Pastel Art Workshop   

After earning a BFA in illustration from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena,  I worked as a freelance fashion illustrator for the Southern California department stores.

A few years later I was attracted to the pastel paintings of George Carlson, and enrolled in his workshop at Scottsdale Artists’ School. George used pastels to indicate a three-dimensional form on paper, keenly observing the effects of sunlight. I integrated his teachings into my own pastel paintings.

When my son was born, I stayed at home with him and continued painting portraits and figures.  One of my pastels, "Victoria", appeared on the cover of American Artist Magazine, and I also received a Signature Membership from the Pastel Society of America.

In 1992, my first new age note cards were published. I moved to Ojai, California in 1994 and met my partner LeRoy. He had owned Ojai’s "Heart of Light"- a metaphysical and holistic bookstore.  Over the years we have studied astrology, feng shui, alternative healing, and have participated in intensives with many spiritual teachers including Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and Brooks Greene Barton.

In 2003, well known author Dr. Doreen Virtue asked me to paint five original pastels for her "Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards". Dr. Virtue has used twelve of my paintings for her Hay House projects, and it's been an uplifting experience to work with her. The original of "Lakshmi" (a Hindu Goddess) is in the collection of Dr. Virtue and it hangs in her healing room at her home. I also became an Angel Therapy Practitioner®, certified by Dr. Virtue.

We are currently creating a new art studio in the mountains of Ojai. This "art retreat" at Harmony Springs has hiking trails, meditation areas, natural streams, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Ojai Valley. It's only a couple of miles from town yet very still and secluded next to the national forest. I'm very happy to be able to share my artwork, studio and peaceful retreat environment.

Sue's original paintings & prints are on display at "Soul Centered" & "Janis' Art Garden Gallery" in Ojai, along with "Things From Heaven" in Old Town Ventura, CA. 

waterfalls & grounds

Bordered by the well known Gridley Trail and the Los Padres National Forest, Harmony Springs at Ojai is an enchanting place to spend some quiet time just relaxing!