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💚
A Scarlet Ibis!
Introducing “Wing of Water Wing of Fire” — a new original from my studio, featuring the elegant scarlet ibis in full flight. One wing seems lit by flame, the other dipped in ocean — a visual dance between heat and coolness, boldness and serenity. Painted in my expressive, colour-saturated style, this 45 x 65 cm oil on canvas is ready to hang and ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity
Introducing 'Tidepool Echo'
Introducing “Tidepool Echo”
There’s a kind of quiet magic in a tidepool—the way light flickers across the surface, how colours deepen and shift with the water’s movement. My latest painting, Tidepool Echo, is a reflection of that still, luminous world.
Measuring 60 x 80 cm, this oil painting is layered with cool, calming tones—sea greens, deep blues, and soft aquas—that move across the canvas like water over sand.
Tidepool Echo is available soon, as part of my Dreaming in Coral collection.
Caring for an Original Oil Painting
Caring for Your Oil Painting
Oil paintings are made to last for generations—and with a little care and attention, yours will too. Here’s a simple guide to keeping your new artwork in top condition for years to come.
Handling
Oil paintings are a bit delicate when it comes to handling. Always protect the surface from sharp objects or anything that might press against it, as even soft-looking items can dent or stretch the canvas. (I once leaned a painting against an innocent-looking storage bag and noticed—just in time!—that it was bowing the canvas slightly.)
Be mindful of buckles, rings, or zips when you're lifting the painting. It’s best to hold it by the sides with both hands so it stays balanced and doesn't bump into anything. And watch out for door handles—they’re sneaky canvas snatchers. (Don’t ask me how I know.)
If an accident does happen, don’t panic. Professional restorers can work magic, often making damage completely invisible. But better to avoid the stress (and the bill) if you can.
Lighting
I use only premium-quality oil paints that are certified lightfast, so fading won’t be an issue. That said, it’s still good practice to avoid hanging your painting in direct, bright sunlight. Proper picture lights are great if you want to highlight it—otherwise, gentle, diffused light works well and helps preserve the piece.
Temperature
Try to avoid hanging your painting where temperatures fluctuate too much. Rapid changes can cause the wooden stretcher bars to warp. Aim to keep the room between 65 and 75°F, and if possible, avoid going outside a 20-degree temperature range.
Humidity
Bathrooms aren’t ideal places to hang oil paintings. High humidity can make the canvas stretch and sag. If it does start to loosen, a framer can easily retighten it for you. To be safe, keep the artwork away from humidifiers, heaters, or anywhere the air gets too damp or too dry.
Cleaning
To gently remove dust, use a soft white cloth or a very soft brush—nothing scratchy. Avoid sprays or solvents altogether, as these can harm the paint. If needed, you can use a slightly damp cloth (just water and a bit of olive oil soap). Be gentle—no rubbing—and skip paper towels or anything abrasive.
If the painting seems to need more than a light dusting or gentle wipe, I recommend contacting a professional restorer for advice.
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I hope you find this guide helpful. I’m also planning to write up some tips on storing and transporting oil paintings safely, so keep an eye out for that too.
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‘Majestic Heart’ Contemporary Oil Painting
I’m pleased to release my new original piece ‘Majestic Heart’ for sale. See details below.
Buying an Original Piece of Art
The original painting holds many features that can not be replicated, such as texture, brush marks, vibrancy, and the play of light through translucent glazes of paint. These pieces appear different according to the available light, a stunning effect.
This is " The Shrimp Pickers" Original oil painting 30 x 40” on stretched canvas. Gallery-wrapped ready to hang. Available for international shipping which typically takes 3 days, depending on location. Priced at £1100
How to Hang an Oil Painting on Canvas
How to String and Hang an Oil Painting on Canvas
There’s something really satisfying about getting a painting up on the wall—especially when it’s a statement piece like an oil on canvas. But before you grab the hammer and nails, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hang your artwork safely and securely, without damaging the canvas or your wall.
1. What You'll Need
Strong picture cord or wire (choose one rated for the weight of your painting)
Two D-rings or screw eyes
A screwdriver
A measuring tape
A pencil
Wall hooks or nails suitable for your wall type (brick, plaster, drywall etc.)
A spirit level (optional, but handy)
2. Attach the D-Rings
Flip the painting face-down on a clean, soft surface (a towel or blanket works well to protect the surface).
Screw the D-rings into the stretcher bars about one-third of the way down from the top of the canvas. Aim for symmetry, around 5 to 10 cm in from each side depending on the size of your piece. Make sure they’re snug but don’t overtighten—you don’t want to damage the wood.
3. String the Wire or Cord
Cut a piece of picture cord or wire long enough to reach between the two D-rings, plus a bit extra for tying off. Thread the cord through both rings, pulling it fairly tight but with just enough give to allow a gentle curve (you don’t want it poking above the top of the frame when it’s hung).
Tie secure knots (a figure-eight or double knot works well) and, if using wire, twist the ends neatly around themselves. Trim off any excess.
4. Mark and Hang
Decide where you want the painting to go. Hold it up to the wall and lightly mark the top edge with a pencil. Then, measure the distance from the top of the painting to the highest point of the wire when taut—this tells you where to place the hook or nail.
Install your wall fitting at this lower point, checking that it's level if you're using two hooks. Then simply hang the painting by the wire.
5. Check and Adjust
Once it’s up, stand back and take a look. You might want to use a spirit level or just eyeball it to make sure it’s straight. Gently shift the wire left or right until it looks just right.
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Tips from the Studio:
For larger or heavier pieces, consider using two D-rings and two hooks, without stringing a wire—just hang each ring directly onto its own wall hook. It’s much more stable.
Avoid hanging your painting in direct sunlight or over a radiator—it can damage the paint over time.
If you ever move the piece, handle it carefully and lift it from both sides to avoid straining the canvas.
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Need help hanging a piece you’ve bought from me? Just drop me a message—I’m always happy to offer advice or a step-by-step tailored to your space. Please note: I supply my paintings ready to hang, with picture cord ready strung on d-rings or eye hooks.
Big, bright Highland Cow painting!
A new release: My very large original oil painting is the latest Scottish Highland Cow and will be named “Lochinver” . The colours are blended by overlaying colour on colour giving a really atmospheric and stunning look to the painting.
At 120 x 100 cm this big canvas really fills a wall and is a great focal point.
New - Online tutorials!
I have now released two new mini-courses or workshops for online viewing in answer to many requests.
These are suitable for beginners and experienced artists who would like tips or inspiration about a different painting style.
I paint impressionistically and often use a striking colour palette. My handling of colour is perhaps one of my greatest strengths. I like to pass on tips about colour mixing on the canvas, optical blending, and modulating colour. This Highland Cow demonstration includes a very colourful background created by layering, and I show you how this can be done.
You can follow along and paint with me if you like. You can also watch the video and use it as inspiration for your next piece of work.
The video is yours to watch as many times as you like.
I have included a series of 5 videos demonstrating my process step-by-step. There is a PDF materials list, so that you can check that you have everything you need before you begin
You can also use a reference photo of the highland cow. I have also included a pdf of my preferred suppliers if you want to buy any new supplies.
I have also made brief notes to accompany the videos, which are also included in PDF, along with a series of photographs that illustrate the drawing-out stages of the painting. Hopefully, these will serve as a memory jog for you.
I hope you enjoy the workshop. Please get in touch to show me your work and ask me any questions.
Learn to Paint a Hare
Moonlit Hare by Sue Gardner
I have spaces for my Moonlight Hares art workshop on Sunday 4th May. We will create beautiful hares and wild grasses, using acrylic paints, pen and inks. This is a really fun and easy workshop and is suitable for all levels, including beginners.
We paint at an easel (seated or standing) and everything is provided, including tea, coffee and cake!
I’ll take you through the day step by step, with demonstrations and guidance as we go. You’ll take home your own truly original piece of art - a beautiful hare on stretched canvas.
Book online at Sue Gardner Studio- Workshops. Hopefully I’ll see you there!
