The Community Art Center & Gallery in Wrightwood hosted a successful Spring Open House event on Saturday, May 4th, to showcase local and regional artists and promote art in our community.
The event included live music by local band B.O.B., face painting by I Dyed, free children’s art crafts, an art gallery by regional artists, and a mini art walk where local artists sold their creations. Among the artistic vendors was Wrightwood local Susan Weber, who sold her watercolor paintings and is the Wrightwood Arts Center featured artist for the month of June.
Susan is a native Southern Californian who retired in 2014 from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, where she worked as a Children’s Social Worker for almost thirty years. Just recently she started her career as a professional artist in 2022, and you may have already seen her work displayed around Wrightwood. Susan began by selling copies of her paintings on notecards at Cabin Fever and also offers her full-size prints, stickers, and magnets at the Wrightwood Artisan’s Boutique, where her unique design is proudly displayed on their street sign near the parking lot entering the Wrightwood Artisans Boutique.
We asked Susan about her artistic process and what inspires her to create such wonderful works of art.
When did you know that you wanted to become an artist?
That’s a hard question, as I never really set out to become an artist. I have always created art, but initially, it was just for my own enjoyment. Since my retirement ten years ago, I am more intentional about my art and participate in weekly art classes offered through a local community college. It wasn’t until other people started noticing (and buying) my work that I thought that I might pursue a career as a professional artist.
Tell us about your artwork.
I paint a variety of subjects, including landscapes, seascapes, florals, fruits, vegetables, animals, birds, and butterflies. I have around a dozen or more designs that are specific to Wrightwood–a pinecone, yucca, lilacs, raccoons, quail, Mormon Rocks, Lone Pine Canyon; scenes from Lower Blue Ridge painted inside the outline of a bear’s head and Mormon Rocks painted inside the outline of a mountain lion. Most of my work is impressionistic, though I do have some more geometric and abstracts as well. My painting sizes range from 5×7″ to 24×28″, with most in the 9×12″ to 11×14″. I paint snowy scenes on sliced wood Christmas ornaments. I use several mediums, from watercolors, acrylics, pastels, and mixed mediums. I have also done some collages that combine everything.
Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?
My inspiration comes from all around me in God’s creation. There’s so much beauty that we take for granted. I frequently see things and think about how I can paint them. My name means “lily,” and I am created in God’s image, so that’s why my company is called “God’s Lily Creates.”
Who are your artistic heroes?
My work is mostly modeled after the Impressionists. Some of my living artistic heroes are in my painting classes. They include Christopher Moon, Ann Miranda as well as teachers Kelly Conte and Raymond Tucker.
When you’re not creating art, what do you enjoy doing?
I like to read (mostly fiction). I enjoy cooking with my own changes to recipes. I like to spend time with family and friends, especially my grandchildren.
Is there any advice you would give to aspiring artists who hope to be featured in a gallery someday?
Keep making art, and don’t compare yourself to other artists. You can learn from them, but you have your own talent, style, and experience that needs to be expressed. The World needs your art.
The community is invited to Susan Weber’s art exhibit opening at the Community Arts Center and Gallery in Wrightwood on Saturday, June 1st, from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. Aside from selling her artwork, Susan also teaches others how to make art and offers monthly watercolor painting classes at the Wrightwood Community Arts Center and at Periwinkle in Glendora. Her next class is a butterfly watercolor workshop on Saturday, June 8th, at the Wrightwood Community Arts Center. Class is $30 per person and includes all the supplies; tickets must be purchased online at Wrightwood Arts Center through eventbrite.com. You can view Susan’s art exhibit anytime during the month of June in the Community Arts Center & Gallery at 6045 Park Drive in Wrightwood during their regular business hours.
