Wow, what a year! A year of painting, hiking, and being alone. A year of many, many phone conversations, zoom craziness, and lonely holidays. I find solace in my painting, but even these images have different feel. 

I have received the vaccine, and the fog of this past year is lifting, I am looking forward to in- person dinners and hugging. Boy, do I miss hugging! There is sunshine, hope, vacations on the calendar, and I am starting to reach for the magenta paint. Oh my!

​The wonderful thing about hiking is seeing how the trail changes with seasons. The blooming of plants, budding of trees and the way the light changes with the time of year. It seems that at any moment there is something blooming and something going to seed. Life is the same way.  

This has been a season-year of blooming for me. Part of this moment is embracing the name I was born with. Conrad

So, as I title my paintings (really they title themselves), I embrace my original family name and title:  Sue Conrad, Artist.

It is all about how you decide to view the vista and translate the moment. My vision is unique, the trail bends and as I walk with Auggie, I allow my art to translate the way I feel at that moment. Happy, dusty, light streaming through the oak trees and a smiling dog by my side.
 Life is grand.
 
Here I am... Sue Conrad!

My website, Instagram and Facebook are all in transition as I pivot and bloom. I hope you will follow along with me and my art.   SueConradArtist.com 

​In 2018 and 2019 I embraced travel, new adventures, and major changes in my life. I was fortunate to display a series of paintings that showcases some of the journeys and transformations that I witnessed and embraced.

From the sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park, dusted with spring snow, I witnessed the largest bird I have ever seen spread its wings into the morning sun, rise, and soar down the canyon. Bold and so breathtaking.

To the lushness and grandeur of the Yoho National Park. Mountain ranges that rise to overwhelming heights, laced with glaciers, and endless aqua blue water. Oh… those Larch Pines ablaze in yellow-orange needles have been woven into the fabric of my heart.

Early Spring found me spending precious last moments with my father in Pennsylvania. A juxtaposition of events; seeing a life fade while Spring urgently pressed forward. In a moment of solitude along a trail I spot a tiny flower, the blood root emerging and blooming. Life is so precious.

Daily walks in Napa Valley lead me past Buckeye trees. These trees are amazing; they are the first to leaf out in the Spring. The emergence of the white spike flowers, becoming the round smooth buckeye fruit, then bare limbs in August. Truly a tree that transforms itself on its own timeline.

Wow it's been a big year, and more transformations are in the works.  I have a new painting location and cozy home for Auggie and me, affectionately called Sue's Pad. Auggie has finished his healing and is by my side again on the hiking trail, which makes my heart sing.  I know that November and December will finish this amazing year strong.  
Sending love your way!