Featured Artist Sue Graef

Enjoy the colorful portfolio of artist Sue Graef, who creates energetic and playful cityscapes. Visit her website to see more of her artwork.

 

 

Born in Philadelphia and now living in Florida, my artist journey began five decades ago in Haddonfield, New Jersey. As a young teenager I had the encouragement and guidance of my artist mother. This soon grew into a more formal education from the Philadelphia College of Art, Tyler School of Art at Temple University, and Clemson University.

 

 

In the early days I carried around a sketchpad everywhere. I drew what I saw with pencil, pen and watercolor. Then in art school I rigorously learned the basics of figure drawing, composition, design, perspective and color theory among other things. Back in those days I didn’t see the importance or value at all. But now I appreciate and use what I learned every day I paint.

 

 

Soon my style evolved from still life work to objects blown up bigger than life, to abstracts, to outdoor scenes, back to blown up objects (like bicycles, musical instruments, tools and utensils). Most recently I’ve been busy creating all kinds of landscapes (including urban, suburban and rural scenes).

 

 

Using heavy body acrylic paint on stretched canvas, my distinctive style has been refined over the decades. I work to bring boldness, texture, and depth to each piece.

 

 

My vibrant and imaginative works breathe life into the everyday. I transform familiar urban scenes into playful, dynamic compositions filled with energy and color. Whether it’s a bustling city skyline or an everyday landscape, my work invites the viewer to see the world in a fresh and whimsical way.

 

 

It’s this joyful and thoughtful approach to art that makes my work engaging. I like viewers to pause, reflect, and enjoy the colors and patterns that shape the world around us—whether it’s the micro details of a street scene or the sweeping expanse of urban landscapes. My intention is to attract, intrigue, and amuse my audience while they smile at colorful images. People must disengage themselves from the stress of day-to-day existence. I would like my work to provide that escape, even if only for a moment or two.

 

 

I find beauty in the everyday, exploring the designed and practical world, from bridges and tunnels to iconic architecture, street scenes and skylines. All are reimagined through my vibrant and light-hearted lens. Brightly colored bicycles and people with polka-dotted clothing are just a couple of examples of blending the mundane with the extraordinary.

 

 

Inspired by life itself and the urge to communicate in a way most people can relate to, I’m always brimming with ideas. Each painting is an exploration of color, form, and space. My goal of is to bring joy and wonder to those who view it.

 

 

With an impressive list of awards and recognition in exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally, my artworks are part of permanent collections in museums, hospitals and in numerous private homes around the world.

 

Sue Graef invites you to follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

 

 

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