From the “Mad About Crimson” series 2024/2025
Susan’s most recent works, part of her “Mad About Crimson” series, from 2024/25
In this recent series, a single colour emerges as the central character: crimson. It is bold, unignorable, and alive. While red is often linked to passion, anger, or turmoil, for me it became something different—a pulse that ties each piece together, hinting at raw energy beneath the surface.
I’m generally a happy person, yet I found myself drawn again and again to this powerful hue. Perhaps it is subconscious, or perhaps it’s simply the irresistible richness of red itself. In the process, crimson became both a lens and a language: it speaks of vitality, strength, and the complexity of being human.
These works explore the dual nature of red—how it can be both fierce and comforting, unsettling and beautiful. It reminds me, and hopefully the viewer, that even our brightest joys and deepest shadows can share the same vivid, beating heart.
Susan with her original painting “Buttercup” on exhibit at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario. August, 2022
Susan Gray is an Ottawa area artist working in oils, wax and mixed media. Available for commissions, custom work, consultation (hanging, collection, curation) and corporate acquisition.
In June of 2022, Susan submitted her painting “Buttercup” to the call for community artists at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario. Buttercup was selected and hung on display from June through October. The painting was very well received, hanging central to the exhibition and was popular among staff and visitors.
Susan accepts a limited number of commissions annually. Please reach out to inquire about custom work, commissions or corporate collections.