Meet Sue Graef | Fine Artist, Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sue Graef and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sue, why did you pursue a creative career?
It seems to be in my blood, what I’m made of. Creating artwork is the one thing I never get tired of and never feel tired while doing it, even if It is 3:00 in the morning. I never run out of ideas regarding what to paint or how to paint it. Creative block does not exist for me. Walking through life, I visually look at things constantly creating a composition with it, to paint later. This is what I love to do and I love to draw attention to my work with the intention of creating an uplifting effect.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It definitely has not been an easy ride to where I am now. There have been many bumps along the way, gaining acceptance, locating the appropriate venues to exhibit, financial struggles and keeping all the plates in the air while I continue to paint. The solution was always and remains, just keep going. I am most proud of where I have come as a painter with a very unique style, so unique I have trouble pinning a label on it. My use of color (bold, vibrant, high contrast color) and my interesting way of capturing a landscape or cityscape scene are my trademark so to speak. Once my work is seen, it can be recognized easily. I’m told by others there is a sort of honesty in my work. Really I am just painting how I see it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week long trip with no restrictions whatsoever would have to include a two day stay in New York City. We would stay in the Chelsea area, spend part of the day up at the Museum of Modern Art. Then we would walk to the Lower East Side by way of The Village and SOHO. Final destination for the day would be Katz’s famous deli for a big meal. Then back to the hotel and watch a movie. The next day would be a visit to the Museum of Natural History and to a good Italian restaurant. Then that evening would be planning the remainder of the week. This would involve a trip up to the White Mountains of New Hampshire going on scenic day hikes each day with a picnic lunch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are really two people I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout to. The first one is my mother, also an artist. From the time I initially showed interest in painting when I was in elementary school until well into my adult life, she encouraged me to continue painting despite any challenges or setbacks. She taught me the importance of hard work and persistence on a given course. The second person is my husband of over 30 years, who has stuck with me through thick and thin, providing support in many ways.

Website: https://suegraeffineart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suegraefineart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suegraef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraefArt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sue.i.graef

Other: https://www.saatchiart.com/suegraef https://www.singulart.com/en/artist/sue-graef-12789 https://www.artsy.net/artist/sue-graef https://www.zatista.com/artist/sue-graef