Meet Susan Bell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Bell.

Susan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am an artist and started a little studio Gallery on Pearl Street in Denver 20 years ago. Because I like diversity, I decided to also have several other local artists in my gallery who worked in different media and styles. This included painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass and many other media. I started the south Pearl street first Friday art walk which featured local art galleries and restaurants. I closed the doors of the physical gallery on Pearl street three years ago but still show my work at Gallery 1505 on Pearl. I now have a studio in Sedalia. Presently I paint live mostly, curate and participate in art Shows around the Denver metro and the country.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Art is never a smooth road. Being a professional artist is somewhat like being a gambler. You work a lot spend lots of time and money to promote your work and then hope someone buys it. When I first opened the gallery I had to get really creative to even get people in the door. I found that curiously, many people are intimidated by art. I started a program to get people to enjoy art and feel comfortable with trusting what they liked. I taught art classes, hosted book authors and other creative events to get people in the door and enjoying art.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an artist who has learned to promote my work and so therefore, have brought other artists into that network. I am best known for painting “plein air” on location all around Denver. Places that are iconic to Denver but most specifically The events at the Denver National Western Stock Show.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother always told me that if I worked hard for what I wanted I could achieve it. This early encouragement became part of my way to approach life. I had a great art teacher in the Denver Public Schools, Al Carollo, who taught us how to be original and that we could sell what we made. Because of him, it never occurred to me that I couldn’t sell what I created. Other artists have taught me a ton. Notably, Michael Lynch who taught me that no weather is too harsh to get out and paint in. It sounds like suffering but it is exhilarating and you learn everything about the essence of things and light and movement by paint live, Many friends and artists helped make my gallery a success.

Pricing:

• Oil Paintings. $100 – $25,000
• Sculpture $300 – $5000
• Lessons. $50/hour

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SusanBellFineArt.com
• Email: artistsusanbell@gmail.com
• Instagram: artistsusanbell

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