Susan Luckey Higdon, Hosmer Magic

Interpreting nature’s beauty with color and pattern in both soft pastel and acrylic is Susan Luckey Higdon‘s passion. We love her paintings of fish flashing underwater, and blackbirds, geese, herons and other birds that catch her eye.  And, of course, the dramatic landscape of central Oregon is a source of constant inspiration for Susan.  We recently installed Susan’s work at Shriners Childrens Hospital here in Portland.

Susan Luckey Higdon, River Rush

Susan cites color and composition as the most important aspects of her work. When she paints a scene, she says she is drawn by the “hidden” colors: shadows aren’t black, grass isn’t just green, the sky isn’t only blue. Indeed, there are layers and layers of surprising color that blend together to make the colors we see, and we love Susan’s interpretation of those layers of color. Finally, there is always a fabulous accent color, the often unseen final detail, that Susan catches to makes the whole image come to life.

Susan Luckey Higdon, Mt. Hood

Composition is another foundation of her work. She loves to push the edges a bit, and it shows. A lifetime as a graphic designer, working with type and photos and art to make a compelling design, taught her to work with weight and contrast. She presents a composition that isn’t entirely comfortable, but in the end satisfies the eye and spirit.

Susan Luckey Higdon, Instinct

Besides her relationship with Art Etc, Susan is also a member of Tumalo Art Company, an artist-run collective gallery in the heart of the Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon.  Other Art Etc artists who are members of Tumalo Art Company include Alisa Huntley and Mary Marquiss.

Huntley, River Morning

If you have questions about Susan’s work, or are interested in purchasing any of these original soft pastel or acrylic paintings, please give us a call at Art Etc. She is coming to the gallery next week, so we will have new works available!

Tammy Gilley, Gallery Manager