Susan Elizabeth Jones was raised in Franklin, Tennessee, and currently resides in a historic Craftsman cottage in Columbia. Her colorful and charming paintings focus on nostalgic subjects inspired by her home, history, travels, and childhood memories of her grandmother’s house. She is a long-time member of the Chestnut Group of Plein Air Painters fundraising for land conservation and historic preservation. Susan sits on the board of the Maury County Historical Society. She is a devoted, inspirational teacher and creative awakener, teaching in oils, acrylics and watercolor. She instills in her students the joy, curiosity, and passion for the creative process.
Artist Work Samples
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type:
Program Description:
Whether teaching in oils, acrylics or watercolors, I teach a 5-Step painting procedure so that students learn to paint in a logical, orderly process. This eliminates guesswork and frustration and leads to success every time they step up to the easel.
Additionally, I encourage my students to detach from the outcome and to enjoy the process of adding pigment to substrate. No one plays Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony at his or her first piano lesson, and no one should expect to paint a masterpiece at his or her first painting lesson. Painting is a learned skill that requires lessons and practice and a creative spirit that craves artistic expression.
Moreover, I find it beneficial to build a creative community among the students and encourage social activities outside of class, like going to lunch or to grab coffee after class, in order to build friendships with other artists.
And finally, I give my students permission, as if they need it, to call themselves artists. We are all artists. We are born with a God-given drive to create whether it’s in literature, drama, dance, theatre, the possibilities are endless. All I’m doing is teaching them to relax, paint, and enjoy the process.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
