My work is realistic with a touch of impressionism. I work mainly in the pastel medium because of its flexibility and forgiveness, as well as durability and spectacular colors.

I began my training in illustration at Butera School of Art in Boston, MA, in the late sixties, and later a correspondence course with the Famous Artist School. I studied with Dorisjean Colvin at the Redmond School of Art; took workshops at the Realist School of Art, Seattle, WA, with Gary Fagin; took the Stuart Parks Forensic Training; and workshops from Barbara Newton, color pencil artist.

I began my professional work in 1991, doing pencil portraits, and moved on to Pastel in 1992, a medium I fell in love with.

I am a member of the Northwest Pastel Society, American Society of Portrait Artists, Portrait Society of America and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Specialty Furniture Painting
I have always been interested in living "green", so it is only a naturalextension to "reclaim" furniture by painting it. Rescued from neglect, hard use,and sometimes, just bad taste, each piece has been revitalized and given newlife. Check out my one of a kind pieces on my website www.cindasue.com/furniture.html

Where do I work?
I have a studio in Friday Harbor, WA., where I do most of my work. When I'm not in the studio, I'm outside painting plein air. Even though my emphasis is normally on the human body, I find plein air painting gives me a whole new respect for light.

Working Methods
My pastel painting methods have been heavily influenced by Dorisjean Colvin, a spectacular artist, and my mentor. That basis never leaves me as I try other methods in my self teaching process, where I take well known artists and study their methods. Currently I am working on a process of painting figurative and portraits presented by Harley Brown.

What Artists Have and Are Inspiring My Work?
From the time I was a young girl, I have loved Norman Rockwell's paintings and I still adore them. Other heroes included John Singer Sargent, and contemporary portrait artists, Daniel Greene, Everett Raymond Kinstler, Harley Brown, and too many more to count.

My Current Focus
I have always been drawn to the human figure. Paintings for competitions are invariably figurative. My main focus, however; is commissioned pastel Pet Portraits, and Children's Portraits, and any combination there of.

My other creative avenues include Floorcloths, original hand painted rugs in custom designs, and writing, which is a natural extension of my love for children's picture books.

Floorcloths
A floorcloth is a painted canvas crafted for use on the floor as a rug. It is a revived art dating back more than 200 years.

Where I Show My Work
During 2008 I will be in the San Juan Island Artist Studio Tour, June 7th & 8th, 2008 www.sanjuanislandartist.com

The Artstock San Juan Island , Oct.4th & 5th, 2008
www.artstocksanjuanisland.com

I occasionally show through competitions, however, I am not currently showing as most of my work is commissioned art. If you would like to view my work, please give me a call at 378-6625 to make an appointment for a studio visit. If you would like to have samples of my work sent to you, give me a call or e-mail your request and mailing information to me at art@cindasue.com and visit my web site at www.cindasue.com .