Susan Gray

Susan's pictures reflect her interest in forms, textures, places and stories.

She studied and taught illustration at the University of Brighton. As a professional illustrator, she was commissioned to produce book illustrations, book covers, posters, advertisements and public information panels. Since retiring from the University, she has focussed on landscape painting and printmaking.

the Sussex landscape

Her landscapes are inspired by the South Downs and the coastline. They are intuitive, ethereal, multi-layered artworks with a strong emphasis on texture and mark-making. Her focus is on the expression of atmosphere and mood using colour and marks that seek to evoke something about place. She finds much joy in the paint and allows it to lead the way. This process is an important part of her creative approach.

The work is stimulated by sketches, drawings and photographs made on walks and by memories of past explorations on the chalky paths which are integral to the downland.

Her work captures her sense of “well-trodden paths” and tracks, “hidden footprints” and “ghostly roads”, weaving in the mood and atmosphere created by changing weather patterns. Her paintings strive to capture the spirit of this place, a passion and an absorption echoed by the words of Robert Macfarlane (The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot, 2012).

“My pictures represent my emotional connections both to past and present when walking the chalk.”