Strathendrick : New Rainbow Highland Cow
Strathendrick – Where Landscape Meets Highland Spirit
Nestled within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park lies the Strathendrick valley, a place of winding rivers, rolling hills and quiet grazing herds. It’s here that the Highland cow feels most at home – a gentle giant standing proud against the backdrop of Scotland’s wild beauty.
My painting, Strathendrick, was born from that atmosphere – a blend of rugged landscape and vibrant life. With tousled hair and a burst of contemporary colour, this Highland Cow artwork brings the spirit of the glen straight into your home.
Printed on fine art canvas and available in both framed and unframed options, each piece is lovingly crafted in a professional print lab local to you, ensuring a museum-quality finish and sustainable shipping.
👇 Bring a touch of Highland magic to your walls:
The Properties of Oil Paint
What Is Oil Paint?
Oil paint is a traditional and incredibly enduring medium in which pigments are suspended in oil. These pigments are often finely ground powders made from natural earth minerals, or in some cases, synthetic compounds.
One of my favourites, Quinacridone, is man-made and gloriously vivid. So durable that it was first developed for car paint before finding its way onto artists’ palettes. Others, like Lapis Lazuli or ochres, have been used for centuries and have fascinating stories behind them.
Each pigment is priced differently, depending on things like rarity, sourcing, and production methods- some are expensive, while others are more accessible. The oil component (typically linseed, safflower, poppyseed, or walnut) acts as a binder, holding the pigment together and allowing it to adhere to the canvas.
Textures build uniqueness and interest
Here are a couple of close-up images from my painting Verdant Blaze. You can see how the colour and texture work together to create a rich, tactile surface. If you'd like to see more, drop me a message, I’d be happy to share.
Lime, Veridian and Scarlet dancing on the canvas
As the oil slowly dries, it leaves behind a rich, stable colour that can remain vibrant for hundreds of years. It’s one of the reasons a well-made oil painting, cared for properly, can outlast generations.
One of the qualities I love most about oil paint is its luminosity. The colours stay saturated and true. So the painting you see is exactly as I intended it. The texture of the brushwork allows light to interact with the surface in endlessly interesting ways. As the light changes through the day, so does the painting, a subtle shift that adds a kind of living presence to the work. Picture lighting can also enhance or stabilise this effect, depending on your preference.
If you take a close look at an oil painting, you’ll often notice delicate colour striations within the brushstrokes. This is because oils give the artist time to blend and soften edges, or to layer multiple colours on the brush and mix directly on the canvas. The results are uniquely expressive and full of movement.
Dusk Tide - New Ocean- Inspired Painting
Part of my “ Dreaming in Coral” collection and inspired by dreamy Summer evenings and the hushed murmur of the faraway tide as it slowly makes its way up the beach in the deepening dusk…
“Dusk Tide” is gallery-wrapped, ie the paint goes around the sides, for a seamless look. Meaning the painting looks great without a frame.
Visitor Book - Leave Feedback for my Virtual Exhibition Here!
A corner of “ Dreaming in Coral”
Did you enjoy the show / Were there any particular favourite pieces? Is there anything you would like to see more of, next time? Please leave a comment here as I’d love to read your thoughts.
I'll link to the shows in case you haven’t seen them.
Kindred Spirits an uplifting online exhibition of expressive animal and bird paintings that celebrate our connection to the wild.
Dreaming in Coral a vibrant online exhibition of colourful, ocean-inspired paintings and abstracts.
You can teleport between exhibitions by clicking the swooping owl painting, titled ‘Liberty is Yours’.
Celestial Drift : A Coastal Sunset Inspired Addition
The colours in this new addition are breathtaking. This piece was inspired by a childhood memory of an evening on the South Western shores. The beauty has stayed with me forever, and is now appeating in some of my abstract paintings.
Silken Wave : A New Abstract Canvas
This stunning new ocean inspired canvas print is available in several sizes. Perfect for an easy-to-hang addition to a gallery wall or for a little corner that needs a splash of nature to bring it to life. Size up to 40” for a really big statement piece-breathtaking!
