Susan Rios – Bio
As a self taught artist, Susan’s potential was apparent even as a child. Her love of the outdoors inspired her to begin drawing scenes from nature. Today, she continues to find inspiration in the gentle-hearted beauty of everyday life.
Susan Rios’ ability to evoke familiar feelings through her paintings is the hallmark of her work. A nationally renowned artist, Susan works with a palette of soft, warm colors, inviting viewers to step into a world where one tranquil moment can last an eternity.
Susan’s surroundings are reminiscent of the images she paints. Working from her cozy, home-based studio that nestles up to Griffith Park, Ca, her artwork reflects that coziness, drawing the viewer in for a stroll in the garden, a cup of tea, or a long overdue rest in a quiet place.
A professional artist for 30 years, Susan spent the early years of her career working as a floral designer. She soon discovered that blending flowers was similar to mixing colors on a palette. To this day, flowers are an ever-present motif in many of her paintings, as are other “favorite things” – wicker chairs, pretty tablecloths, lace, vintage china and teapots, and bird and butterfly objects.
An active participant in causes that touch her heart, Susan devotedly supports charities and nationwide organizations including the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, Saddleback Community Outreach, (Orange County, Ca), The Taylor Family Foundation, and Make a Wish Foundation.
Over the last quarter century, Susan’s work has attracted the attention of many noted collectors and celebrities who have added her paintings to their private collection such as Jane Seymour, Priscilla Presley, Britney Spears, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Wilson, (of the Beach Boys), Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Dern, Phyllis George, Ann Gillian, Sandy Duncan, Shelley Fabres, Andre Agassi, and Mrs. Walter Mathau.
Susan has also illustrated a number of books for Harvest House Publishers, created and wrote Designer Scrapbooks by Susan Rios, and her most recent book is Mini Teatimes, for Harvest House. “The Art of Susan Rios” was published in 1988, and “Susan Rios – A Brush With Romance”, was published in 2008.
The timeless, enduring beauty of her work continues to garner attention from art enthusiasts, young and old alike. The emotional impact of her paintings, however, is the most important element. As an artist, she says, that is her true reward.