Susan J. Berg

Water induces feelings of calm and meditation. The nature of watercolor is to ‘float’ and settle…the trick is to let the pigment flow freely…and let the water do the work. Rich layers of colors allowed to dry between layers create the desired jewel-like glazing effect – producing luscious, juicy, translucent depth in glowing colors that seem to vibrate from the surface of the heavy cotton rag papers. Years of watercolor instruction, class work , intense studies and workshops pushed me to evolve my own unique and color-intense style.

In 1994 my style took an unexpected leap when I became a student of master Chinese Watercolorist Lian Quan Zhen. His ancient pouring method using only a triad of primary colors contributes to my growth as a “painter for life”. Many of the paintings in my online gallery originated from his teachings and workshops.

My passion for the outdoors and respect for nature channels the energy, inspiration and imagination I need to create paintings with joy. I find myself looking for “the painting” in every watery pond, cloud pattern, shadowy doorway, and brilliant seasonal change. I want the viewer to be drawn into a painting by visualizing a story with passageways for exploration and joy.