Waiting for the Train by Susan Scott
Summer Tomatoes by Ellen Whitman
Our July Body of Work artists, SAA members Susan Scott and Ellen Whitman, both share the love of nature and travel.
Ellen Whitman
“During the pandemic it gave me comfort reminiscing about my past travels,” says artist Susan Scott about her exhibit of oil paintings, Travel Dreams. “Painting these scenes which I photographed or painted plein air was therapeutic to me as well.” In 1999, Susan began watercolor painting with the late Al Thrasher of Keene, NH. Locally she has studied painting with Maddi Alana, Doris Rice, Lisa Mitchell, Robert Steedman, and Beaman Cole. Though she prefers painting with watercolors, she includes acrylics, pastels, and oils in her work. Her interest and passion for gardening and nature are evident in her paintings. Most of her work is created from her own travel photography, but she also does some plein air painting. Susan has toured many gardens and National Parks throughout the United States, as well as the Cotswold region of Great Britain, France, and the Caribbean. A Kansas native, she has been a resident of Exeter, NH for a decade, previously residing in the Monadnock region.She retired in 2009 and now devotes her time to family, gardening, volunteering, and of course travel and painting. She is a member of and exhibits with the Seacoast Artist Association and Seacoast Open Studio in Exeter, NH, as well as the Kittery (Maine) Art Association. For the last three years she has participated in the juried holiday show at the Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury, MA. “I am dreaming of future travels now that it seems safer. I’m sure you are, too. So, happy safe traveling. You might also want to try painting your own experiences!”
Alpine Bush in the Morning Light by Ellen Whitman
Precious Kitty by Ellen Whitman
Susan Scott
In a subtle, vibrant and unique style, Ellen Whitman’s watercolors represents the “Inner Glow” of her subjects as per the title of her show. “My approach to painting is to study the light within the form – to reveal the soul of the subject to the viewer. Each of my paintings is a study of light and shadow, of life and sensitivity. My work includes portraits, landscapes, wildlife and still life.” In 1977 Ellen established the Barn Art Studio in Exeter to introduce the creative arts to adults and children and to present new concepts and media to students not previously exposed to the imaginative and creative process. The classes are designed to meet you where you are as a beginning student or seeking to develop a portfolio or professionally. The setting of her home and studio depicts her appreciation of nature and wildlife. “My life is art, nature, animals and travel. In addition to a love for horses and riding, my relaxation activities include camping, canoeing and kayaking, cross-country skiing, backpacking, and often just a walk in the woods. The pleasure of these activities is heightened for an artist because it gives one a chance to observe and study every-changing light, reflection, shadow, landscapes, and animals in the natural world.” Ellen has participated in the Grand National Exhibition of the Professional Artist League, Salmagundi Club, NY; is a member of the Seacoast Artist Assocition and an exhibiting member of the North Shore Art Association, Gloucester, MA, and has won many “Best In Show” awards. Ellen is also accepting commissions for pet and human portraits. See her website www.barnartstudio.com for more information.
Quebec Dining by Susan Scott
Island Time by Susan Scott