Sue Westby - Acrylic, Oil on Canvas; Watercolour on Board
I am passionate about the natural world and want to portray the feelings of the moment whenever I see something which captivates me. The play of light on form, the mood, drive me to explore a scene’s essence and try to capture it through the medium of paint.
Preferring a smooth ground in order to paint the fine detail I love, I use prepared hardboard, wood panels or canvas which have had multi layers of sanded gesso applied until the surface is less textured.
Working most frequently in oils as well as acrylics and watercolour, I recently completed a series of water themed paintings: what lives on it, near it or in it. I wished to capture water’s nature, how it reflects light or sculpts form – its ebb and flow.
Living on the ocean in the South Shore, I continue to be enthralled by the nature surrounding me. It drives my creative impulse, shapes my vision and always, always inspires.
Pitcher Plants 14in x 12in $1700
SOLD - Crossbill Birds in Spruce 12in x 24in
Girl with Horse 24in x 18in $2300
Heavyweights 36in x 24in $4200
Lady Slippers 20in x 16in $2000
Pioneer Fence 30in x 24in $2600
Rainbow Peppers at the Market 16in x 12in $675
Sanderlings at Crescent Beach 7.5in x 5.5in $500
Biography
Sue is originally from Ottawa, Ontario where she developed a life-long interest in nature and art. As a painter of fine art as well as an accomplished natural science illustrator, Sue works in various mediums to produce her paintings and scientific illustrations. Her painting style reflects her careful observation and attention to detail that captures the essence of the subject.
A graduate of the Visual Arts degree program at the University of Ottawa, Sue has exhibited her art in many juried shows and galleries as well as having her scientific illustrations published in peer reviewed journals and books. Her work can be found in many private and corporate collections, both nationally and internationally. She is a juried member of the Society of Animal Artists since 2017.
From her home and studio on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Sue continues to paint and illustrate her passion: the natural world.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS 1979 to 1995:
- Den Art Gallery, Ottawa – Juried Show
- Ottawa Little Theatre – Juried Show
- Braam Gallery, Ottawa – Juried Show
- Ottawa School of Art Gallery – Juried Show - Robertson Gallery, Ottawa – Juried Show
- Cornwall Gallery, Ontario
- Kingston Art Gallery, Ontario
1980-85, Gallery artist, Burdette Wildlife Gallery, Orton, Ontario. 2004, Juried Show, Sonoran Desert Museum Gallery, Tucson, Arizona. 2006, Solo exhibition, Centre Stage Theatre, Kentville, Nova Scotia. 2009, 2010, Juried Show, Lunenburg Art Gallery, Nova Scotia.
2013, Swoon Gallery, Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia.
2012-2020, Gallery artist, Amicus Gallery, Chester, Nova Scotia.
AWARDS
Best in Show, Purchase Award – Chrysler of Canada’s Search for Canadian Wildlife Artists President’s Award – Ottawa Watercolour Society
Excellence in Watercolour – Aspotogan Arts and Crafts
Excellence in Acrylics – Aspotogan Arts and Crafts
Excellence in Design – Aspotogan Arts and Crafts 2006, 2010
People’s Choice Award – Aspotogan Arts and Crafts 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
COMMISSIONS
Honeybee Watercolour painting for Apimondia: International Bee Congress Book Cover painting for People of the Swan
Numerous private commissions