SUSAN DORAZIO

Approaching her subjects as an observer first, Susan immerses herself in movement and attitude, personality and spirit. “When I do a painting of a particular animal, I usually take a lot of pictures,” she told the Register Citizen. “I like to go back and observe (my subject) several times as I work in the studio. That way I can really be sure to capture the animal’s attitude.”

This method has served the nationally renowned artist well, as Susan has gained a reputation for bringing a startling liveliness to her work that evokes mood, energy and atmosphere. Her work is praised for its blending of light and color and its capturing of the spirit of the moment.

Susan has had a fascination with drawing animals, and horses in particular, since she was a young girl in Mt. Kisco, New York, a skill she translated into a career that has spanned three decades. Her work has been shown in numerous museums including the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, and the Wildlife Experience Museum in Parker, Colorado, as well as in galleries and on magazine covers nationwide.

In addition to original artwork and commissioned portraits, Susan enjoys drawing the cartoon “Rail Talk,” with Jan Lynick. It is featured monthly in Saddle & Bridle magazine, the Equine Journal, and Draft Horse Journal. Her studio in Colebrook, Connecticut, is open year round by appointment.