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!
‘Maverick’ - Big New Texas Longhorn Canvas
Newly finished Texas Longhorn Bull painting in oils. This is a big canvas and will be a focal point in a room, framed or unframed!
Isle of Canna - A Large New Highland cow Oil Painting
This large new piece is now available for sale here on my website. I ship internationally, please ask if you would like a quote.
Horse Art For Sale - Original Oil Paintings
Here is a selection of my most recent horse paintings. I do enjoy horses as a subject, having owned and looked after horses my whole life until just recently. Perhaps this gives me an insight into their lives, certainly a great affection for them. I am currently open for commissions for bespoke horse paintings/portraits which I create from photographic references. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss a custom horse painting.
A large Highland Cow - Oil Painting in Progress!
I love creating wild surroundings for my cows, whether that involves colour, texture, or both. Here, I have stayed with a fairly muted colour scheme of dark forest green, sage, gold, and touches of burgundy. The texture of the cow parsley seeds and teazel shapes creates interest around the cow. This new piece will be for sale and available to ship once it dries.
Highland Cow and Wild Meadow Grasses 80 × 100 cm / 30 × 40 oil on stretched canvas
Big Stag Painting! And a new studio layout!
Today has been a very busy one, between rearranging the studio, rearranging the storage room and grabbing half an hour to sunbathe with the girls in - between!
Using a table and a wall to support this canvas for the final touches!
Reba living her best life, asleep under the table in the studio.
Ive also had the chance to carry on with my huge stag picture, which is an oil painting 150 x 120 cm in stature!
Kisses from my big helpy girl Layla
Big woodland stag oil painting, work in progress…
A new piece with Swans
This is a piece that I started 18 months ago. Before my accident put a stop to things for a time. I was glad to receive it back out of storage yesterday and to be able to put the finishing touches to it at last. It’s quite a romantic piece with the swans greeting each other as they do, cheek-to-cheek. This painting is quite big, about 80 x 100cm
This painting appears different according to the light, and really seems to glow. The piece is available for sale now £950 including UK shipping.
New Wildlife and Forest Oil Paintings FOR SALE!
New Paintings For Spring!
I worked late into the evening on this new stag oil painting. I am using a lovely palette of rich browns, plum, burgundy and gold. There are also touches of muted turquoise and hyacinth blue I hope to get him finished today.
Exhibitions OPEN!
Its quite exciting because two of the galleries that I work with are holding new exhibitions today. We have White Dove Gallery’s April open weekend Sat and Sun 11-4 CV13 6DP
And ‘BRANCHING OUT’ at the Ferrers Gallery tues-sat 11-4 LE65 1AL
Hope you can make it to see these exhibitions, a warm welcome is assured!
I was invited to exhibit with the wonderful Ferrers Gallery in their new group exhibition “BRANCHING OUT” and I’m delighted! I delivered 8 pieces (including one triptych) to the gallery this week and they look amazing hung on the gallery’s beautiful feature wall!
I have been exhibiting with this independent gallery for several years now, and the owner/founder, Rachael, and her team of staff (headed up by talented local artist Ruby Beau) are a pleasure to work with.
Would you like to visit this stunning new exhibition? It opens on Friday at 11 am, and the location is The Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold, LE65 1AL. You can make a day of it as the centre is set in vast grounds, and there are many craft units and artists to visit, and 2 nice cafes.
The gallery itself is in the centre of the image, under the clock!
Oil paintings on the feature wall at Ferrers Gallery
Free to Fly - Barn Owl Oil Painting - 50 x 80 cm -Available for Sale
My latest Barn Owl painting ‘Free to Fly’
Learn Oil Painting - Private Art Lessons - Using Colour in Oil Painting
Im offering a new four week course, focussing on colour . If you are new to oil painting or just want to develop your sense of colour, check out my course here
A Small Hare Oil Painting For Sale
This little piece was begun in acrylics, and I decided to add a little layer of oil paint over the top, to add this beautiful wash of luscious colour. He will be for sale on my website soon!
The siz eof this new painting is 50 x 60 cm and the sides of the canvas are gallery wrapped. This means that the painting can be hung unframed if preferred.
