…on becoming an artist
Suzanne (Sue) Montgomery Skoras was born and raised in Northeast Pennsylvania. An electrical engineer by degree, upon retirement, she embarked on a life-long dream of painting. Sue has attended various art medium classes at Penn State Lehigh Valley Campus, Marco Island Center for Art and the Baum Art School. She regularly paints land and seascapes in soft pastel, oils and watercolor mediums.
To Sue, Art is interesting! As a lifelong technically focused individual, art fulfills the aspect of procedure, rules, adaptation, and so on. Then, on the other hand, it surprises and reveals thought and emotion. The journey for the balance is so worthwhile! So unlimiting…
After several years of classes, juried exhibit acceptance and several commissions, she now considers herself an artist. It’s been a process that combines confidence with knowledge of art theory wrapped up in the love of art. Confidence comes when others enjoy or comment on her art. And, there is always something more to learn! She thoroughly enjoys the art made by others. Medium, texture, color use, application, use of light and dark…there is always something to explore.
…on challenges
Since art is so new to Sue, there were many challenges. Where and how to get the technical knowledge. How to apply various mediums. What to paint. But perhaps the biggest challenge now is how to paint as if it’s second nature. Practice, explore, paint. There are no failures, just some paintings that might be better than others. Don’t overthink it!
…on successes and achievements
Being accepted into independently juried art shows and asked to paint a commission for an individual is a huge accomplishment. Sue is most proud of her acceptance into a recent art exhibit at the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. A group of 30 art pieces were chosen out of a submittal of 506 works. Each submission was from an artist over the age of 60 years. Sue’s soft pastel painting entitled ‘Babbling Brook’ was accepted into the exhibit and hung within the Rotunda East Wing. The artists were honored with a reception at the State Capitol. It just proves the adage that you never know where life will take you. Engineer to Artist with hanging art at a State Capitol!
…advice for anyone who wants to explore art or creativity, but can’t seem to find the time
If you are interested in art, find the time to do art. Start small. Maybe pick up a small sketch pad and pencils. Keep the tablet with you and when you are in a waiting room, doodle instead of looking at your phone! Pick up a ‘how to’ book from a local art store or look up YouTube videos. Enroll in a short art class. The hardest part for Sue was just starting. After Sue enrolled in her first class she found others just like her that were unsure of how to do art or where to find the time and knowledge.
Join a local art league like the Lehigh Art Alliance (LAA) to begin to find others that enjoy art. Volunteer within art related communities and you find others that enjoy art as much if not more than you.
…advice to overcome the fear of a blank canvas
The best way to dominate a blank canvas is to gather your thoughts before approaching the blank canvas. Sketch out small thumbnails of what you want to paint. Especially if it’s detailed. Block out where the high, medium and low values are located. When Sue paints with soft pastels, she starts with a colored paper and often blocks in the highest light and darkest values. If she is using oils or acrylics, she will block in an underpainting which when wet, can be wiped out for high value and can be further refined.
ART@EPL is the library’s exciting partnership with the Lehigh Art Alliance and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council. The series is funded through a grant from PA Partners in the Arts, making it possible for area residents to enjoy free art lectures and workshops from local artists working in pastels, charcoal, sculpture, and watercolor among others.
Visit the ART@EPL page to see all the artists who have led workshops and exhibited work at the library as part of ART@EPL.
