Susan Luckey Higdon

Susan Luckey Higdon is fascinated by swirling layers of water—reflections, what swims below the surface or flies above, and the stones and fallen leaves and needles along the bottom. Well known for capturing the essence of Central Oregon’s favorite landscapes, from mountain peaks to wild rivers, Susan’s paintings depict the complex interactions of color and pattern in what she describes as natural abstractions.

“My actual rendering style is impressionistic and fairly representational. Using composition to narrow and refine the view, I focus on the semi-abstraction, making the image more about pattern and color. This approach to seeing nature has limitless possibilities.” Painting with acrylics on cradled birch board Susan works quickly, adding thick color, then rubbing it off, leaving a tiny bit of the natural board showing when possible. This process goes on until, layer upon layer, the final image emerges.

“As a native Oregonian it is my greatest joy to describe and interpret the beauty of Central Oregon’s favorite landscapes. Painting wildlife art—native fish swimming in their habitats or birds glinting in the sun, comes from a desire to show the connection with our environment that is so vital to the essence of our lives and to inspire a greater sense of stewardship for the land.”