Day 14/100: Sandra Lewis Henry and Sue Riger
Encouraging Two Artists Who Are Captivated by the Colors & Shapes of Flowers
Today, I am celebrating Sandra Lewis Henry and Sue Riger.
I’m thrilled that they will both be joining me in the online show, Square Foot Show: In Bloom with Debbie Miller & Friends, that starts on March 30, 2022.
Sandra Lewis Henry
Ontario resident Sandra Lewis Henry’s love of the natural world is obvious in her artwork. She is inspired by life in the lovely little village of St. George, where she indulges her love of dogs, horses and being outdoors. She also spends as much time as possible camping, preferably in the north, where she gathers lots of reference photographs.
Sandra grew up living all over British Columbia, often in the wilderness without access to TV or radio. In these remote spots, drawing became a favorite pastime and led to her decision to pursue a BFA from McMaster University.
Her creative brain is complemented by a capacity for technology, so she also received a diploma in computer science. And though she hopes to retire soon so she will have more time to paint, she currently works full time in software development.
Sandra loves working in acrylic, but she finds painting to be a mix of fulfillment & frustration. She describes it as “always a (happy) struggle” with balancing risk-taking and the temptation to stay comfortable, plus all the other micro-decisions involved in creating a painting.
She likes experimenting and having a sense of freedom. But like many artists who don’t have dedicated studio space, she feels constrained because she must clean up after her painting sessions — her “studio” is also her dining room.
The shapes and bright colors of flowers are especially joyful and inspiring for Sandra to paint, so I can’t wait to see what she creates for the Square Foot Show!
Sue Riger
I’ve been following Sue Riger’s work since I first started painting in 2016, and I’m always amazed and inspired by her colors and brushwork.
She grew up in the Garden State (New Jersey) and has always been fascinated with flowers.
The scents of her mother’s garden beckoned her with dainty lilies of the valley and a lilac tree laden with fragrant blooms. One set of grandparents introduced her to the bright yellow of Forsythia and the delicious taste of the nectar from these harbingers of Spring. Her other grandmother lived on an island that was bursting with colorful hydrangeas.
Now, living in SW Florida, she is surrounded with the intense color of year-round floral “eye candy.”
Sue got a BFA from Penn State, where she focused on landscapes in oils (layers of glazes). But art went on the backburner for 18 years as she home-schooled her three children.
When she returned to her easel, she discovered acrylics – layers of paint without the wait! Now, at retirement age, she feels like she’s just getting started. She’s teaching abstract painting at a local arts center and recently launched her first online art class (drawing & painting glass). The experience was so meaningful for her that she’s working on developing another class.
Instead of slowing down, Sue is kicking it up a notch! And we are all fortunate enough to get to follow her journey of growing bolder.
How You Can Be an Encouragement
Please check out Sandra and Sue’s work on social media, follow them, and send them notes of encouragement today.
Also, you can purchase some of their floral work at great prices at the Square Foot Show: In Bloom with Debbie Miller and Friends, starting March 30, 2022 through April 1, 2022.
Sandra Lewis Henry:
On Instagram: @sandralewishenryartist
Website: www.sandralewishenry.com
Sue Riger:
On Instagram: @paintingsbysue
Website: www.sueriger.com