Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Hotard.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My parents were very artistic and creative. Growing up in that environment I became very interested in drawing and coloring. They were very disappointed if I did not come up with an imaginative solution to a problem. My father who had attended the Art Institute of Chicago gave me drawing lessons at a young age.
With a BFA in interior design and having studied at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, I transitioned from a career in interior design to that of a professional painter. I had renewed seriousness in commitment to my art in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. During my family’s exile from New Orleans and the craziness that was occurring, I created over a dozen cartoons. The cartoons were a cathartic release. I entitled the collection of cartoons, “Levee-Tee”. In 2006, my husband accepted a job transfer to The Woodlands, TX. Having lived in LA for most of my life, I find it ironic I now live close to Washington County which was the home of my great great great grandparents who were TX pioneers.
Exodus 31 in the Holy Bible tells us that God gave each artisan the ability to perform his/her craft. That is my inspiration.
Please tell us about your art.
I paint primarily from life rather than from photos (except with children). I would describe my oil paintings as realistic but with an impressionistic quality. However, I also paint non-objective works too. The emotion and marks carry over from my more realistic paintings. I love experimenting with new creative ideas.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Well it has become increasing harder for concrete art galleries to stay in business. So that is harder on artists. But more online galleries are being created. However, there is nothing like seeing paintings in person.
The Woodlands community could make it easier on visual artists to build a place where artists can paint models and teachers can have permanent classrooms. Ask the artists to help design the space. Right now, we have to rent from the community center to have a place to paint.
Please buy original art. Buy paintings so we can support our work. Buy paintings so we can buy more art supplies. Buy local. Know where your art comes from.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my latest paintings on Instagram and Facebook.
I have 2 portraits in the updated version “The Encyclopedia of Oil Techniques” by Jeremy Galton, Quarto Publishing UK 2017 which is available as of January 2018, available from Amazon. Buy the book.
Currently I have a still life “Dream Roses” in the Oil Painters of America Salon Show at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City, Michigan June 22 through September 2018, Buy the painting.
Take a workshop from me. I love sharing my knowledge with others! This July I’ll teach two still life workshops: one in Shreveport and one in The Woodlands. In September, there is a life (nude) painting/clothed figure workshop in New Orleans. Contact me if you would like to be notified of future workshops.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9362714879
- Email: susan@susanhotardartist.com
- Instagram: shotard1
- Facebook: /susan.hotard.9
Image Credit:
Susan Hotard
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