Susan Schwartz

Art has been the center of my life since I can remember. I began with art classes as a child, continuing in college, double majoring in Art History and Studio Art. After college, I worked as a Visual Merchandiser for some major retail stores and eventually, opened my decorative painting company, collaborating with interior designers, builders, and architects.

Throughout my career, I worked on my own artwork, taking night classes at Philadelphia’s Academy of Fine Art. The experience that changed the trajectory of my work was a plein aire workshop with Maddine Insalaco in Tuscany, Italy. Working with Maddine in this magical location taught me to see differently. My palette, brush work, and composition shifted. Now retired, plein aire and studio oil painting is my life and joy. I can’t imagine a more perfect muse than St. Augustine, Florida. I am truly blessed!