About the Art


"My paintings are an invitation into a moment of recognition and connection with the natural world."
I’m Susan Gardner, a contemporary British painter working primarily in oil. I create expressive, colour-rich paintings inspired by animals, birds and the natural world.
At the heart of my 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 of us recognise instinctively when we slow down and look.
 When we recognise the inner lives of the other animals, we become more curious, more understanding and more compassionate in our choices.




Colour is where everything begins. I use bold, vibrant palettes, fluid movement and scale to create paintings that are textured, touchable and full of vigour and energy. I began creating larger works as a response to my visual impairment, and I have also developed a way of painting and moving the paint around, which allows me to continue my work despite the physical challenges.
I am not interested in literal representation. I paint by instinct, seeking to represent our emotional response to wildlife. Im trying to capture a mood or a personality, rather than a scientific rendering. Loose, calligraphic lines suggest movement and freedom. Layered paint and texture give impact and presence.

 My brushwork is physical and sculptural, allowing weight and character to emerge naturally. To live with my work is to be wowed each day by the significance and beauty of the lives we share this planet with.
             www.susan-gardner.com