Fine Art Images
Suzanne L. Adams
Commissioned Paintings and Fine Art Prints
Children, Pets, Wildlife, Landscapes, Figures
Medical Illustration and Graphic Design


Artist's Profile and Statement

How I See It

        As an artist, mother, and conservationist, I think very deeply about things.  It is through children, animals, and nature that I get most of my inspirations for they are subject to mankind's inventions and dilemmas and have no control over the results of "progress." 
        I like to think that we can someday be in harmony with nature and create future generations that care about all living things.  I am however, always amazed at how selfish people can be, especially to those who are so giving and kind. My hope is that someday the quality of life for our children will improve. 

Composing Your Painting

          The paintings I create are unique in that they are not mere copies of photos.  I like to design an original painting using many references (memories, real life, photos, etc.) to best depict my subject matter and capture the spirit essence and memory of it.  Many times, people give me photos of their pets,  children, nature or country scenes, etc., but the photos are missing features--they like a certain effect in one or an expression in another.  That's OK.  I can make the painting the way you want it,  adding what the photo missed and/or what you tell me you want it to convey. 
        If requesting a wildlife painting, such as a bird painting, and you do not have photos, I can take photographs or use the numerous ones I have on file from nature field trips, and then create the painting of your imagination.  Just let me know your rough idea and I will paint it, and also give it my unique style as well.  Everything I do is completely free-hand (no use of projectors, etc.) and I strive for originality in style and design.  My paintings also come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee (see composing).

Medium

       In 1985, I took my first serious portrait course at an art institute in Wheeling, WV where I learned to work in soft pastel.  During the course I created a painting called, "Working Mother's Dilemma."  It was selected for exhibition at a regional fine art show in the Ohio Valley and won a first place award in pastels. That same year I was commissioned to paint my first real dog portrait, "Best Friend,"  which was later chosen for the cover of the "Malamute Quarterly Magazine"  and then selected for inclusion in the international "Art Show at the Dog Show" in Wichita, KS.  I have since taken several more lessons in soft pastels throughout the years,  and have now created over a hundred portraits and paintings, several of which have graced the covers of magazines and books. 
       Soft pastels are now my favorite medium as their forgiving, flexible nature and transforming magical powers render a depth and spirit essence of my subject that is always beyond my expectations. 
       The pastels that I use are museum quality and are not chalk.  They are pure pigments of color in a clay base with an everlasting brilliancy and durability exceeding that of other painting media over time.  Their archival colors remain unchanged for over 100 years and can withstand direct sunlight in gallery windows as well as in temperatures of all kinds without fading or becoming damaged.  Dagas, Renoir, and Monet's soft pastel paintings remain as brilliant and vivid as they were when they were first painted over 100 years ago. 
       Your painting can also be done in oil upon request.  This is the medium I worked in before soft pastels.  I also like to work in graphite, color pencil, and watercolors, especially for smaller works. 
        It is deeply rewarding to be able to create a work of art for my clients that is so lifelike, (see example), with true likeness of character and details, that it brings tears of joy to their eyes.  I have been told by clients that my paintings and prints are among their most cherished possessions, holding one of the highest places in their wills.
      I look forward to working with you to create your special dream painting.

Sincerely,

Fine Art Images
The Art of Cytology 
 
Art Training and Background
     Suzanne's artistic talent with attention to detail was first recognized by her kindergarten teacher.  Since the age of four she has spent much of her time working in art.  She has taken numerous art courses and logged in countless hours of studio time doing commissioned paintings and works of her own throughout her lifetime.  Her favorite medium is soft pastel, but she also loves to work in oil, watercolor, jewelry, fiber, clay sculpture, and print making.  Most recently, she has taken graphic design courses and obtained a certificate in web design. She currently maintains two large websites that she created of her artwork, Fine Art Images and The Art of Cytology. 
     Suzanne has a BS degree in health with a concentration in cytology and emphasis in environmental studies from WMU.  She also completed a one year medical technology internship in cytology at William Beaumont Hospital, and later, five masters courses in the environment at MSU.  During her environmental studies course work at WMU, Suzanne was instrumental in implementing the current recycling program in Kalamazoo County and received a National Collegiate Award for doing so.  As a medical cytologist and illustrator, she is the author of an illustrative study guide for cytologists and holistic health care professionals called The Art of Cytology: With Micronutrient Discussions.  After being updated and revised for the last few years, it was officially published by AuthorHouse in April, 2007 and is now available at bookstores such as  Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble).  She more recently finished a smaller book for health teachers and professionals called, Folic Acid and HPV Awareness: Combating Birth Defects and Disease Processes.   Suzanne is currently in a holistic masters certificate program at WMU where she has taken holistic art courses, and during this past year, was instrumental in developing a fine art program  for  young adults with disabilities in the Kalamazoo area. 
      Throughout the years, Suzanne has donated numerous pieces of her artwork to Humane Societies and Cancer Charities.  Many of her soft pastel paintings of dogs and children have graced the covers of  books and magazines. Her research writings and color pencil cytology illustrations, such and human papilloma virus, have been chosen for medical articles and magazine covers (see published work). This year, her painting entitled, "Fire Talk" will be published in the new art history text book called, Fire and the Social Imagination by Dr. Alan Krill, art history professor, from the University of New South Wales, Australia.
        Suzanne is a member of the Kalamazoo Institute of Art, and has been a member of the United Pastelists' of America as well as other art societies throughout the years.  Her pastel paintings and cytology artwork have been exhibited at various shows and galleries in the US and Canada.  Awards include one international one for her hummingbird painting, "A Ruby in the Thistle." 
      Because Suzanne has traveled and lived in many different environments and homes and loves to work with her hands, one of her favorite interests and where she applies her most fruitful creative energy is in residential real estate.  She loves to take a home and refurbish it from top to bottom, inside and out, redecorating and landscaping it to its fullest potential.  She believes a home is the greatest piece of artwork a person can own. 

To commission a painting click here.

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suzanne@i2k.com