Suzanne V Paddock

Suzanne V Paddock is a re-emerging Virginia-based oil painter exploring the day-to-day lives of domestic animals. Known for conveying relatable narratives, Paddock's current work focuses on situational awareness among members of her own pet community. In 1993 she earned a Visual Arts degree from State University in New Paltz, New York. Her work has received awards in juried exhibits including Best in Show in 2018 at Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, VA. She has had a solo show at Riverviews Artspace in Lynchburg, VA and exhibits in many group shows in galleries in Virginia.


Artist Statement

I am a figurative oil painter currently obsessed with my pets' daily lives. It began in 2020, after I received a grant from the James River Arts & Cultural District Program for a solo show at the city of Lynchburg's Riverviews Art Space. Due to the pandemic that year, the exhibit closed after less than a week. Affected by the shutting down of art communities everywhere, I sought refuge at home. Isolated and surrounded by pets, it was a natural pivot toward a deeper investigation of animal art. Within the following year I inherited four cats, and my household pet population burst to nine cats and one dog. Managing peaceful relationships between so many personalities became a perfect catalyst for painting.

My pets are extremely honest in motivation. I am curious about their awareness of life and observe interactions to paint recognizable, everyday moments as my central theme. Influenced by an expressionistic approach, I usually start with a separate graphite sketch to think about and make studies of light and intimate compositions that will focus in on a specific situation. I paint from a limited primary palette to explore color mixing, shape, and texture. I have started to incorporate lessons in color temperature to gain more intention and control in my multi-layered application. I create on stretched canvases, birch wood cradle boards, and the occasional artboard.


www.suzannevpaddock.com