Artist Bio
A representational painter of western scenes, Susan Terpning's paintings include wildlife, native american people and landscape. Raised in Connecticut (born 1953) in a home filled with art, Susan began drawing and painting at an early age. Childhood interests in nature, horses and American Indians have provided lifelong sources of inspiration.
Upon completing her undergraduate work in anthropology, Susan turned to painting. Fortunate to have as her father, the well known artist, Howard Terpning, Susan was able to benefit from his expertise over the years. In time, Susan has become established and recognized in the field of western art.
A resident of the southwest for the past 30 years, Susan believes the brilliant light and wide open spaces of New Mexico and Arizona have provided ideal painting inspiration. From birdwatching trips to Africa to making replica Native American beaded costumes to briefly owning two wild mustangs, the same interests have appeared and re-surfaced throughout her life and somehow find their way into her paintings. Susan currently works at her studio in Santa Fe.
Education
1974 BA Drew Univ., Madison, N.J.
1993, 1997 CAA Museum, Kerrville, TX - workshops with Howard Terpning
2004 Taos Art School - workshop with Julia McKee
2007 Taos Art School - workshop with Lynn Maderich
2008 Andreeva Portrait Academy - workshops with Anthony Ryder and Juliette Aristides
2008 Valdes Art Workshops - workshops with Kevin Gorges