We will explore different papers, composition and non-composition, mark making, painting without drawing, and other contemporary ideas, including collage. Attention will be given to creating your own voice through the color and compositional choices you make. A range of abstract to representational ideas can be explored. Demonstrations, slide presentation, critiques, and group discussion are included. Optional: Bring some sketches and ideas that you would like to work with and a few of your less successful watercolor paintings for the collage portion of the workshop. All levels are welcome, but some experience with watercolor painting is helpful.

Suzanne takes long walks in places near the sea, searching for visual elements that excite her eye and mind. With a keen interest in such disparate visual ideas as rugged working harbors and tidal environments along with knitting and improvisational quilts, Suzanne paints and prints on cotton papers with inventive textures, patterns, and sometimes includes fabrics.  Her abstract compositions in mixed media collage can remind one of architecture, aerial views, floor plans, or other structural forms.  Suzanne is currently represented by Carver Hill Gallery in Rockland, Maine, Cynthia Winings Gallery in Blue Hill, Maine, Cove Gallery in Wellfleet, MA, and Archipelago - The Island Institute in Rockland, Maine. She teaches workshops in Truro, MA, Nantucket, MA, Stowe, VT, and other US locations. She conducts workshops in her Guilford, CT studio as well. Suzanne is available for local and distance art mentoring, for individuals at all levels.