lush landscapes and abundant wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Two experiences informed my most recent focus. First, I began volunteering in the Portland Audubon Wildlife Care Center. I loved the often difficult work of caring for sick and injured wildlife and I was thrilled to be able to observe the animals so closely. Second, I took a watercolor class from a local Science Illustrator. The connection between those two experiences appealed to the naturalist in me and led to a shift from plein air to studio watercolor of birds and other animals rendered in detail. Some of my work is an accurate depiction, but I also enjoy "pushing" the color, especially with birds. The entire process is fascinating to me. Once I select an animal, I research the form, posture, coloring, habitat and characteristics. I am continually amazed at the intricacy of feathers and fur, beaks and noses and eyes. I hope that my work allows viewers to truly see these amazing details." |
Media: Watercolor
Studio Number: 101
Address: 4330 SW Twombly Ave Portland OR 97239
Community: SW Portland
Accessibility: Not Wheelchair accessible (There is just one low step at the entrance)
Email: dalesusanc@gmail.com
