It is my pleasure to introduce my very first guest blogger, Susie Tenzer!
Susie lives in St. Louis, Missouri, where she graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in education. She also spent time at Washington University studying art. When she retired from teaching, she began her second career as an artist.
I’m delighted to share Susie’s post, and hope you find insight and inspiration from her as I do!
Susie lives in St. Louis, Missouri, where she graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in education. She also spent time at Washington University studying art. When she retired from teaching, she began her second career as an artist.
I’m delighted to share Susie’s post, and hope you find insight and inspiration from her as I do!
Wow, is that really colored pencil?
Everyone who sees my artwork asks that question. Some people say it looks like watercolor or oil painting. I’ve been hooked on the colored pencil medium for the last year. I knew I was on to something when I began drawing with colored pencils. I’ve tried everything from oil painting to screen printing. Colored pencils, though, are perfect for drawing precise details in a realistic style. My favorite subjects are simple, everyday objects. I use bold, bright colors and I love to incorporate shiny, reflective surfaces. My paintings (I prefer to call my artwork “paintings” similar to pastel artists) are done on archival paper. I layer many colors, often six to twelve layers, until they are vivid and saturated.
I was born and raised in St. Louis. I’m married, have two adult children and three (with one on the way) grandchildren. Although I began my college career in art, my degree is in education. I taught preprimary children for over twenty years. I didn’t do anything artistic for a long time, but the itch returned a year ago. Facing my 60th birthday, I felt it was now or never. My goal was to see if I could truly be an “artist.” I quickly created a web site, a Facebook business pageand Twitter account. I also opened a shop on Etsy and Artfire. I sold my artwork at a local boutique and had a painting juried into a gallery show. I became a juried member in the Missouri Artisans’ Association (the Best of Missouri Hands). What a whirlwind year!
The title of my autobiography would be, “Follow Your Dream.”
It was serendipity. On Etsy, I met a lot of talented artists. Several months ago I met Mary Nasser who connected me to artist and gallery owner Heather Haymart. Heather invited me to show my work in her gallery, Wood Icing. What a thrill! I truly feel like I’ve accomplished my goal of becoming an artist. Did you see the movie, “City Slickers” with Billy Crystal? He said it’s all about finding that one thing that’s important to you. Sometimes you find it early in life, sometimes you don’t find it until you’re 60. I’m so glad I’ve been able to find and follow my dream of becoming an artist.
Everyone who sees my artwork asks that question. Some people say it looks like watercolor or oil painting. I’ve been hooked on the colored pencil medium for the last year. I knew I was on to something when I began drawing with colored pencils. I’ve tried everything from oil painting to screen printing. Colored pencils, though, are perfect for drawing precise details in a realistic style. My favorite subjects are simple, everyday objects. I use bold, bright colors and I love to incorporate shiny, reflective surfaces. My paintings (I prefer to call my artwork “paintings” similar to pastel artists) are done on archival paper. I layer many colors, often six to twelve layers, until they are vivid and saturated.
I was born and raised in St. Louis. I’m married, have two adult children and three (with one on the way) grandchildren. Although I began my college career in art, my degree is in education. I taught preprimary children for over twenty years. I didn’t do anything artistic for a long time, but the itch returned a year ago. Facing my 60th birthday, I felt it was now or never. My goal was to see if I could truly be an “artist.” I quickly created a web site, a Facebook business pageand Twitter account. I also opened a shop on Etsy and Artfire. I sold my artwork at a local boutique and had a painting juried into a gallery show. I became a juried member in the Missouri Artisans’ Association (the Best of Missouri Hands). What a whirlwind year!
The title of my autobiography would be, “Follow Your Dream.”
It was serendipity. On Etsy, I met a lot of talented artists. Several months ago I met Mary Nasser who connected me to artist and gallery owner Heather Haymart. Heather invited me to show my work in her gallery, Wood Icing. What a thrill! I truly feel like I’ve accomplished my goal of becoming an artist. Did you see the movie, “City Slickers” with Billy Crystal? He said it’s all about finding that one thing that’s important to you. Sometimes you find it early in life, sometimes you don’t find it until you’re 60. I’m so glad I’ve been able to find and follow my dream of becoming an artist.
My original colored pencil drawing is titled, "Celebration". The colors are bright red, green, yellow and blue. This painting took three weeks to complete! I use Prismacolor colored pencils on Stonehenge archival paper. I use from 6 to 12 layers of colored pencil to achieve vibrant, saturated color. The image measures 11" X 14".
My original colored pencil drawing is a contemporary, realistic still life. The strawberries are bright red and the bowl is shiny silver. It is titled, "Strawberry Reflections". This was one of my favorite pieces to work on, especially those reflections! I use Prismacolor colored pencils on Stonehenge archival paper. I use from 6 to 12 layers of colored pencil to achieve vibrant, saturated color. The image measures 8" X 10" on an 11" X 14" sheet of paper. I think this piece would look wonderful in a kitchen or dining area.
Susie Tenzer Art
Etsy: www.susietenzer.etsy.com
Artfire: www.susietenzer.artfire.com
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/SusieTenzerArt
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SusieTenzer
Website: www.susietenzer.com
Etsy: www.susietenzer.etsy.com
Artfire: www.susietenzer.artfire.com
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/SusieTenzerArt
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SusieTenzer
Website: www.susietenzer.com
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