Susan Marshall

Susan cannot remember a new Spring or long Summer of her childhood not spent on the Norfolk Broads sailing in the traditional Broads’ cruisers owned, and some built, by her father. This vast wonderland, where salt water meets fresh on the tidal flows from the North Sea, holds a secret world of quiet waters where often wildlife can only be seen from the river – all the more magical a sight for a child on the bow of a silent yacht moving through towering reeds. It is these memories that influence the recurring themes in her ink-work studies which have a rich illustrative content and often a pictorial narrative. She likes to use the effects of negative-response, counterplay of light and shade and not a little intrigue!

In contrast there is her vigorous, figurative work which is often deliberately boldly abstract. Susan finds this linear approach successfully crosses over to animal and insect paintings releasing movement and spirit and producing visually arresting work. Calmness comes from the sensitivity required from working on pastel portraits which always call her back and she cannot leave. They are the great leveller of challenge and in the success of which is her true reward. Susan’s extensive commissions include book cover designs, illustrations, cartoons, maritime seascapes and a special literature design for the Queen’s birthday Garden Party. She is currently writing and illustrating two novels for children.