Susan March Payne

My art career spans teaching art in Virginia Beach, VA and Charlotte, NC and as an Adjunct Instructor at Old Dominion University to active retirement in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. My credentials include a BS in Art Education and an MAE (Art Education) with National Board Certification in Art Education. After many years of teaching art, I now spend my days as a resident of Boone, NC enjoying the arts… painting, quilting and playing the banjo with my local "Banjo Buddies".

I prefer to paint "plein air" (outdoors) rather than in my studio. My most current artwork showcases landscapes and neighboring mountain towns through painting "Local Color". I've explored the back roads and mountain tops in and around Boone, Blowing Rock and the rest of the High Country. The stunning views are in a constant flux, with the abrupt weather changes altering the colors, light and shadows. I find that even the same view from my porch can transform into a different painting almost daily.

Rendering in acrylics or oil, I explore the emotional aspect of color. I often push color to capture my personal voice and the memories evoked within the community.

I'm grateful to live in a town that embraces emerging artists and I've enjoyed opportunities to exhibit at the Blowing Rock Art History Museum (BRAHM), Edgewood Cottage, Boone's Community Art Center (ArtSpace) as well as exhibitions at the Ashe County Arts Council's gallery and The Florence Thomas Art School. Accepted for Residencies at Wildacres (Blumenthal Foundation), I became immersed in painting weather conditions and scenery in and around Little Switzerland, NC. Honored for several years as an Edgewood Resident Artist in Blowing Rock, NC, I enjoyed spending time in Elliot Dangerfield's historic art studio and sharing its origins while welcoming visitors from all over the world to view my work.

Living in our mountain community has been an exciting time for discovering my own creativity and talent. I value the opportunity to exhibit in the High Country, meet professional artists, chat with people who are eager to learn about art, community patrons and others who share my passion for the arts.