Artist Spotlight, Mother’s Day Special: Gastonia, NC Artist Susie Henry’s Impressionistic Floral Still Life Paintings

May 16

In honor of Mother’s Day this month, Heather Meadow is pleased to feature the heartfelt work of Hadley’s mom: North Carolina painter Susie Henry, whose expressive floral still life paintings celebrate the beauty and poetry of everyday life. Based in Gastonia, NC, her original oil and acrylic paintings blend bold color, organic movement, and impressionistic brushwork to create contemporary floral artwork filled with warmth and personality. From richly layered floral still lifes to whimsical interior compositions, her work speaks to collectors searching for Southern contemporary painting, floral wall art, and unique paintings for the home.

Enjoy our interview with Gastonia based painter Susie Henry:

Click through images to shop Susie’s paintings

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HM: What is your favorite flower variety, or two or three, and why?

SH: It is not easy to pick just one, two, or even three, but I will try. At some point I said peonies were my favorite because of the scent, gorgeous shape, and colors. Mary Oliver’s poem, called “Peonies”, says it all. After spending time at mother/daughter weekend at Camp Greystone, something there really spoke to my spirit and inspired me. The small, simple, cut summer flowers on the tables in the dining hall made an amazing impression on me. I realized that something as easy as tiny, non-fussy, summer flowers really lifted my spirit. It was a gladness that I pondered in my heart, and I thought then about growing simple zinnias and dahlias in my little garden space.

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Simple bud vases filled with blooms from the backyard line the artist’s kitchen.

HM: Do you have any memories tied to flowers?

SH: My earliest memory is of a red tulip growing in a neighbor’s yard. At a very early age, I recall walking over to the flower, standing over it, and looking down into the black and yellow center....Far out!!!

HM: Tell us about your gardening experience, the ups and downs, and what you have learned from gardening.

SH: I have a little back garden at our home, and it is enough for me. Over the years I have experimented, made huge mistakes (like planting mint in the ground), and have delighted in this adventure! I have learned so much about seasons and time. It can take years for some plants to get established and thrive, and other varieties are fast as can be. Of course, gardening is a hands-on way to remind ourselves of spiritual lessons. For example, seeds and good soil remind me of the biblical Parable of the Sower.

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HM: Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a painter in Gastonia, North Carolina?

SH: Painting in Gastonia began as I substitute-taught in our local school for Curt Butler, a great artist and teacher. I marvelled at the student’s work. I remember thinking that if he ever taught adults, I’d sign up! Sure enough, during our “empty nest” season, a friend invited me to a class taught by Curt at Gaston School of the Arts. For several years thereafter, I was able to take art classes, and I could see growth. At about the same time, I read Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. What has stayed with me is her quote, "If you can write your name, you can learn to draw.” How freeing is that statement? I believe that she is right.

Over the years I’ve learned from many talented artists including Asheville artist Bee Seiburg and Jill Steenhuis. At some point it’s essential to gain insight from the solitary experience of the actual painting process. Eventually one finds a way of creating that is unique to the individual.