Sue Ransley - Artist Statement
Sue Ransley is an artist who specialises in painting pictures of everyday people. Her goal is to provide a light-hearted perspective on life, capturing the warmth and humanity of her subjects. Through her artwork, she hopes to evoke a sense of familiarity, allowing viewers to recognize something in the image that reflects someone they know or a certain behaviour.
Sue's journey as an artist began later in life, after she experienced an illness and decided to take up painting. Fortunately, she found an art tutor who helped her discover her unique style. The majority of Sue's work is done in oil, although she occasionally explores water-based media as well. When working with oils, Sue starts by drawing with paint. The lines she creates become an integral part of the finished piece. On the other hand, when using water-based media, she skips the initial drawing and dives straight into painting the masses with a loaded brush. This process requires a zen like approach, hence it happens infrequently. Regardless of the medium, Sue's focus is always on capturing the essence of the image rather than getting caught up in finer details.
All of Sue's artwork is inspired by people she has observed while engaging in her favourite activity: people watching. Armed with a sketchbook and camera, she immerses herself in the world around her, documenting the moments that catch her eye. Through her paintings, Sue aims to share her unique perspective on everyday life and the people who inhabit it.
Exhibitions
2024
Winter Exhibition - Aga Kubish Studio - selected artist - 13th November to 11th January 2025
Arundel Gallery Trail - Kings Arms Hill - 17 to 26 Aug
Surrey Artist Open Studios - 20 to 23 Jun
Art in Bloom - Oxmarket Contemporary - 15 to 26 May
AppArt - selected artist - 30 Mar to 13 Apr
Wave - Oxmarket Contemporary - January
Worthing Museum - Open 2023 - to 14 April
Scout - Galleri Heike Arndt, Denmark Oct 23 to end June 24 - ongoing representation
Folkestone Art - Winter Group Show - Jan
Linden Hall Studio - Winter Group Show - Jan
2023
Worthing Museum - Open 2023 - to 14 Apr
Linden Hall Studio - Winter Group Show - Dec
Folkestone Art - Winter Group Show - Dec
Guildford House Gallery - Open - Dec
Scout 2023 – International Group Show at Galleri Heike Arndt, Denmark. Oct to Dec
Surrey Artist of the Year Finalist – New Ashgate Gallery – Oct
Arundel Gallery Trail - August
Twitter Art Exhibit – Vancouver – postcard art
Galerie Heike Arndt, Berlin – Fresh Legs 2023
Surrey Artist Open Studios – Bramley – Jun
Folkestone Art – Spring Group Show – Apr
AppArt – Godalming – Apr
The Power of the Pencil – ArtCan virtual show
Guildford Institute – two artist show – April
2022
Breathing Out – Climate Change Exhibition
Legacy - The Crypt Gallery – Sep
Arundel Gallery Trail – Kings Arms Hill – Aug
Arts to Hearts Project - ‘Ready to Wear’ - online
Oxmarket Open – inaugural open call – Aug
Ryebank Gallery – selected artist ‘Aqua’
Surrey Artists Open Studios - 18 to 26 Jun
Ryebank Gallery, Rye – Open Call - May
AppArt - Godalming - April
The Lightbox, Woking – ‘Family’ – an 8-artist group show. Ap
Linden Hall Studio – Winter Group Show – Jan
2021
Surrey Artist of the Year Finalist - New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham
Arundel Gallery Trail - Kings Arms Hill - Aug
Yvonne Arnaud Summer 2021 - Mill Studio - Guildford Arts - July
Surrey Artists Open Studios - June
Linden Hall Studio - Winter Group Show - Jan
2020
Portrait Artist of the Week featured my 'Robbie Rinder' as part of their title page image. May 2020
Contemporary British Portrait Painters featured 'Plane Spotters' online May 2020
Cass Art featured 'Leopard Print Lover' as part of their online campaign #CassApplause
Linden Hall Studio - Winter Group Show selected artist - January
2019
Red Dog Gallery - 'Wish you were here' - Oct
Holly Bush Emerging Woman Painter Prize Finalist, Hampstead
Surrey Open Studios, 7 artists - Venue 94 - Jun
AppArt – Godalming - Apr
Creates Gallery Emerging Artist Award, Monmouth - Winner - Feb
Artworks, Group Show at The Oxmarket, Chichester - February
2018...
Red Dog Gallery - December 2018
Chester Art Beat - October 2018
Arundel Gallery Trail – 2013 to 2018
Holly Bush Emerging Women Painter Prize Finalist - July 2018
Surrey Artist Open Studios 2014 to 2018
London Art Show, Coningsby Gallery 2017
The Nehru Centre, with Gabriel Fine Art 2017
Artrooms London, Finalist - January 2017
Clyde & Co w/ Guildford Arts - 2014 and 2017
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Previously shortlisted for the National Open Art Competition, & had 2 paintings shortlisted for the Royal West of England Academy show.