Sue Ennis
Artist member since 2018
Toronto, ON
My art is driven by colour and intuition and I paint in an abstract style. What unites all of my work, and what moves me most, is the love of colour, texture, energy, and a deep appreciation of the process of painting. Sometimes I will paint highly energetic reverse acrylic paintings on Plexiglas which are a derivative of a centuries-old technique of painting on the reverse side of glass, but showing the front of the piece. An example of this is in Red Orange Abstract . At other times, I like to paint more reflective oil paintings on canvas, such as Joyful Dance which is featured on this site.
I came to painting by chance when a colleague asked me if I would consider attending a painting workshop being run by his wife. I had never done any version of painting or artwork up to that point in my life, but I decided to attend the weekend-long workshop just as something new to try. Little did I realize how much of a tipping point this would become for me. I had no idea what I was doing at the workshop, but I was absolutely intrigued by the colours of the paints and the variety of materials offered. I became completely immersed in the process and was amazed that several hours flew by in what seemed like minutes.
I was so captivated by the experience that I decided to quit my job after 15 years as an investment advisor in a major brokerage firm and go to art school full-time. The painting journey continues to be an intuitive and exploratory one. Having discovered how creativity can energize a space and a life, I have been happy to share that excitement by teaching art workshops for the past several years. I was honoured to be elected to The Ontario Society of Artists and I serve on the board of the OSA.
For more of my abstract works, please check out www.sueennisartist.com Instagram.com/ sueennisart Facebook/ sue.ennis.94
Inside the Studio
Q+A
Why is it important for people to have art in their home or life?
Art can energize a space and it can energize your life, both in the creating of art and in appreciating the artworks of other people.
What artists do you admire right now?
Lucien Freud for his thick paint textures, Turner for his ethereal colours
Favourite medium
I enjoy working abstractly in a variety of styles from quiet landscapes in oil on canvas to much more energetic acrylic and very large abstract acrylic paintings to reverse paintings on plexiglass. So I don't think I could say that I have a favourite medium. What unites all of my work is a love of colour, and texture, and a deep appreciation of the process of painting.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Glenhyrst Gallery
Brantford, ON
Glenhyrst Biennial Juried Show
Paper Mill Gallery
Toronto, ON
Ontario Society of Artists Show
Select Past Exhibitions
Cincinnati, Ohio
Art Comes Alive 2017
Toronto, ON
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
Caledon, ON
Millcroft Inn
Toronto, ON
Propeller Gallery
Accolades
2013
Elected Member of Ontario Society of Artists
OSA
Education
Toronto School of Art
Diploma of Fine Art
University of Toronto
B.A., B.Ed