Signature Circle Gallery
PSNH SCM: Susanne Larkham, NHPSA
Artist Statement:
"Drawing upon a background in fitness, musical theater, and mathematics, these experiences help me create compositions that practically sing! Am especially moved by the beauty found in natural settings & how the play of color and light can convey emotion--which pairs perfectly with the intense pigments in soft pastels." ~Susanne Larkham
Bio:
Since embarking on her artistic journey with pastels in 2018, Larkham has quickly established herself as an artist to watch. Her soft pastel paintings, characterized by vivid colors and intricate details, have garnered critical acclaim for their ability to evoke powerful emotional responses from viewers and jurors alike. "I see and paint the world as a symphony of movement, music, and vibrant color," Larkham explains. "My approach, which I call 'idealized realism,' focuses on capturing the intrinsic beauty of my subjects while conveying a sense of implied movement." Larkham's diverse portfolio, created both in-studio and en plein air, encompasses expressive portraits, dynamic seascapes, and brilliantly arranged florals. Her commissioned works, which she describes as "a collaboration of vision," have become particularly sought after.
Susanne Larkham is a multifaceted artist and educator based in New Hampshire, where she has resided for over three decades. With a BS in Secondary Art & Math Education from Taylor University, Larkham has seamlessly blended her passion for art and education throughout her career. A Signature Artist with the Pastel Society of NH and dedicated volunteer at the Currier Museum of Art, she has contributed over 750 hours as a docent and art educator since 2013. Larkham's artistic journey intertwines with her entrepreneurial spirit, evident in her ownership of Bellami Fitness and the creation of her own mini-gallery, On a Lark Fine Art. Her innovative approach extends to developing new fitness formats like B'LISS, while her recent foray into art coaching showcases her commitment to nurturing creativity in others. With plans to expand her teaching to both Manchester, NH, and Kennebunk, ME, Larkham continues to inspire and guide aspiring artists in creating visually striking and thought-provoking pieces.
Pastel Society of New Hampshire Board
2024--2025's Incoming President
2018-2024 Web Master
Instagram: @susannelarkham
Facebook: On a Lark Fine Art
www.susannelarkham.com
Exhibition Highpoints:
2024 Visions: A Juried Biennial Exhibition, Bristol Art Museum, Bristol, RI
2024 It's Pastel!, Nat'l Juried Exhibition of PSNH, Portsmouth, NH Royal Talens Rembrandt Award
2024 Sea la Vie, Solo Exhibition/Artist in Residence, Beauport Hotel Gloucester, MA with North Shore Arts Association
2024 Selections Winners' Group Show, Library Arts Center, Newport, NH
2023 IAPS 43rd Open Division Juried Webshow, International Association of Pastel Societies website
2023 Fleur de Lys, Solo Exhibition, Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, Portsmouth, NH (July 2023!)
2023 USED, National Juried Exhibition, Attleboro Art Museum, Attleboro, MA
2023 37th Annual Omer T. Lassonde Jured Open Exhibition, NHAA/Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, Portsmouth, NH
2022 Selections Winners' Group Show --Library Arts Center, Newport, NH
2021 Alumni Art & Design Juried Exhibit, Metcalf Gallery, Taylor University, Upland, IN. Honorable Mention/4th place
4x People's Choice Award Recipient
Affiliations:
Currier Museum of Art
Class of 2013 Emerita Docent/Art Educator/Mentor
Gold Star Recipient of 150 hours of service in a single year.
Signature Member: Pastel Society of NH
Juried Artist Member: Pastel Society of America, NH Art Association & the North Shore Arts Association
Juried Artist Member: Bryan Memorial Gallery (VT) & Bristol Art Museum (RI)