On a wall in the front room of the Blackwell Hotel hangs an oil painting by Sue Anderson titled Secrets. It’s the face of a woman with auburn hair, and it’s sexy. Her features are graceful, attractive. But there’s something more, something deeper – perhaps it’s in the tilt of her head, or the near-smile – that speaks of strength, of confidence, that says she knows something I do not. I stand at a distance, taking in the entire image, experiencing the piece, when I recognize there is life in her eyes. So much so, that I feel a sudden connection to this woman on the canvas that I cannot explain, and I am forced to keep my emotions in check or risk creating an extremely awkward moment for my hostess. There are more of Anderson’s pieces to see yet, and although I’d both love and hate for the tour to end here, I clear my throat and ask to see the others.
It is clear in Anderson’s many faces that these are not merely women to be admired for their surface attractiveness or sex appeal. They speak of empowerment, intelligence, passion, and individuality. “Women are beautiful,” says Anderson, “but they are strong, too. It’s important to me to show that.”
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Sue began creating a name for herself at a very young age. In the 1st Grade her classmates began requesting that she draw Disney characters for them to take home. Although she remembers drawing from the age of three, “It was in the 1st grade,” she says, “that I realized I actually had talent.”
Although her years at Lake City High School do not hold her fondest of memories, her art teachers treated her well and gave her support. Sue is quite certain they still have some of her work hanging in their classrooms. In fact, she mentions with a tinge of regret, “there is one piece I wish I still had” – (we at Nspire Magazine are working on that).
On April 3rd, 2013, Sue Anderson walked into Blackwell Gallery on a whim, presented herself as an artist, and inquired regarding their interest in showcasing her work. It was that easy. Sue is that talented.
You will find pieces by Sue Anderson in pencil, charcoal, ink, oil, and – her preferred medium – chalk pastel. You may appreciate and experience her work by visiting Blackwell Gallery, Blackwell Hotel, and online at www.sueanderson.org where you’ll find she does not limit her talent to faces alone.
At the end of the tour I’m left with one nagging question, and it turns out it’s actually for you, dear reader: “why is Sue Anderson’s work still on the gallery or hotel wall, and not in your home?” My hope is that it’s only because Nspire Magazine hadn’t found her yet.
By Toby Reynolds
As Featured In: Winter/Spring 2015