Susan Pepler, painter

In the Brome Lake area, artists come from everywhere. The English and French cultures are a perfect match. This interview is presented in that spirit.

Describe what you do.

I paint, and my goal as a painter is to create beautiful « places » and scenes where people can view, rest and experience joy. When you gaze at a painting that you love, it’s as though the world stops for a moment … it’s like a breath of fresh air, a reprise from the world … a window to joy … almost like a « getaway ».

What motivates you to do this job?

I’ve always found the visual world dazzling. I create paintings in my mind all the time. I can’t help it … I see the world « in paint ». So I use my skills to try and to capture joy and put it in a painting. People have asked me if I’ll ever run out of ideas, but it’s impossible! The beauty out there is endless. And we need it, beauty and joy … it lifts our spirits and soothes our souls in a challenging world.
What surprised you the most when you started this adventure?

I wasn’t sure how it would go when I started painting, but when I had my first exhibition in 2000, I was surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response to my work! In fact, 11 of the 21 paintings were snatched up within the first hour of the show. And the rest soon sold after that. I figured I was on to something …

What do your customers say they like most?

I’ll answer that with a couple of quotes from actual thank you notes my clients wrote …

« Susan! We LOVE our painting. It makes me smile every time I walk by it. It lights up our living room and everybody in the family adores it. Even my teenage son! Now I want one of your paintings in every room of my house! Thanks for creating such beauty. »

« Your paintings please us and we take great pleasure in looking at them. I cannot believe your artistic skills-gift and how you make all of your paintings so full of life and vitality. Thank you.
Do you have any plans for the future that you want to share with us?

Yes, 2 things …

1. I’ve been thinking about creating prints, cushions, wallpaper and other household products … with my artwork.

2. I’m asked so often if I teach art, so I’ve also been thinking about offering 2-day workshops in my new studio in Knowlton.

Is there anything most people don’t know about what you do?

I’m known mostly for my floral paintings and paintings of vintage cars, but I also LOVE painting swimming pools and lots of other beautiful subjects, which can see on my website.

I think most people also don’t know that I work directly with my clients to create custom made paintings that fit their needs perfectly. Whether it’s about color, size or subject matter, we put our heads together to come up with the perfect painting for them. And I often work with interior designers.

What are your favorite places or activities in the area?

The Knowlton Theatre’s Annual House & Garden Tour is an all time favourite event! And of course I always get a kick out of seeing my paintings in some of these homes. 😉

Susan Pepler, how can we reach you?

cell: 514.607.0234, workshop: 450.242.1111, www.susanpepler.com