Artist Feature: Sue Anderson

Artist: Sue Anderson

ARTIST FEATURE

SUE ANDERSON

FAITH TO THE FINISH

THE EXTENT OF SUE’S PAINTING EXPERIENCE WAS A FLEETING MOMENT. A ONE-DAY BOB ROSS CLASS SPARKED HER INTEREST, BUT NOT HAVING THE MEANS AND SPACE TO PAINT ON CANVAS IGNITED HER JOURNEY.

It was several years ago that Sue took the Bob Ross class, but her experience with Photoshop began when she started doing photography. Once she realized painting and Photoshop could be combined to accommodate her circumstances, Sue went on the hunt for courses. Beyond the Brushes became quite literally an answered prayer, and Sue strives to not take any of it for granted.

Every lesson has had at least one struggle for Sue to overcome, but she has learned to relish the challenge thanks to the patience and feedback from the review team. Her attitude of gratitude makes sure she doesn’t sweat the small stuff. Made a mistake? That’s okay! The beauty of Photoshop is that you can correct your mistakes without wasting paint or canvas.

Having that burden off of her mind helps Sue to truly experience what she is painting. It is like she becomes a part of the painting at that location, in that moment, and with that subject to experience all of the emotions wrapped into each brushstroke. You’d think that music would set the tone for this transcendence, right? Well, Sue actually prefers a quiet environment where she can focus her mind and harmonize with the painting. If music were to be playing though, instrumental worship and nature sounds would be first up on Sue’s playlist.

Being in tune with her surroundings is something Sue attributes to her faith. She believes God inspires all of her paintings; however, this series had a bit of a twist with sororal counsel involved. Sue’s sister was creating journals and asked for Sue to paint the covers. Usually, Sue will use her own photography work, but her sister was needing specific subjects to fit the series theme. Selecting the right images was the springboard for success on these covers.

The color palette came together, being dictated by the seasons. Soft, warm colors were used for the spring covers, and cool, watery colors were used for the summer. For her brushes, Brushy Goodness stood out above the rest in this series. For painting in general, Sue admits it is difficult to pick a favorite. If she wasn’t limited to just one, Brushy Goodness, Greasy Blender, Skin Blender, and Brayer would be Sue’s selections from the numerous brushes available in Beyond the Brushes.

Though Sue didn’t work freehand in this series, that is her goal. She wants to complete a painting from scratch, and some of the best advice she has received on working toward that is “loosen up.” Even though she carries a sense of peace wherever she goes, Sue is still having to learn to loosen up her brushstrokes and her photography perfectionism, but she’s ready to face the challenge head-on with faith and tranquility.

SUE JOINED BEYOND THE BRUSHES IN MAY 2020 AFTER FINDING THE ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS FOR A CREATIVE OUTLET. HER STORY SPEAKS OF HOW GOD LED HER TO A PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH PAINTING.

FIND SUE ONLINE AT FINEARTPHOTOGRAPHY18.MYPIXIESET.COM