Check out “ Silken Wave “ here
https://suegardnerstudio.co.uk/products/silken-wave-canvas
New Arrival: Meet The Shrimp Pickers – A Joyful Flamingo Print
I’m delighted to share my latest canvas print release — The Shrimp Pickers. Inspired by the graceful, slightly comical ritual of flamingos feeding in the shallows, this painting is a celebration of colour, rhythm, and the gentle elegance of these beautiful birds.
I’ve always loved the way flamingos move together, heads dipped, legs in step, a little flock of bright coral-pink set against the cool blues of water and sky. There’s something both calming and playful about the scene.
Now available as a fine art canvas print, The Shrimp Pickers comes in a range of sizes to suit your space. Whether you’re looking for a standout feature in a living room, a splash of colour in a kitchen or dining space, or a vibrant pop in a hallway, this piece brings a touch of tropical charm and lightness to a room.
Each canvas is professionally printed and hand-stretched, with the option of a clean white edge or an image wrap for a seamless, contemporary finish. It’s designed to last, with rich colours and fine detail that stay vibrant for decades to come.
If you’re looking to bring a playful yet elegant energy to your home, The Shrimp Pickers might be just the piece.
Big Cats Painting Workshop July 27th
Book online and come along to my next painting day, on Sun 27th July. we are learning how to paint Big Cats! Paint a tiger or a lion, with my help and guidance all day. Meet other budding artists and have a really good day of laughing, chat , cake and painting. Its really fun. Youll take away your own unique painting on a canvas ready to hang.
Susan and “ Rufus”
Style Your Space: Mixing Canvas Prints for a Personal Touch
If you love a home that feels layered and full of life, creating your own gallery wall with canvas prints in different sizes is a wonderful way to add personality to your space. It’s an easy, flexible approach that lets you bring colour, light, and movement into your rooms while reflecting your own style.
With the new Dreaming in Coral collection, you can combine larger canvases like “Ocean Dance” or “Verdant Blaze” with smaller prints such as “Sea Pearls” or “Rosa Reverie” to shape a display that suits your wall and your mood. Play with spacing for an airy, modern look, or group pieces closely for a cosy, curated feel. You can even add in your favourite colourful Highland Cow, and pick up some of the colours in an abstract or floral piece!
The best part is that it doesn’t have to be static. Rearrange your pieces with the seasons, add new prints as your collection grows, or shift your layout when you feel like a refresh. It’s a beautiful way to keep your space evolving while keeping it feeling warm and inviting.
Ready to create your own layered gallery wall? Explore the Dreaming in Coral collection and find the pieces and sizes that speak to you.
New Canvas Release:Celestial Swans
New Arrival: “Celestial Swans” – A Gentle Moment in ‘Paint’
I’m excited to share my newest canvas print, Celestial Swans, part of my Dreaming in Coral collection. This piece captures two swans drifting together under a soft, coral-tinted sky, their curved forms bringing a sense of quiet connection and timeless grace.
Swans often symbolise love and harmony, and painting them in this layered, abstract style allowed me to capture that calm, gentle energy they bring. The soft pinks, sea greens, and hints of ocean blues in Celestial Swans create a soothing yet uplifting mood, making it a beautiful addition to bedrooms, cosy living spaces, or a serene corner in your home.
As with all my prints, Celestial Swans is available as a high-quality canvas, carefully produced to capture the subtle brushwork and layered colour of the original painting. It can stand alone as a gentle focal point or hang alongside other pieces in the Dreaming in Coral collection to create a flowing, cohesive feel across your walls.
If you’ve been looking to bring a breath of calm and a touch of warmth into your space, Celestial Swans might be just the piece for you.
Explore the full Dreaming in Coral collection of original work here on my website.
See the original painting here at my virtual art exhibition.
Why Rent Artwork for Your Workspace?
