Susan Grabert has always embraced her creative side, inspired by her grandmother’s example. From flower arranging and holiday decorating to baking special desserts, creativity has been a constant throughout her life. In high school, she was voted Most Artistic by her senior class. In her early twenties, she launched a small side business designing stencils and painting home interiors. Her artistic journey continued through years of classes and workshops exploring a variety of mediums.
Later, Susan began documenting her travels in watercolor sketchbooks, capturing the beauty and character of the places she visited. In 2017, following her retirement from her “day job,” she finally had the opportunity to dedicate herself fully to developing her skills as an oil painter. Initially, her goal was to create artwork for her own home. Today, she finds inspiration in creating paintings that bring beauty and personality to the homes of others.
Susan’s life experiences and artistic vision are deeply connected. Her still-life paintings often feature treasured pieces from her personal collection of vintage objects, some discovered in faraway places such as India and Africa. Her animal paintings reflect her passion for wildlife and conservation, while her love of interior decorating influences every piece she creates.
When approaching a painting, Susan considers not only the subject itself but also the setting in which it might live. She imagines the interiors it could complement, how it might enhance a space, and the feelings or memories it might evoke for its owner. Above all, she hopes each painting brings joy—whether through a beautiful palette of colors, a cherished childhood memory, an intriguing design, or the captivating gaze of a beloved animal.
For Susan, art is more than a painting on a wall; it is an opportunity to create a meaningful connection between the artwork, the home, and the person who welcomes it into their life.