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Made In New York

Made in New York

A silly title, you may think… unless I am traveling, all my work is made in New York. You would be correct about that. However, this is different. There is an annual exhibition entitled “Made In New York” – it is shown at the Schweinfurth Gallery in Auburn, NY. 

Entering exhibits is not something I regularly participate in. I am not opposed to it. I just don’t spend a lot of time looking for exhibits to participate in.  I give full credit to my friend, Lisa Robinson, for encouraging me to enter a few local exhibits. (You should check out her work, too- it’s incredible. (Lisa Robinson Watercolors)

I have said for a lifetime that art is my oxygen. It gives me purpose, it is my prayer; it is my peace. I am fascinated with exploring different media, with the exploration of texture and color. I like to work big (or really small). Mostly, I like to work. 

Well, without burying the lead, I am excited to share that I got into Made in New York. I don’t paint to please others, but goodness I am excited. For me it is more an exploration of my own journey. Sometimes I am inspired by something, or sometimes I just need to make- so I do. The piece that was accepted for this wonderful show was an exploration of landscapes and the wonder of them. I played with texture, I made papers and used found papers and allowed the piece to reveal itself. 

However, it is thrilling to be recognized by my peers. Tonight I will attend (with my best cheerleader and husband) the opening at the Schwienfurth! I am excited. This piece was one of 67 chosen from over 1000 submissions. I am incredibly honored to be among the other artists. 

Art can be a very solitary activity. Sometimes, it is good to get out of the studio- get my art out of the studio- and share it in a different arena. That is what is happening today. 

Thank YOU for your support and love. 

(Special Thanks to Lisa who is a lovely friend and cheerleader!)

sending you so much love, 

Susan

 

The Stars Are Best Seen at Night

Mixed Media – Acrylic on Canvas, 24” x 48”

Beneath the vast expanse of the night sky, where darkness stretches endlessly, light finds its truest brilliance. The Stars Are Best Seen at Night is a meditation on contrast—on the way radiance emerges from shadow and beauty reveals itself in the quiet spaces of dusk and dream.

This piece layers bold color, shifting textures, and celestial movement, capturing a landscape that pulses with unseen energy. The swirling clouds echo cosmic rhythms while the vibrant terrain glows with the life that thrives even in twilight. Every brushstroke, mark, and layer is a whisper of something beyond—something infinite.

In darkness, we often discover what we might have missed in the light. This work is an invitation to pause, look deeper, and find wonder in the spaces in between.

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Mixed Media Art

When I think about mixed media I cannot tell you how excited I get. For me, each medium in art has a unique and wonderful strength. There are several (in my opinion) that work incredibly well together. It is magic. I LOVE IT. 

If you think this is a trendy form of art I will suggest to you that it is actually the opposite. Degas would use charcoal, pastels, and even printing inks all together in one piece. You can see some of Edgar’s works here. Picasso, DaVinci are also fine examples. I suppose my point is an opportunity that some of the greats have utilized. 

I suppose I have never been a purist. I don’t cook by the book, nor do I create art that way. I love the power of a watercolor wash, the texture and depth that collage creates, I get darn excited by adding layers of colored pencil, ink, and maybe even a stitch or two. 

Mixed media art feels like a way of life for me. While some might see it as an excuse to buy more art supplies, I see it as a way to use everything for the strongest possible component to create one strong piece of art. 

This week begins a five-week workshop to explore mixed media techniques. We will not only explore each medium for the gift that it is, but we will also learn how to incorporate it utilizing several other mediums. I hope you will find some time to join us- you will be glad that you did. 

Mixed Media Workshop Mixed media is the best of all the processes for art. (in my humble opinion)  Each medium has it’s own beautiful strength and lends itself to working in cooperation with others. This workshop will teach you the strengths and applications for a variety of media and then inspire you to apply them in your own unique and creative way.  Each week we will build on the previous week.

Mixed media on watercolor paper- Susan Carmen-Duffy Artist

  • water media (both water watercolor and acrylic)
  • colored pencil
  • collage
  • inking
  • monoprinting

Facilitator: Susan Carmen-Duffy

5-week workshop- 2 hours a day.  $145- most supplies included

March 13, 20, 28, April 3, 10 4-6pm or  Evening workshop tickets

March 14, 21, 28 April 4 & 11 10 am- 12 noon   Daytime workshop tickets