Art Rentals - An Easy Option
Adding art to your workspace does more than just fill a blank wall. A vibrant painting can transform the feel of your office, reception area, or meeting room, creating a welcoming, energising atmosphere for both your team and visitors. Renting artwork is a flexible, budget-friendly way to enjoy original art without the commitment of an upfront purchase. You can choose a single statement piece or a selection of colourful canvases to match your space, style, and budget. Rentals can be rotated monthly, every six months, or annually, keeping your space fresh and engaging.
As an added benefit, your rental payments can be offset against the purchase price if you decide you can’t part with a piece later on. Delivery and collection are included, and installation can be arranged if needed, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process for your business. I can also arrange for your chosen pieces to be framed if required, if that is an option you’d like.
Whether you want to boost morale, create a positive first impression, or simply bring colour into your everyday working environment, art rental offers a practical and inspiring solution.
Interested in bringing colour to your workspace? Get in touch here to explore available pieces and flexible rental options.
Layering Colour: How to Combine Animal Paintings with Abstracts and Florals for a Cohesive Look
Have you ever wondered how to style colourful animal paintings alongside abstracts or florals without things feeling chaotic? The secret lies in layering colour thoughtfully to create a cohesive, joyful look.
Combining vibrant animal paintings with abstract or floral pieces can add depth and personality to a space. For example, a large expressive heron painting will draw the eye, while a smaller coral-toned abstract or a loose floral adds softness and movement nearby. Choosing artworks with shared colours – like pops of turquoise, coral pinks, or sunny yellows – helps tie everything together without being overly matchy.
This approach works beautifully in living spaces, hallways, or bedrooms, bringing in both the character of wildlife art and the calm of abstracts or florals. It creates a layered look that feels curated rather than cluttered, adding warmth and life to your home.
If you’re planning a gallery wall, start with your statement animal piece, then build around it with abstracts or florals that echo one or two colours from your main painting. Leave breathing space between pieces so each can shine while still feeling part of a whole.
Using a mix of animal art with abstract or floral pieces is a wonderful way to celebrate colour, tell your story, and add joy to your home every day.
Three Tropical Brights
The Shrimp Pickers, Dreaming in Coral 2, and Fragrant Summer. These are all also available as canvas prints in various sizes.
10 Creative Ways to Refresh Your Mind (and Why Picking Up a Paintbrush Helps)
Feeling stuck, restless, or in need of a reset?
Paint a set of canvases, then think up ways to display them…
Fresh inspo from the garden…
Sometimes, a small change is all it takes to shift your energy. Here are 10 creative ways to refresh your mind, many of which I use myself (and with my workshop participants) to bring back that spark:
1) Take a different route on your daily walk – see what colours and shapes catch your eye.
2) Try a five-minute sketch of your morning coffee – no pressure, just lines and shapes.
3) Rearrange your artwork at home for a whole new vibe (like a mini holiday for your walls).
4) Listen to a new playlist or pidcast in an interesting subject you know nothing about. while you paint, cook, or potter around the garden.
5) Join a local art workshop – it’s a gentle way to get out, meet people, and try something new.
6) Sit in the garden and notice 5 colours you hadn’t noticed before.
7) Paint with your non-dominant hand for a few minutes, and see what happens. This is an interesting exercise and helps to let go of worrying about ‘ outcomes’ .
8) Visit a local gallery and let yourself be surprised by one painting you’d never normally notice. Take a friend along, and each pick your favourite pieces, then try and guess each other's pick. It can ve very surprising and spark interesting discussion.
9) Keep a “colour notes” page in your phone for shades and combinations that catch your eye.
10) Allow yourself to play – in paint, in your garden, in how you style your space.
If you’ve been craving a reset, picking up a paintbrush can help you slow down and tune into yourself in a gentle, joyful way. My workshops are designed for precisely this: a few hours to relax, play with colour, and go home with your own painting.
✨ [Check out my upcoming workshops here] if you’d like to join in.
✨ Or drop me a message if you’d like to gift a session to a friend who needs a little pick-me-up. I do gift vouchers.
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Let yourself press pause and create something just for you. It makes all the difference.
