Susan & Dan Robinson

Partners in life and art, this is the first time Susan and Dan have exhibited together.

Learn a little about what inspires them and their work.

About Dan

I’ve always had an interest in photography and super 8 movie cameras. But it was the still camera that interested me most. In 2014, after a holiday in San Francisco, I bought my first digital camera, a Nikon 7000. I decided I realised - if I was going to pursue photography - I would need to learn more about camera settings and other technical aspects.

I'm inspired by many photographers including Christian Fletcher (Western Australia), Edward Martins, Mark Denny, Pep Ventosa, and Gary Gough, and other visual artists, including my beautiful wife, Susan Robinson.

In recent years, I’ve entered photography competitions and have won a couple of awards. I’ve also photographed a couple of weddings, personal portraits, and art exhibitions.

My workspace is the great outdoors and my home office where I develop my photos from raw format to a finished product. My dream project would be to have a photo printed to 44inch, have it framed and exhibited at an art gallery.

Now that I’m semi retired I have more time to go out and create. Being passionate about my photography and going to different locations keeps me motivated. When I encounter creative blocks, I switch between camera settings and change techniques. I also vary my subject matter.

The best advise I’ve received is "Never give up! Follow your heart and love what you do".

About Susan

I have been painting for most of my adult life. I completed a Diploma of Fine Arts at Claremont

school of arts then a B.A. of fine arts at Edith Cowan University in 2018. I chose painting and drawing as my main subjects, and still prefer these today in my art practise.

For this 'Colour Your World' exhibition I have used my imagination to create works that are colourful and joyful. Most of my paintings are of women's faces, but not of any one in particular. Just faces representing the beauty of our flora and fauna and some of my favourite animals. I hope to create happy paintings that show the lighter side of life.

My biggest influences for my art is the Australian landscape and artists such as Tom Roberts, John Olsen, Fred Williams, Sydney Nolan, Frida Kahlo, and Georgia O'Keeffe.

My career as an artist started slowly, after uni. I started teaching art at the Dianella Secondary College for many years, and held private art classes in my studio. I became involved with the Perth Society of Artists and exhibited with them every year and was involved in other exhibitions.

I have a studio at home and since retiring I am able to paint several hours a day. I also hold private lessons once a week for children with disabilities.

My dream project would be to write and illustrate a book about what it is to be a artist, including the challenges we face and the joys we experience when we get something right. I would include poems, writings, and quotes from artists, past and present.

The best piece of advise I’ve received is not to compare your art with others. Of course other artists will be better than you, but it's not a competition, and your work will always be valid. Think about what you want to say and say it!

Every new canvas is like a new day. We never know how its going to turn out but this is what keeps us moving forward.

Connect with Susan:

Website: https://7-susan-robinson.pixels.com

Facebook: Susan Robinson

Exhibition Poster: