Artist’s Statement

The light of dawn in England’s New Forest left a mark on my soul. I loved waking before sunrise, driving into the forest with my brother and exploring that magical place years ago. We hiked, racing to escape the city sounds, to a place where nature seemed untouched by people. There we watched in amazement as sunlight emerged — hoping to witness beams of light streaming through mist. I remember hearing wild ponies crunching on frosty turf before the sun warmed the earth. In that nearly silent sanctuary, everything in me felt connected to the intense beauty of nature — I’m still in awe. Creating art takes me back to that sense of amazement and serenity.

Ever since then I’ve been crazy about light. I’m capturing its wonders that are sometimes hiding in plain sight. Where I live — in the subtropics — vibrant colors add energy to my work. Whether painting abstracts, florals, or landscapes, I aim to create art that melts away the stresses of the world. I want to add peace, fun and a joyful vibe to living spaces.

I will always chase after this dazzling thing we call light. It’s the life of an abstract painting, the zest of all art. It slips between branches and swims in morning mist. It dances on water and makes petals sing. I’m captivated.

Bio

Sue Riger is a popular painter, teacher, and mentor. She dabbled in graphic design and web design with success after earning her BFA from Penn State University, but she always longed to be painting. Pursuing her goal of becoming a painter was challenging and fun. She plunged into online and live painting classes, workshops and residencies from professional painters in a variety of styles. As a result of consistent experimentation and practice, Sue is now an accomplished artist. She joyfully engages in painting as a response to the beauty around us.

Sue’s paintings are characterized by strong light and well-developed layers of beautiful color. Her creative outlets include exclusive original paintings for galleries, commissioned work, and art for print licensing. Creating extensive series of works for her agents taught her to hone her painting skills as well as generate quality large-scale high-resolution images for the print industry. She believes an artist’s work should not leave the studio until it is her best.

Empowering other artists is Sue’s way of paying it forward. She created several painting courses and launched her own online school. A skilled teacher, she offers both live and online learning opportunities in representational and abstract techniques. Sue is also a mentor to aspiring artists via Mastrius Official, a company based in Canada dedicated to helping artists reach their goals. Her practice of sharing helpful content and beautiful art has launched her to become an influencer on Instagram where she delights in interacting with artists, collectors, agents, and galleries.

Experience

• Owner/Instructor/Course Developer Sue Riger Studio Online Painting School
• Professional Artist Mentor to aspiring artists with Mastrius Official
• Influencer 39K+ Instagram Followers @paintingsbysue
• Abstract Painting Instructor Bonita Springs Center for the ArtsEducation:BFA Penn State University, graduated #1 in College of Arts and Architecture Mentorships:
  • Theresa Girard including residency and multiple workshops
  • Al Lachman
  • Mary Parkman
  • Tim Cunningham
  • Melanie Morris
  • Lena Rivo
  • Lisa Daria KennedyRepresentation:Casco Bay Artisans, Portland, ME
    ADC Fine Art Gallery, Cincinnati, Gallery Contract Award 2023-2024 Bonita Springs Center for the Arts Gallery Shop
    Licensed artist, works sold and distributed by:
  • Williamson Home
  • Home Goods
  • Out of the Blue Licensing
  • World Art Group
  • McGaw Graphics
  • Metaverse
  • Epic Graffiti
  • ArtWall
  • Via Circle Graphics
  • ATI
  • Paragon
  • PICreative
  • AtHomeAwards and Recognition:

• Best in Show “I Love Southwest Florida” juried show at Center for the Arts, Bonita Springs, 2024
• Honorable Mention, Juried Members’ Show, Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, Florida, 2023
• Featured artist at International Network of Creatives Spring Gala, at Quail Creek Country Club,Naples, Florida 2024
• Curated Square Foot Online Show participant 2021-present
• Curated Sweet Sixteen Online Show participant, 2024
• Various Commissions including high end homes and Simple Beauty Med Spa and Beauty Salon inNaples, Florida
• Best in Show, Storytellers Creative Arts Show, Naples, Florida, 2018