Life and Work with Susan Windsor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Windsor.

Susan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Unlike a lot of artists whose first memories were of holding a paintbrush, I didn’t start painting until I was a senior in high school. After learning the basics of drawing and perspective in an art class that year, I was encouraged by a teacher to try watercolor painting. My love of art and design that year led me to major in graphic design when I went to college. I took art classes all through college to support my graphics major. And out of college, I became a graphic designer.

My art generally took a backseat to my full time job for a number of years. I would pull my paints out every-so-often if I wanted new art for my home or to paint as a gift for a loved one. It wasn’t until a number of years later that a friend told me about different ways to sell my art online. That was in 2009. So, I started painting again and much more consistently. I took tons of photos of flowers and then used those as references for new paintings. I loved painting florals. I soon opened a shop on Etsy and have been selling there since 2010. After a year or so, another friend asked to commission a painting of her son and dog. Then, animal portraits quickly became my new passion.

Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say a smooth road exactly. It’s been a ton of hard work. If you love it and are good at it, keep pursuing it! Keep taking classes. Always be reading new articles on your specialty and the way the industry continually changes. There’s always something new to learn along the way. Be open to trying new things as well. When I start hearing requests for the same item from multiple people, I try to figure out how to put it on my to-do list. It’s often the suggestions from customers that end up being my best sellers.

After a couple years of selling my work on Etsy, I finally joined some groups there (teams) to help promote my work. One friend from an Etsy team (whom I’ve still never met in person) suggested that she and I start a private Facebook group where we share ideas and encourage each other. When one finds out about new suppliers or vendors or new ways to sell our work, we share it there. She’s been an amazing source of encouragement to me for several years now. I would encourage any new artist to a network. Don’t be afraid to share your work with others and engage in social media.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Susan Windsor Fine Art – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m most known for my watercolor animal paintings. I’ve done so many pet portraits and hearing feedback from satisfied customers never gets old. I’ve received a lot of feedback that my farm animals and woodland animals are decorating nurseries around the world. In addition to these animals, I also have sea creatures, birds, and various landscapes. I think what sets my work apart is being able to convey an expression or emotion, particularly through an animal’s eyes. If an animal portrait can draw you in by their expression, then I count that as a success. I’m grateful to know that my work is in private collections around the world. It’s humbling to think that people all over will take something you made to brighten their home. That’s very personal to me. I’ve also been grateful to have worked with a licensing company in recent years that has gotten my work into numerous stores in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and France.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Opportunities for selling your work online this day and age has opened the door for those who want a side business and even for those who want to turn a hobby into their full-time profession. This was not the case when I graduated college. Back then, I sold a few paintings here and there due to word of mouth with my friends and family. Today, I can sell a painting to someone in Brazil one moment and another print to someone in Germany the next. A minute later, I can sell to someone who lives 20 minutes from my home. It’s crazy how the world really is right at your feet now.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SusanWindsor.com
• Email: susanCwindsor@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanwindsor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanwindsorartwork/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Susan_Windsor
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SusanWindsor

Image Credit:
Susan Windsor

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