Every piece of artwork I create is an expression of the joy and wonder I experience at the beauty of our world.  Nature scenes are always magnificent in their own right, but a glistening reflection of a sunset off the window of a skyscraper can be equally intriguing and magical to observe.  I do not feel it is important to portray my subject matter with exact realism, but instead, as the ancient Chinese would suggest, to capture “the essence of it.”

Through my artwork, I hope to raise public awareness of our rapidly vanishing wilderness and endangered species by documenting on paper and canvas the last untouched open spaces remaining along the coast and inland wilderness areas.  By allowing the viewer to experience a sense of “being there,” it is my aspiration that people will gain an appreciation for our fragile environment and a desire to protect it from the dangers man imposes on it through pollution and irresponsible development.

Suzan Christenson and young artists at a show for her art students at Tehachapi Art Center.