No fears, just the joy of making marks – which is what painting is.
For Sue Southorn, painting is an act of discovery. Through expressive marks, shifting colour, and layers of atmosphere, her landscapes, seascapes, and abstracts emerge intuitively, capturing both real and imagined places.
Sue Southorn is a painter whose work captures the ever-changing moods, colours, and atmosphere of the world around us. Working in acrylics and oils, she creates landscapes, seascapes, and abstract works that range from muted and contemplative to vibrant and expressive. Inspired by places she has visited as well as imagined environments, Sue’s paintings emerge through an intuitive process of experimentation, allowing each piece to evolve naturally on the canvas. Her work has been exhibited both locally and nationally, including at prestigious exhibitions such as the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, the Society of Women Artists, and the Royal West of England Academy.
In this artist spotlight, Sue reflects on the experiences that shaped her creative journey—from childhood paintboxes and discovering great artists in galleries around the world to embracing experimentation as a vital part of her practice. We discuss artistic influences, the joy of making marks, and why the process of discovery remains at the heart of her work.
As a child I was always drawing and painting. My mum actually saved some of my paintings from primary school and gave them to me shortly before she died. I looked forward to Christmas every year when I would receive a little tin paint box.
Pursuing Art at grammar school wasn’t an option! I was left handed and part of the course was calligraphy – no left handed pens in the good old days! Roll forward many years and I was afforded the opportunity of joining Warwickshire Teachers’ Art Association. Under the direction of the late Malcolm Wray, I began to take a greater interest in art.
That coincided with the opportunity of visiting art galleries in several different countries during the school holidays. France, Spain, Italy, America and India. My art education began. One outstanding memory in the early days, is of visiting a Howard Hodgekin exhibition – I couldn’t believe the riot of colours, the size of the canvases and the sheer joy the exhibition afforded. Similarly, to examine a Gainsborough: that delicate lace cuff that is in fact a series of marks – not a beautifully painted pattern. Mind blowing.
The more exhibitions and galleries I visit (a huge part of being an artist) keeps me wanting to do more and find out more.
Who has influenced me? Many artists – famous artists, Joan Eardley, Cezanne, Picasso, Keifer too many to name, whilst not forgetting our wonderful local artists. Always so much to learn and enjoy. I still enjoy experimenting and attending courses in wonderful locations such as Cornwall and Derbyshire (massive inspiration to engage in huge paintings on the beach and in the dales) and also locally. The large number of canvases that haven’t quite got what I want them to have, is testament to my love and joy of experimenting and playing. We can learn so much from watching children paint! No fears just the joy of making marks – which is what painting is.
Sometimes, not often, I am pleased with what I achieve. My work progresses through different stages, sometimes successful, other times not. I don’t often start with a plan, my work emerges as I go along. Great fun – you never know what’s going to happen. It’s always great to meet and chat to people about art and painting.
Nothing though, beats that thrill, and it’s the same every time, when someone likes your work enough to take it home with them.
Sue
