ARTIST STATEMENT

Growing up in northern Minnesota, with its rugged beauty, is where I found my inspiration. I also grew up the daughter of Betty D. Brown, a well-loved area watercolorist who spent decades creating and teaching in the Carlton area. In 2006, I decided to give painting a try, and with my first brushstroke on that white piece of paper, I was never turning back.

Watercolor is a fascinating medium; one that you can control if you want to, but one that is more fun to let loose. I like to paint a variety of subjects in a variety of styles; I believe that painting outside of my �comfort zone� allows me to stretch my imagination and learn new techniques. My favorite subject matter is my interpretation of the beauty found in northern Minnesota. I grew up right next to Jay Cooke State Park, and I especially like to use a combination of paint and collage to form scenes from the north woods.

I enjoy teaching watercolor workshops throughout the year, and I�m a member of the Arrowhead Art Club and am currently serving as the president of Artists of Minnesota.

Being an artist is a continual learning process, and I�m enjoying the journey immensely.

Sue Brown Chapin