susanelliot

I read an article in 2008 that said "your true soul as an artist only emerges when you draw what you love, and not what you think people will buy". The article changed my life, and I started drawing trees. I kept a full time job on the side until 2012, when my art business had overtaken all of my free time, and it became my full time profession. What a pleasure to draw in daylight, and not load the car for a show in the pitch black of a Friday night!
I draw trees with whimsy, realism, humor, and environmental messages. My self taught techniques are not traditional, and they have led me to my own style. My background in environmental science, my obsession with detail, and my absolute love of linking quotes, lyrics, and bits of wisdom to each piece have led me to a creative path that is constantly branching and evolving. My subject matter is infinite!
Constant requests for smaller original works that could travel, ship, or fit in downsized living spaces led me to begin TREENIE WEENIES, which are 5x7 framed miniatures. I use museum mats which leaves room for me to adhere found objects such as stones, beads, glass, shells, and bark directly onto the Art. I sold almost 500 Treenies the first year, and the marriage of words and art became my "hook". If the art doesn't pull you in, reading the words written on the mats makes people look again.
I opened an Etsy shop in 2011, but I had no time to develop it, and really I re opened it seriously in the end of January, 2014. Etsy is easy, well known, and loaded with talented people for networking, sharing, and inspiring ideas. Please don't hesitate to favorite, promote, or share an artists Etsy shop. One click can add dozens of new customers, and I thank you for doing it!