Artist Biography:
After many years in printing and graphics, Susan (Suzy) Quader forayed into the Decorative Arts as proprietor and principal artist at SQ Design Studios. For the next eight years her focus was faux finishing, tromp l’oeil and large-scale interior murals, closing the doors in 2011.
A habitual student, classes and workshops throughout the years have included The Corcoran School of Art, The Alexandria Art League, the Faux Finishing School, the Decorative Arts School and others. Suzy credits these experiences for building a solid foundation in a large array of mediums and appreciation of styles.
Retiring from the business sector to the east coast in 2021, Suzy “accidentally” discovered soft pastels while trying to expand on an acrylic painting. Her curiosity for a new medium has become a full-time obsession. Her work is largely representational landscapes and seascapes, but the occasional still life or pet portrait might pop in! Today she takes full advantage of the many online and in-person opportunities available to artists. Pastelists Liz Haywood-Sullivan, Jeanne Rosier-Smith, Lana Ballot and Alain Picard are all online instructors and mentors, and claims are the source of endless information and inspiration. Her work has ribboned in numerous juried exhibitions throughout the region.
Most recently Quader has been accepted as an Associate Member into the Pastel Society of America (PSA). She is also a member of The Ocean City Art League, The Worcester County Arts Council, The Mid-Atlantic Pastel Society and the Maryland Pastel Society.
She resides in Ocean Pines, Maryland.
Artist Statement:
After a lifetime of exploring many different media and disciplines, I currently find myself devoted to soft pastels. There is an immediacy and vibrancy in pastels that I have not experienced with anything else. While my artistic explorations tend to be landscapes, seascapes, and exploring all the eastern shore offers, the possibilities are limitless. Though I’ve been painting for a long time, I learn more every day. Art is a journey. Mine has just started.
Gallery
