Visual artist Susan Murray Follow.Art Card

About me

I am a coloured pencil artist working in realism, specialising in capturing the quiet beauty and character of both people and animals. From the very beginning, I have been fascinated by what coloured pencils can achieve when treated as a fine art medium. Far from being a simple drawing tool, I see them as capable of incredible subtlety, depth, and vibrancy. Each new work challenges me to explore just how far I can push the medium, and I love the calm focus of becoming fully absorbed in the process. For me, drawing is both grounding and meditative – I can easily lose hours in the rhythm of mark-making, the layering of colour, and the gradual emergence of form.

My practice is not only about technique, but about connection. Whether I am portraying a beloved pet, animal, or a human subject, I aim to reveal a sense of presence and spirit that goes beyond likeness. I want my work to capture emotion – the spark in an eye, the essence of character, or the quiet dignity of an animal that might otherwise be overlooked.

At the heart of what I do is a larger mission: to break down barriers, both for coloured pencil as a medium and for the subjects I choose. Too often, coloured pencil is underestimated in the fine art world, yet I believe it deserves recognition as a medium of both delicacy and power.

Ultimately, my work is driven by a desire to honour connection – between people and animals, between artist and subject, and between the viewer and the artwork. By combining realism with heart, I hope to create portraits that not only draw the eye but also resonate on a deeper, more emotional level.