Susan Tournidis Biography
I am Susan Ann, a Hamilton area artist working primarily in watercolour and ink, creating expressive abstract and abstract-impressionist pieces inspired by nature.
Art has been an integral part of my life, even as a young child I brought my emotions to paper. . I can't remember a time that I did not love to draw, paint or sketch.
While at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in Hamilton, my teacher, Susan Harper, had a strong influence on me. Her encouragement gave me confidence in myself as an artist. I later took various classes at the Dundas School of Art and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
I work primarily in watercolour and ink as it brings me the most pleasure and is the most creative way for me to express myself. Over time my work has evolved from a more natural and realistic approach to the abstract impressionist style I enjoy today.
Nature has always been my greatest inspiration. Each of my pieces is an exploration and interpretation of how nature inspires me. Sometimes I begin with fluid watercolour and let the paint guide me toward the lines and embellishments; other times, I begin with linework and allow the colour to develop from there.
My paintings are intentionally open to interpretation. I enjoy that people can see different things in the same piece and experience their own emotional connection.
For me, painting is a way to calm my soul as I disappear into my work and find peace. I hope my work encourages others to interpret what they see, enjoy their emotional response and find peace within the lines and colour.