SUZANNE WILLIS
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Creating has been an intrinsic part of my life from a young age. I began with crayons and coloring books, progressing to more ambitious projects like designing clothes for my dolls from garage sale materials. In eighth grade, I painted my first oil landscape, which won an honorable mention at the Orange County Fair. However, this achievement also led to my painting being restricted at home.
Living independently, I took a watercolor class that deepened my passion for painting. Despite struggling with drawing and mastering watercolor techniques, I persisted through classes at junior and community colleges in Costa Mesa, and workshops with Chris Gwaltney and Lynn Torrini, who introduced me to oil painting. Though I loved the rich colors of oils, the medium’s messiness and fumes led me to explore other avenues.
During this period, I became a ceramic decorator, working with high-temperature oxide powders and learning sumi ink techniques from Ning Yeh, a renowned artist. I also experimented with painting on scarves, stained glass, and paper mache, creating a three-foot desert scene that I managed to sell in a boutique.
As I faced various life challenges, including a missed opportunity to study in Florence, Italy, I continued to explore different artistic endeavors. I painted carousel horses, and theatre props, and engaged in silk painting. My watercolor skills gradually improved, leading to a successful solo show where I sold 38 paintings and had to repaint several due to high demand.
I taught watercolor at my church for six years, gaining valuable teaching experience and expanding my artistic practice. A chance encounter with photography further fueled my creativity, particularly in capturing beach scenes. A significant turning point came when, after losing an office job, I found an art teaching position at a local school despite lacking a degree. My work was well-received, and I taught there for three years, developing new techniques and lesson plans.
Life’s difficulties, including a period of homelessness, led me to a church where I created a large acrylic painting that became a centerpiece for a sermon. This led to commissions for murals and other artworks, including a whale mural in Dana Point and a fantasy beach scene in Laguna Beach.
Teaching young children at a private school, where I learned the challenges of engaging short attention spans and reconnecting with former students, kept me involved in art. However, burnout eventually led me to pause painting.
During the pandemic, I rekindled my passion for art, focusing on beach-themed works and mixed media. Experimenting with different acrylic paints and techniques, including ink and markers, I rediscovered my love for watercolor and began to enjoy experimenting with color and mixed media. Now, with renewed enthusiasm and being featured in the Laguna Art Gallery, I continue to explore and create, driven by a deep-seated passion for painting.
Instagram: @heartfaith77
