Getting to Know the Artist Susan J. Atkinson

           A native to Wisconsin, Susan has lived there all her life and is currently based out of Neenah, Wisconsin.  She has had a fascination with art since she was able to draw with a crayon at about 3 or 4 years of age. A love of art was brought to her life by her mother who has been a strong encouragement to her throughout her growing up years and even in adulthood. She had a strong art education in highschool and credits her teachers for sharing the enthusiasm of the creation of art with her.  Beyond that, she is primarily self taught, but admits to having studied under other successful artists on occasion.  Her greatest teacher she feels is observation of nature and her surroundings.  Susan has also learned a great deal from reading, and studying work of other artists.  Susan likes to paint what inspires her at the time, be it people, flowers, animals, or perhaps a theme or idea represented by imagery.  The greatest gift to her from her art is that others find enjoyment in what she has created.