I believe that I enjoy landscape painting because I like organic shapes and random line with texture. These are the elements that are so much fun to depict in abstract painting.

However, I also like painting in a realistic style. I am finally beginning to effectively combine the two approaches. My most recent mixed media piece is a 12 x 12 in. acrylic on a cradle panel. It is called "Competing for Air Space." You can see it on my website in the wildlife works. www.sueflanagan.com

This abstract background was a lot of fun.

I started with collage including music, text and some mono-printed deli paper. When that dried I used permanent markers for line. Then I applied blue acrylic paint.

When the blue paint dried, I applied different colors of green paint. I used a silicone brush (silicone shaper) to subtract green paint and this created the large branches. I also scraped into the green paint with a skewer to create fine branches. Spritzing large drops of water on the green paint and lifting with a paper towel creates random texture.

After a little more collage I moved on. These two Blue Jays visit my bird feeder. I find them inspirational.

The birds were painted with acrylic paint when the background was dry. I lightened some of the sky holes and painted the suggestion of a few leaves. Then it was time for some stamping and my signature.

I like to finish my paintings with a satin varnish because it brings out the color and it is not too glossy.

If you live in the Holland, Michigan area, I offer classes at my summer studio, Pine Tree Studio and Gallery. Go to my website for details.

Enjoy the creative life!

Sue Flanagan

At first I started Pine Tree Studio/Gallery in Holland Michigan simply to have a larger space for creating my art in the summer months. It is near Saugatuck and Douglas.

Since it is in the countryside, I did not expect foot traffic. I was wrong.

People who drive by this building all the time are quite curious about what is going on in this space. Many people ride their bicycles along these country roads and they stop by when they see the open sign. All of my friends who visit can see potential. My vision for this space quickly changed.

I have felt for a long time that I am meant to use what artistic talent I have been given to encourage people in their creative life. This is my mission.

Creativity is a gift that every human being has been given but many people do not believe this. Creativity is the foundation of all innovation in any field. That includes science and technology. It is not just part of the arts.

I am captivated by the visual world. My creative medium is in fine art materials.  However, there are many other forms of expression. Your medium may be a garden, textiles, wood, metal, a musical instrument, food, a computer program, etc.

I now have space for making art and for showing my finished work. I also have this great space for classes and to build an artistic community. Pine Tree Studio is a place to fulfill my mission.

So, I have begun offering classes in pastel, acrylic, and oil painting. If you are nearby and feel called to give this a try, then go to my website: www.sueflanagan.com to contact me.

Not everyone will want to continue painting after a class or workshop, but I hope that they will learn different ways of seeing the world. I hope that will develop a love for experimenting and have joy in the process with other courageous people.

If you are not in this area, find an instructor near you. You may be surprised that art is healing to body, mind, and spirit.

Please remain curious and explore your God given gift of creativity.

Sue Flanagan