Artists Corner: Susan Hanlon

Stop by the Carrollwood Cultural Center, and one thing is clear: local artists are making their mark in Tampa Bay.

Susan Hanlon is one of those artists. Hanlon won first prize for a piece called "Hothouse" during the Visual Poetry show at the center.

Patch recently talked to the Tampa resident about her artistic influences and how the community can purchase her work.

Patch: How did you get started as an artist?

Hanlon: I’d like to think it was that I knew all along that I was destined for a life of art, but for me, no.  It wasn’t until 1997 I began studying art because my job was eliminated.  It began with drawing, then a small commission, added to that, projects where I provided artwork for auction or display with various causes I supported. 

In 2002, I began oil painting with a very large painting. Friends said to me, “This is what you should be doing,” and really that’s how it’s been ever since.  I’ve stuck with oil and have continued to study it, mostly on my own, but with the help of portrait and figurative classes, too.

Patch: Who are your artistic influences?

Hanlon: My early influences were pretty traditional: I used to like copying Michelangelo, Rubens and Degas drawings in charcoal, pencil and pastel.  When I started painting in earnest, I took a workshop with Hongnian Zhang, a Chinese master, whose technique I still mostly employ.  It begins with value for guiding a composition, then deciding on the mood of the painting with color and color intensity, working up the piece with complementary hues, and finally, finishing up with greater clarity of color and sometimes texture. 

In addition, I’ve been so moved  and inspired by the works of Nicolai Fechin, a Russian master, and Joanna Harmon, an amazing artist who is prominent today.

Patch: What do think your work says about you as a person?

Hanlon: My works, I hope, convey a sense of poetry and rhythm. I am analytical by nature, but I actively try to contrast that with the concept that life is more a state of being, a journey; destination, yes, but not without curiosity and exploration.  I often employ different palettes to explore my ideas and feelings, but also this is good practice for me to remain open and curious about the world around me. I also like to use a limited palette at times, especially when the pace of life is too fast. It can be really easy to slow down and simplify when I remember this, and the results are often quite nice.

Patch: What misconceptions do people have about artists or artwork?

Hanlon: I think that people often look at an artist’s work and say, “Oh, that looks easy.”  Well, sometimes that’s true, sometimes not.  Diligence and perseverance is a very important maxim. There are roadblocks; this is natural.  I have found that my growth as an artist has had its share of struggles. 

Early on, it was self-doubt about my talent, then frustration, because I couldn’t communicate on the canvas what I had in my head or before my eyes, and then too, the importance of what I’m painting connecting with the viewer.  I don’t think people realize how much an artist wants to connect with their audience and how they always struggle to do so.

Patch: How can people buy or see your work?

Hanlon: First, please view my work at susanhanlon.com.  It is updated with new paintings as they’re completed, and it lists where I have paintings exhibited.  Currently, I have painting on exhibit at Carrollwood Cultural Center, Hunter’s Green and Tampa Regional Artists.  I  work out of my home studio where visitors may come on request to see my originals.  As much as I love having a website, nothing compares with seeing the painting firsthand.