Susan Applegate
Landscapes
This collection gathers landscape paintings—both contemporary and traditional—exploring the conversation between land, light, and atmosphere. Each work invites a slow, attentive look at shifting coastal skies, rain-soaked forests, and distant mountains, highlighting subtle changes in color, texture, and mood. From sweeping vistas to intimate scenes, the pieces use varied techniques yet share a shared eye for careful observation rooted in the region’s memory.
Composing a painting from an idea is always an exciting adventure. The concept can be focused on the force of the composition to convey the emotional impact, or the intellectual appreciation. As I've matured, I've found myself drawn more to abstracting the forms, preferring simplified shapes to carry the rhythm of the piece. I have enjoyed the practice of working on a series of paintings to express an idea.
Composing a painting from an idea is always an exciting adventure. The concept can be focused on the force of the composition to convey the emotional impact, or the intellectual appreciation. As I've matured, I've found myself drawn more to abstracting the forms, preferring simplified shapes to carry the rhythm of the piece. I have enjoyed the practice of working on a series of paintings to express an idea.
Artist Retreat's
This collection features paintings created during artist retreats, where time, nature, and creative focus come together in harmony. Each piece reflects moments of reflection and inspiration drawn from immersive experiences in serene, often remote settings. Surrounded by natural beauty and a community of fellow artists, these works capture the energy, freedom, and spontaneity that emerge when creativity unfolds away from the distractions of daily life. Together, they represent a visual journey of renewal and artistic exploration.
Murals & Public Art
This collection highlights murals and public art that transform shared spaces into vibrant experiences. Each piece reflects community identity through color, scale, and storytelling, turning everyday places into sources of inspiration, dialogue, and pride. From large murals to site-specific works, the art shows how creativity and collaboration shape public spaces.
I no longer work on murals because of the physical labor involved. But in the past I have enjoyed the strenuous and challenging work of mural artwork. From collaborating with groups to working individuals who have a specific goal in mind. One such mural I painted was commissioned by a wildlife safari hunter who conducted several guided trips into Africa. I painted a large mural depicting the landscape of the area he hunted, and which served as a background to his trophy animals.
I no longer work on murals because of the physical labor involved. But in the past I have enjoyed the strenuous and challenging work of mural artwork. From collaborating with groups to working individuals who have a specific goal in mind. One such mural I painted was commissioned by a wildlife safari hunter who conducted several guided trips into Africa. I painted a large mural depicting the landscape of the area he hunted, and which served as a background to his trophy animals.
Illustrations
This collection of illustrations celebrates the artistry and narrative depth of visual storytelling. Each piece blends imagination, composition, and detail to evoke mood, movement, and meaning with grace. From delicate sketches and evocative concepts to richly layered compositions, these works reflect the artist’s gift for capturing emotion and narrative through line and color. Whether created for editorial projects or presented as standalone artworks, the illustrations invite viewers into luminous worlds shaped by artistry and vision.
I have enjoyed creating illustrations on many projects, some of my own inventions and never finished, but several in partnership with the author. Each illustration should describe a mood, a sense of the narrative. Into my advancing age, I can take on the joys of illustration.
I have enjoyed creating illustrations on many projects, some of my own inventions and never finished, but several in partnership with the author. Each illustration should describe a mood, a sense of the narrative. Into my advancing age, I can take on the joys of illustration.
Book Illustrations
This collection of book illustrations highlights the creativity and storytelling power of visual art at its most expressive. Each piece combines imagination, composition, and detail to convey mood, movement, and meaning. From whimsical scenes and character-driven moments to richly layered compositions, these illustrations reflect the artist’s ability to capture both emotion and narrative through line and color. Whether created for picture books, chapter books, or standalone projects, the illustrations invite readers into vivid worlds shaped by artistry and vision.
Explore Susan Applegate’s full collection of paintings.