Sue Lockett

 

ABOVE: Reflections – Orewa to Red Beach. 450 x 600mm, acrylic and chalk pastel on canvas

Finding My Creative Path

Sue Lockett’s interest in art began at school, where the seeds of creativity were first planted. After leaving school, she continued to draw and paint sporadically, but it wasn’t until more recent years that her passion for creating truly took root and flourished. Sue explains further:

The year 2020 became a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. Following an injury and with the arrival of lockdown, I suddenly found myself with more time on my hands. I turned to painting and discovered just how therapeutic the creative process could be. What began to fill the time soon became something much more meaningful – a source of happiness, fulfilment and a renewed connection with my creative side. I still work full time, but I am committed to developing my skills and growing as an artist. I see painting as both a rewarding pursuit in the present and something I can devote more time to in retirement, with the hope that it may also provide an income along the way.”

Inspiration from the Natural World

The natural world is my greatest source of inspiration. I am fascinated by the ever-changing colours, light, textures and forms that surround us, and I am always on the lookout for new places, different perspectives and interesting subjects.

Whether I’m travelling out of town or simply walking around the block, I take my camera with me. I enjoy being a curious observer of the world, noticing details that might otherwise go unseen. The photographs I capture along the way become valuable references for the stories I tell on canvas. Sometimes an idea emerges from a particular scene or combination of colours; at other times, inspiration arrives quite unexpectedly.

My artistic influences go back many years. When I was in my teens, my mum bought a drawing by Rei Hamon, and I remember being in awe of the incredible detail in the artwork. I have also long admired Brent Wong, whose striking landscapes and dramatic cloud formations, set against strong, cubic structures, have made a lasting impression on me.

Today, painting the coast is my preferred subject. I am particularly drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, the reflections in wet sand, the changing colours of the sea and sky, and the character of our coastal landscapes. The pohutukawa trees and sandstone cliffs provide wonderful opportunities to explore colour, texture and form. I also enjoy painting our native birds, which offer a different set of challenges and creative possibilities. Acrylic paint is my medium of choice because of its versatility and the depth of colour it allows me to achieve.

The Joy of the Creative Process

For me, painting is about much more than reproducing a scene. It is about capturing a feeling, a moment or a memory and bringing it to life on canvas. I find great satisfaction in watching a painting develop, from the initial composition through to the final layers of colour and detail. As I become absorbed in the process, everyday worries seem to fade away. I connect with the paint, my tools and the subject itself, often recalling the memories and experiences that inspired the work in the first place. It takes me to a place of happiness.

From the Studio to the Exhibition Space

My first exhibition was more successful than I could have hoped for. Working towards a coastal-themed exhibition gave me a clear goal and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I experimented with colour and paint application, challenged myself to work more frequently and discovered what I could achieve when I committed to a deadline.

The experience also taught me that being an artist involves much more than making art! Selling my work introduced me to a whole new world of administration, from setting up and managing my own website to pricing paintings and creating social media content. There are many hats to wear, and at times it can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are learning as you go without someone to guide you.

I am a member of Estuary Arts, whose exhibitions and gift shop provide valuable opportunities to showcase my work and connect with a wider audience. I am also interested in exhibiting through venues such as Next Door Gallery and Art Collective, with the aim of becoming more visible.

I am currently working towards my second solo exhibition, with another coastal theme. Having an exhibition to work towards gives me focus and encourages me to paint more regularly. It is exciting to see my skills develop as I work towards a body of paintings that share a common theme while allowing each piece to tell its own story.

My Approach to Painting

My process usually begins with a rough sketch to establish the composition and work out how the different elements will fit together. Once I am happy with the arrangement, I prepare the canvas and sketch out the basic design. I then begin by blocking in colour, identifying the light and dark areas and establishing the main shapes within the composition. From there, I gradually build up the painting with additional layers, refining the colours, textures and details as the image takes shape.

Layering is key to my approach. Each stage adds depth and brings the subject closer to the vision I have in mind. One of my most useful tools is my tabletop easel. Its adjustable design allows me to tilt the canvas and move it up or down, making it surprisingly versatile, even when I am working on larger canvases.

A Few Words for Fellow Artists

My advice to anyone pursuing their own artistic journey is simple: keep practising and don’t give up. Connect with other artists, both emerging and established. The knowledge, encouragement and support they offer can be invaluable, especially when you are finding your feet. If you are hoping to sell your work, don’t become disheartened if success doesn’t happen quickly. Building an audience takes time, and there will always be someone out there who connects with your art. Above all, enjoy the process, learn from your mistakes and keep creating. You never know where your artistic journey might take you.

When I am not painting, I enjoy listening to rock music, reading, walking, practising yoga and catching up with friends. These activities provide a welcome balance to my creative life and, sometimes, fresh inspiration for the next painting. For me, art is an ongoing journey of discovery – a chance to observe the world more closely, express what I see and feel, and share a little of that experience with others. I look forward to seeing where the journey leads next.