MEDIUM /// MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS

Susanne Hartke is a visual artist, graphic designer, and art educator based in Avon, New York. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alfred University and a Master of Science in Art Education from Nazareth College. For more than two decades, she has balanced careers in education and graphic design, while continuing to develop her studio practice. Her paintings are characterized by bold color, layered pattern, and thoughtful composition, drawing inspiration from travel, memory, and everyday experiences.

About the work:

“Nifty Fifty” is a body of work created during my 50th year, inspired by the connection between 50 years of life and the 50 states that make up our country. Rather than painting every state, I focused on thirteen that inspired me through personal experiences, memorable travels, or their distinctive landscapes. Each painting combines color, pattern, and abstracted road maps to capture the spirit of a place. The roads become symbols of the paths we travel, the detours we encounter, and the experiences that shape us. Some of these states hold personal memories, while others simply inspired me through their landscapes, colors, and character. Together, they celebrate the many ways places leave their mark on our lives.