Artist Susan Elliott has taught drawing and figure drawing at
Arapahoe Community College for 19 years and her work has been
exhibited in faculty shows in the Colorado Gallery of the Arts at
ACC — most recently in fall 2011.
She will have an exhibit of her works in Town Hall’s Stanton
Gallery from Jan. 3 to Feb. 13, which will have three different
themes:
Large scale floral paintings of the seasons.
Farm and food themes from her husband’s family farm in
Washington state, where she spends three summer months.
Figure studies.
“I generally draw and paint in the style of contemporary realism
and fall in love with the subjects that come under my scrutiny,”
she writes in her Artist’s Statement. “I am attracted to everyday
objects. The subject, however, is only part of the story. It’s the
challenge of the composition and the shadows and details that
interest me most.
“The portrait and human figure have been a life-long study and
fascination for me. There is no end to the variety and nuances that
each person brings to the canvas or paper.
“I paint in oil, acrylic and watercolor and draw in every medium
including pastel. Each medium imparts its beauty and its
limitations.”
She has offered a course called “Concepts and Critique” at
Foothills Art Center in Golden for longer than her ACC experience,
she says. Before that, she was a docent trainer at the Denver Art
Museum, which served to increase her love of art history, a
continued interest.
She graduated from the University of Arizona, received a
master’s degree from Stanford University and spent seven years in
Saudi Arabia with her geologist husband.
“Best time of my life,” she commented.
She has three daughters, and as mentioned, the family farm calls
to her each summer.
Prospective students and past students will be interested in the
diverse skills she demonstrates in a body of work. Check the ACC
catalog for information about upcoming classes with this skilled
instructor.
The Stanton Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and
during performances. (“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the
Forum” with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim opens Jan. 13).
Town Hall is at 2450 W, Main St., downtown Littleton. For
information: 303-794-2787.