Susi B. Davis Watercolors
Pearl District Portfolio - Tenant Spotlight
A passion for painting pets and landscapes leads artist Susi B Davis to a new studio in the 13th Street Lofts.
Susi Davis has been painting pet portraits and stunning landscapes for nearly a decade. Now, in her new Pearl District studio, Susi will have the space to grow her body of work and hold pet painting classes for all levels of experience - turning our pictures of our furry friends into masterpieces we can hang in our homes and offices! And we were lucky enough to ask her a few questions about her craft.
Inspired in Paris
As a child, Susi knew she’d be an artist. Her journey has taken her from Paris, France, across the Atlantic to Portland, Oregon, painting all the way.
"As a ten-year-old taking painting lessons in a small attic artist studio in France, I dreamed of one day working on my own. My 3rd floor studio in The 13th Street Lofts is that dream come true! The space invites creativity! I have lots of canvases of gorge inspired waterfalls and am eagerly covering more with color. As well as portrait paintings of much loved pets, and illustrations for books."
A Love for Animals Translated into Art
Susi discovered a passion for painting pets about ten years ago. She's always loved animals and grew up with dogs, rabbits, horses, and even turtles! She tries to meet the subject of each painting before she lays the brush on the canvas so that she can better understand the animal's personality and take reference photos. Susi paints in watercolor and acrylics. Her acrylics work represents nature and at times, struggling animals who are without control of their environment. A true animal lover, she also donates a percentage of each painting sold to animal shelters!
Exploring the Craft with Students
"I enjoy leading everyone through classes exploring techniques and tools, uncontrolled beautiful pours, or even watercolor pet portraits. Since class sizes are small, I give as much direction as desired." - Susi B. Davis
Susi shares her love of creating pet portraits by teaching classes. She holds classes in her new space with a limited number of students for a more one-on-one experience. If you'd like to paint your own pet portraits or another subject of interest, connect with Susi on her website: susibdaviswatercolors.com/#contact.
It's always hard to pick favorites, but Susi says her favorite pet paintings are the ones with stories, such as her experience with “shy Katie, who I finally got photos from under the porch, or Tanner whose portrait reconnected estranged siblings, or Topo, a rescued chimpanzee."
A Pivot to Illustrating Children’s Books
The pandemic forced some creativity in Susi's approach. She started illustrating books, which, as it turns out, launched her career in a whole new direction. She Illustrated a children's book, “helping neglected children through the eyes of a bulldog." Now she's working on a sequel! She also has two other books in the works: "Wildflowers of the Northwest" and "Every Brain needs Music."
Join a Painting Class
Susi works in her studio 4-5 days a week with Spike, her studio companion, a pug/terrier mix who is almost always with her.
Reach out to Susi about her artwork or sign up for a class
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