Susan Love, dignity in art

S
usan Love grew up in rural Rosebud, S.D. As such, the influence of the rodeo, the Indian reservation, and the cowboy has influenced her art. Her family also has had a substantial impact on her painting, and she doesn’t remember a time that she didn’t paint. 
When I met her, I was also surprised as to how easy it was to talk with her. She is interested not only about art, but about Newcastle and the surrounding area, the different businesses, and some of the people she knows. She also displays a deep passion for the country, hard work, and ethics of country living. 
We met for coffee and donuts in the renovated Antlers Hotel. She even knew about certain aspects of that historic building and was so pleased with the care it now enjoys. Some of her friends dropped in and out as we talked. Her loving nature was more than apparent as she showed a patent interest in their lives. On a personal note, I find this type of person to be sincere, open, and altogether lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed my time visiting with her. 
I was able to see some of her beautiful art that has been on display at the Weston County Library. Now, I must admit that my ability to appreciate the more modern art has been a long process of personal growth. I’ve always loved the realistic art and shunned the current movements for most of my life. But I am exposing myself to more art styles. I also am learning to create my pieces with many different approaches and techniques. As such, I, too, am acquiring the appreciation of many new aspects of art in all its forms. And that is undoubtedly true of Susan’s artwork. She paints in many different styles from realistic landscapes to the more modern mosaic style of art that is in the library until Aug. 5. 
I spent quite a while studying the textures and methods of layering she has done for this current cowboy themed collection. I love the use of geometric patterns and layering she uses in the backgrounds, and the bold, almost line-drawing nature of the subjects of these paintings. And as you stand back and look, simply to admire and take in the paintings, the contrast between these two aspects somehow melds seamlessly into a very satisfying whole. The impression I get is of high energy and that love for the west and the cowboy lifestyle and work ethic she expressed while talking with her. 
Susan has always had the inclination to “stay away from the dark side” in her art. She feels it is crucial “to express wholesomeness” and “the code of the west.” She is married to David Love and expressed the same value-system in him as well. Her love and pride are very evident for her husband when she talks about him. That dignity and ethic come through in her paintings as well.
Susan used to have a gallery here in Newcastle. However, the time commitment to running that takes more away from her family and the life she desires for herself. But you can still see her works. First, visit her website at studio21wyoming.com. Some paintings are also currently on display at the Weston County Library. You can also see her art at the Color Art Gallery in Buffalo, Wyoming Art And Frame in Gillette, Wyoming Home in Cheyenne, and The Art Nest in Spearfish, S.D.