Dreaming in Colour: My New Virtual Exhibition is Now Live
I’m delighted to share that Dreaming in Colour, my latest virtual exhibition, is now open. This collection brings together large, expressive oil paintings inspired by the energy of tropical coastlines and the joy of colour in nature.
Each piece is designed to uplift, add light, and bring a sense of spaciousness to interiors. For collectors and art lovers exploring my Kindred Spirits exhibition, you can now teleport between the two shows by clicking the swooping owl in the virtual gallery, allowing you to move seamlessly between these two worlds.
Whether you are seeking a statement piece, exploring ideas for your home, or simply looking for a moment of colour in your day, I warmly invite you to visit.
Thank you for joining me on this colourful journey.
“Dreaming in Colour”
New: Paradise Drift – A Tropical Escape in Paint. 80 x 160 cm original oil painting triptych by Susan Gardner. Now available for sale and international shipping.
New Large Oil Painting “ The Heron Skyward”
Introducing: The Heron Skyward
With sweeping brushstrokes and a palette drawn from sea and sky, The Heron Skyward captures a moment of uplift — that breathless instant when wing meets wind and flight begins. Painted in luminous shades of teal, turquoise, and petrol blue, this large-scale canvas (100 x 120 cm) is both powerful and poetic, designed to bring presence and tranquillity to any room.
Premium Original Oil on Canvas Now Available
“The Heron Skyward” is seen here in an exhibition setting.
A heron has long been a symbol of grace, patience, and quiet strength — and here, elevated in motion, it becomes something almost mythical. Whether hung in a serene living space or a dramatic entryway, this piece commands attention while offering calm. Part of the Dreaming in Coral collection, it celebrates the meeting point of nature and imagination, movement and stillness.
New Arrivals - Two Framed Owl Paintings
“Ghost of the Field” and “Keeper of the Wood” 60 × 60 cm original oil on canvas. For sale seperately but ideal as a pair.
Why Choose a Large Statement Canvas for Your Home
A big wall-filler canvas does more than decorate — it defines your space. These bold, oversized pieces create an instant focal point, bringing depth, energy, and personality into a room. Whether you're drawn to vibrant colour or serene abstraction, a large painting anchors the space and makes your home feel considered and complete. Perfect for open-plan living areas or large blank walls, they transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces.
A Splash of Coral: Meet The Shrimp Pickers
The Shrimp Pickers – A Closer Look
There’s something quietly joyful about flamingos—the way they move in unison, their elegant curves, the surreal colours of their feathers. In The Shrimp Pickers, I wanted to capture that feeling of calm connection and rhythmic grace.
This painting was inspired by the idea of a pair of flamingos pausing in the shallows, mid-forage, heads dipped and then lifted in sync. The soft arch of their necks creates a gentle symmetry, hinting at both instinct and affection.
I used a rich, tropical palette for this piece—corals, magentas, fiery oranges and warm golds, all set against a cool, moody backdrop of turquoise and deep ocean blues. The brushwork is loose and expressive, building up layers of texture and movement to bring the scene to life.
At 80 x 100 cm, it's a bold canvas that holds its own in a space, but there’s a softness to it too—something that invites a longer look. Whether hung above a mantle, in a hallway, or as a centrepiece in a light-filled room, The Shrimp Pickers brings a sense of warmth and coastal calm.
This is an original oil painting on gallery-wrapped canvas, with painted sides so it’s ready to hang unframed. Like all my work, it comes signed and with a Certificate of Authenticity.
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'Verdant Blaze' : 60 x 50cm oil painting
Verdant Blaze
50 x 60 cm | Oil on canvas
A celebration of lush growth and untamed energy. Part of my new upcoming Dreaming in Coral exhibition, Verdant Blaze bursts with life and colour. Vivid greens surge upward through a flurry of coral, crimson, and sapphire, evoking the fierce beauty of tropical flora in full bloom.
Painted in expressive, gestural strokes, the piece captures the moment when nature feels most alive — glowing, untamed, and utterly free.
It’s a tribute to vitality and recovery, a subject currently very close to my heart💚
