Hi I’m Linda Suzuki. I’m a painter drawn to the beauty of nature. When I look at the world around me I see colourful skies full of movement. The strong contrasts between the shapes and textures of the landforms and waters just speak to me. When I paint, whether the piece has more of a graphic quality or is more abstract, I try to share the impact I feel from a place.
When I prepare to paint a landscape I start with photographs I’ve captured or that have been provided by a client, in the case of a commission. I sometimes create Plein Aire sketches as well. I then determine the size and shape of the painting. I quite enjoy painting on square, elongated vertical or elongated horizontal canvases rather than traditional rectangular canvases. My next step is to make a simplified plan, usually in watercolours, to help figure out my composition. In the case of a commission, the client can see the composition and the colours I am thinking of using. We then can discuss any changes or details for the final work.
I start my canvas by painting the background, either with a solid colour then underpainting or by painting the entire canvas black and drawing the composition with white watercolour pencil. I may even use a combination of the two methods. Next, I block in the colours (painting the spaces between the lines). This step can take anywhere from 2 to 10 hours depending on the size of the canvas. At this point, I remove any white outlines leaving shapes with black outlines. I am able to stand back and look at the composition to determine if any changes are needed. If they are, and I want to explore my options, I’ll take a photograph of the artwork and draw into it on my iPad. I don’t have any special program on my iPad, I just use the edit and pen function in photos. The iPad allows me to test out my possible options while away from the canvas. I can review it when I am in a different state of mind. I can evaluate designs of different parts of the artwork and make decisions, such as whether to further define edges or alter colours in a particular way. I quite like using my iPad as it allows me to play with different ideas helping me determine the direction I want to take the piece. I can then make the desired changes on my canvas.
It is when I get to this point that I feel I am really starting the painting. In my mind everything to this point has just been preparation. I work into each shape building up the coulour, adding variations of soft (smooth blending) and hard edges. Shapes become forms and depth is achieved. When blending colours, I like to create a smooth transition from one into the next. I achieve this by first applying the two colours of paint with softer brushes then scrubbing the edges with a stiff hog hair brush. I work back and forth between the three brushes until I get the desired effect. This process is quite time consuming and it might take 2-4 hours to complete 4x4” area.
As I work, when I come across an area I’m not happy with I go back to my iPad, taking a new photo and working on that. I tend to make lots of little changes along the way especially when it’s a commission as I am pretty meticulous before things feel just right.
The last step in a painting is to add my design work using a combination of black acrylic and ink pens. Sometimes it is just my signature style of forested areas and other times the entire piece may have design work. Now when a painting is complete, I add a layer of gloss medium to bring out the colour and create a barrier before adding a layer of matte varnish. Each painting I complete gives me a great sense of accomplishment as I know I’ve put my heart and soul into it.
Feel free to visit me at the Nicola Valley Art Centre to learn more about my creative process. As the Artist-in-Residence, I am usually working on my art Tuesday and Thursday mornings and Sunday afternoons, and would be happy to answer your questions. You can also see a portfolio of works on my website at www.lindasuzukiart.ca