Suzanne Howe, a classically trained still life painter, employs a meticulous technique of tiny brushstrokes, breathing life into traditional subject matter with a modern, whimsical twist. She revolutionizes still life by animating inanimate objects, dispensing with cultural cues, and inviting universal connection through her vibrant, narrative compositions. Her works exude positivity, joy, and a playful spirit, imbued with a craftsmanship speaking of her deep love for painting.
She uses high quality oil paints and materials, Belgian linen or eco-friendly surfaces when possible. It gives a beautiful surface to the paintings and a liveliness and luminosity that is achieved by all the dots of color vibrating against each other.
"I’m interested in deceptively simple subjects. I’ve chosen to concentrate on still life because I love the challenges of composition and of representing nature – real or
man-made. Each painting presents a slice of everyday life or an anthropomorphic interaction. I choose objects carefully and I really enjoy putting together the puzzle of color, shape, pattern and texture that goes into each piece.
The first paintings I fell in love with were Dutch still life. Then, as I went through school my favorites became the American Impressionists with their lively brushwork and vibrant color. Now, as I develop my own technique I find I’m relating to Seurat’s pointillism. I work to create paintings with fresh modern composition, a unique layering of broken color and a classic sensibility intended to stand the test of time.
I’d like my paintings to make people feel good – to remind them that life does have continuity, beauty and joy." Suzanne Howe
This painting is in a walnut float frame.
