Susanne Woodward

My work lives in the space between observation and imagination. I use egg tempera to build portraits that feel both personal and archetypal — like people you’ve seen before but can’t quite place. I’m drawn to stillness, to expression that lingers rather than declares. In each painting, I’m asking how much can be said with very little. Often, the answer is found in the eyes, or the space between them.

 I’ve submitted four pieces to the Northville Art House’s Small Works Exhibition. All artworks in the show are 16 inches or smaller, and available for purchase — just in time for the holiday season. These portraits were painted in egg tempera on 8x10 panels. Each one focuses on character and emotion. Though small in size, they each tell their own story. Submitted Works: The Oracle of Ash and Amber Quiet Recall The Necklace of Knowing Performer of the Unspoken You can visit the show in person in Northville, Michigan. #SmallWorks #NorthvilleArtHouse #HolidayArtShow Labels: Northville, Small Works, Holiday Show, Portraits

  This year I started working with egg tempera, a painting technique I hadn’t used before. It takes more time and layering than other mediums I’ve used, and it helped me slow down and experiment. I submitted three pieces to the Articipate show, which invites artists to share work made while learning something new. These portraits reflect that process. Each one came with its own set of challenges and surprises. Submitted Works: What the Light Carries Keeper of the Rooster The Observer in Green The show is in Berkley, Michigan. You can find more at articipate.us . #Articipate #LearningThroughArt #EggTempera Labels: Exhibitions, Articipate, Learning, New Medium

  I’m happy to share that two of my paintings were submitted to the Scarab Club’s 112th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition in Detroit. This is a long-standing, respected show open to member artists. I chose two works: The Veil Between and The Green Queen . Both portraits explore quiet expression and inner life. The first is more reflective and soft; the second has a grounded, regal quality. Submitted Works: The Veil Between The Green Queen You can learn more about the Scarab Club at scarabclub.org . #ScarabClub #GoldMedalExhibition #DetroitArt Labels: Exhibitions, Scarab Club, Detroit, Portraits