There’s nothing like having a yearning passion for something and letting that passion act as a driving force for the way you live your life. What’s even more special about passion itself is having it since you were young and watching it take different forms as life goes on. This is where Susan Sobel comes in, as an artist truly born to create. Take in her sublime paintings and uniquely artistic journey below.

Nonahood News: What drove you to become an artist?

Susan Sobel: Creative energy and the love for all art forms enabled me to pursue a career revolving around the arts. With a passion for design and crafts, I graduated with a bachelor in fine arts from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. Entering as a graphic design major, I soon realized a love for fine crafts and pursued jewelry design and metal smithing. My love for creating handmade jewelry evolved into a business. Six years later, as a stay-at-home mom, I began to experiment with faux finishing. This also evolved into a successful business in South Florida for 20 years. As a decorative partner and muralist, I also found myself doing commissioned paintings for my clients. After a recent move to Orlando to be with my children and grandchildren, I have focused my creative energy and passion for art in a new direction – acrylic on canvas.

NHN: When did you realize creating art was your passion?

SS: I know in my heart I was born to create, and [I’m] thankful I have always been able to do what I love. As a little girl, my coloring books were my pride and joy. A new box of 64 Crayola crayons was pure bliss, and art class in school was the highlight of my day.

NHN: How often do you find yourself creating art?

SS: Ever since I can remember, I have been creating on a daily basis. Creating custom wall finishes, hand painting furniture, and painting murals has been routine for the past 25 years. Whether I am working on a commissioned piece or a canvas for a show, I am in my studio every day. Early mornings before the sun comes up is by far my best time to produce.

NHN: How long did it take you to discover yourself as an artist?

SS: My passion for art and design has led me throughout my career, which ranged from designing, metal smithing, custom faux finishing, and murals. My work has been recognized in South Florida in residential homes, restaurants, yoga studios, and hair salons. My clients frequently requested commissioned pieces, including portraits, landscapes, and abstract statement pieces. However, I have never considered myself a true artist until recently. I now have the opportunity to paint on canvas whatever I choose. Creating my own recognizable style [and] exploring new techniques and color palettes define me as an artist.

NHN: Which of your projects would you consider to be your favorites? (Pick a top three.)

SS: 1) One of my favorite projects was a large abstract painting for a client. It was my first abstract piece and first opportunity to loosen my control and paint freely on canvas.

2) Another favorite was a portrait of my son and daughter-in-law. The piece was done from a photograph taken of them on a ski trip in Vail, Colorado. My son[’s] proposal was centered around the painting, when he dropped to one knee in front of the painting in Winter Park. Neither had seen the piece until that special moment, which was a perfect day that warmed my heart.

3) Last summer, I was fortunate enough to travel to Italy with my kids and granddaughter. The villa in Tuscany was filled of lavender fields with butterflies, which have a special meaning to me. This inspiration led me to create a large abstract canvas, which is a definite favorite of mine, and that followed suit of the theme in most of my acrylic work.

NHN: Which of your projects was the most time consuming/challenging, and why?

SS: In the summer of 2014, I was commissioned by an interior designer/friend to do a portrait of her daughter (who was very sick) and her granddaughters. At first, she wanted a whimsical piece; however, [it] ended up being a true-to-life portrait at her request. Even though I am not very fond of painting portraits, I challenged myself and accepted the commission because of the closeness we shared. Three faces, three bodies turned into a six-month process. When doing a portrait, the smallest mistake or mark can alter the features and personality of the subject. “Vanessa” was truly the most time consuming and challenging task of my career.

NHN: What are some of your dream projects?

SS: A dream of mine would be to do a collection for a solo show in a well-known, high-end gallery. Viewing my work through the window of a gallery and sharing an elaborate opening with family, friends and clients would be fabulous and rewarding. Or, maybe a commission for a celebrity at their home.

NHN: What serves as your inspiration on a day-to-day basis?

SS: My visual cue is from actual forms in nature, such as flowers and landscapes. I use the exploration of nature as a starting point, encompassing texture mediums and layers of color with acrylics. I manipulate the paint, allowing the surface to emerge into something abstract and beautiful, still replicating images of nature.

NHN: Future goals/plans?

SS: Since my recent move to Orlando to be with my children and grandchildren, I was given the opportunity to pursue my passion: fine art. I will continue to exhibit in local fine art shows and galleries. I will be working on completing a new website and amplifying my exposure through digital marketing so that I can share my work beyond the local region. In addition to showcasing abstract florals and landscapes, I will explore new techniques and ideas to grow as an artist.