Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Thiele.
Hi Susan, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
At a very young age, I started drawing and collecting various flowers and plants. My father studied soil sciences, and as a result, I loved science. Botany in particular. My family transferred to several states due to my father’s job. New places and meeting new people have always been easy for me. Life is an adventure. For electives in school, I always chose art. My grandmother lived in Houston. I won several art contests from the Houston chronicle as a child. My eyes look to plants, flowers, bodies of water and studies how the colors work well or not. Painting utilizes my intrigue with color. I do not draw my subjects. For me, the joy comes from the colors. I became a teacher and worked in Katy ISD as a full-time sub for 10 years while my girls (2) were growing up. I subbed for art teacher Judy Vitolo for over a year. I was featured artist for Katy art and frame for several years. I joined Brenham Fine Arts, where I was on the board. I soon realized that I want to paint and not go to meetings. I have had several shows throughout Katy and Houston. I keep painting., traveling, learning in order to fill my life with my passion; art. I feel strongly that this is a gift and that we all have something special to share in this world 💙
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I love to paint, but I am not good at pricing and selling. If my friends want my work, I usually give it to them. I have too much art to keep haha. I want to make the world happy and share beautiful art, but I hate bragging about myself. I like my work to be in businesses that do the selling.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I painted some pieces when my girls were young. I took my work to be framed at Katy Art and Frame in Old Katy. The owner, Kelly Jones, said she could sell my work. This was the best time of my creative life! I painted Kelly framed, and we reached many, many people thought the country. I am self-taught, other than high school art, so it has been hard, but the most exhilarating journey! That is the joy. I do not want to have someone else’s style in painting. I want to paint in bright colors and let the creative process move me more than technical expertise. After several years in watercolor, I now do oil painting equally as often. Oil gives layers and depth to my work. I definitely like art that makes one smile. I work hard to not be political or make statements through my work. I simply want to give our souls a lift of spirit and good cheer.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Do not let others’ negativity affect you as an artist! I am not competing with anyone! I do, however, want to be the best I can be. For me, it is constant work that will never end. In a good way, I will never retire, and for that I am grateful. I adore painting and will not let anything steal this joy.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Susanthieleartwork
