Artworks by Susan Sarback

Painting landscapes reflect my fascination with atmosphere, rhythm, and the changing effects of light and color at different times of the day, seasons, and weather conditions. I respond to these elusive qualities through suggestion rather than description while capturing the essence of a feeling, a time, or a place. For many years I painted solely outdoors, plein air. Now I paint both outdoors and in my Northern California studio. These are oil paintings on panels ranging from 9 x 12” to 20 x 30”. I paint with brushes and palette knives.

Wherever I am, I see painting possibilities.  Since beauty is everywhere, I go out in nature, paint, and take photos of what strikes me.  Often common scenes early morning or late in the day are quite beautiful.  Long shadow patterns, reflective water, and soft or strong color harmonies are especially of interest.

When I paint, my goal is to be as present and clear as possible in that moment, to see and paint my experience with direct perception.   I don’t try to influence others, but people often say that my work is calming, uplifting, and centering. 

Studying in the lineage of the French and American Impressionists, my paintings reflect the luminous light and color that the Impressionists sought.  I’ve also been influenced by eastern aesthetics and abstract art.  Even though I paint what I see, my early years painting abstract art showed me ways to capture the essence of my subject. Therefore, my paintings are less about a scene and more about illuminating the qualities of color, rhythm, and harmony.