About Sue Flanagan
Artist’s Statement
“Every genuine artistic intuition goes beyond what the senses perceive and, reaching beneath reality’s surface, strives to interpret its hidden mystery…All artists experience the unbridgeable gap which lies between the work of their hands, however successful it may be, and the dazzling perfection of the beauty glimpsed in the ardor of the creative moment: what they manage to express in their painting, their sculpting, their creating is no more than a glimmer of the splendor which flared for a moment before the eyes of their spirit.” Pope John Paul II
This is the joy and, the frustration that artist’s experience in the creative process! We have been given a gift, the ability to see an occasional glimpse of the beauty that originates in God, the sole creator of all things. We work to interpret and convey that moment of beauty to others.
Pope John Paul II states that artists awaken people to “epiphanies of beauty”. I not only see this as a gift but also as a responsibility. Art should have integrity, beauty and truth. Art should be embraced wholeheartedly by our culture and it should be done well.
When I begin to paint I start with a prayer for inspiration and then a petition for the technical expertise to execute that vision. When I finish, I sign it INJ or in the name of Jesus.
So, when you look at my art, search for that glimpse of beauty. I hope you enjoy a new way to see the world.
Solo Gloria Deo,
Sue Flanagan
Career Summary Susan Flanagan
Susan seriously pursued a career in art in 2003. She is primarily, a landscape and still life artist. Soft pastel is her preferred medium. However, she enjoys oil painting and collage. Susan has had many fine instructors:
John Tylk, Frankfort Artist
Oil Painting
2000-2002
Robert Hoffman
Indoor Pastel Workshop
Chesterton, IN
November 4 to 6, 04
Robert Hoffman
Landscape Painting
Dillman’s Creative Arts Foundation
July 8-14, 01
Larry Blovits
Color Theory
Grand Haven, MI
June 17 to June 19, 05
Gary Wick
Pastel Painting
LaGrange Art League
5 day workshop, Fall 2002
Albert Handell
Plein Air Pastel Painting
Leesberg, VA
April 21 to April 25, 03
Jim Markle
Painting on Location with Pastel
Fallasberg, MI
June 28 to June 29, 03
International Association of Pastel Societies
2003, Alburquerque, NM
2005 Raleigh, N.C.
2007 Alburquerque, NM
Bill Hosner
Plein Air Pastel Painting
Mackinac Island, MI.
Sept. 13-17, 04
Richard McKinley
Plein Air Painting
Bozeman Montana
Sept. 2006
Sally Strand
Studio Pastel Painting
Bonita Springs, Florida
March 31 to April 4, 08
Paul Murray
Plein Air Painting
Taos, New Mexico
Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, 09
About the Artist
Careful observation and tactile skills are a requirement of my profession as a physical therapist and in my second career as a pastel artist. I have a Master of Health Science degree in physical therapy and have worked as a physical therapist for 28 years. During that time I enjoyed taking local community painting classes whenever possible. I also took several college classes in drawing and design at Northern Virginia Community College. In the last ten years, more of my time has been dedicated to my art. I have studied oil and pastel painting with many well known contemporary pastel artists. I attended several of the International Association of Pastel Societies convention in Albuquerque, NM and Raleigh, N.C. These conventions are always inspirational and educational.
I enjoy the tactile nature of soft pastel. Pastels are well suited to my style of painting and my lifestyle. Pastel is the same pigment used in other media like oil, watercolor or acrylic paint, but it is mixed with a binder like gum tragacanth. The binder holds the pigment together in the form of a stick. When I work on a painting, I can stop at anytime. There is no mixing of paint on a palette or clean up to do. Drying time is not required and the pastel can be reworked at any time. So, for me, pastel painting is convenient and it suits my lifestyle. Pastel has permanence in that the color will be vibrant and true for many years to come as the work of the Impressionists has shown us.
Almost any subject can interest me. My camera is always nearby for those moments when I see a potential painting but am unable to paint or draw at that moment. I also enjoy plein air painting or painting outdoors on location. Since I have joined the Chicago Plein Air Painter-SW, I have painted outdoors in all weather conditions. Painting from life is very important in order to see true color.
I have never been at a loss for inspiration. A sunset or a weed can inspire me to paint. Strong colors and dramatic light appeals to me. Living in a southern Chicago suburb, I find inspiration in forest preserves, retention ponds and cityscapes.
I am a member of the LaGrange Art League where I exhibit my work regularly. I am also currently a member of the Great Lakes Pastel Society. I am a contributing artist to the book, How Did You Paint That? 100 Ways to Paint Landscapes , published by International Artist Publishing. For further information, I can be reached at (708) 614-0959.