About the Art
Wildlife paintings with spirit and soul
"Susan Gardner's paintings are an invitation into a moment of recognition and connection with the natural world."
Susan Gardner is a contemporary British painter working primarily in oil. She creates expressive, colour-rich paintings inspired by animals, birds and the natural world.
At the heart of her work is a simple belief: empathy for animals is ordinary. It does not require specialist knowledge or a particular way of thinking. It is something most people recognise instinctively when they slow down and truly look. Through her paintings, Susan invites viewers to acknowledge the inner lives of other animals and, in doing so, become more curious, understanding and compassionate in the choices they make.
A synaesthetic artist, Susan uses vibrant and often surprising colours, fluid movement and scale to create paintings that are richly textured, tactile and full of energy.
She began creating larger works in response to her visual impairment and has developed an intuitive, physical approach to painting that enables her to continue working despite the challenges of partial sight.
Rather than pursuing literal representation, Susan paints by instinct, seeking to express an emotional response to wildlife. Her work aims to capture mood, character and presence rather than scientific accuracy. Loose, calligraphic marks suggest movement and freedom, while layers of paint and texture create impact, depth and vitality.
Her brushwork is physical and sculptural, allowing weight, personality and spirit to emerge naturally from the surface. The resulting paintings celebrate the beauty, significance and individuality of the animals with whom we share the planet.
