Susan Torres' Art Blog

New Door - Dreamer

2008-02-07T08:27:00.001-08:00

I really like this one. The colors are vibrant and I can almost feel her thoughts and dreams.

Susan Torres in ArtExplosion

2008-02-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

ArtsUnited presents ArtExplosion 2008 Visual Arts Exhibit

Saturday, February 16, 2008, 6:00-9:00pm
Presented by ArtsUnited & ArtServe Gallery
1350 East Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304
$5 Admission

ArtsUnited’s ArtExplosion Visual Art Exhibit is one of largest art exhibitions in the country featuring over one hundred unique works of art by local artists on display from February 11-29. The artist’s reception is on Saturday, February 16, from 6 to 9pm and includes music, dance, theatre, book signings and vocal performances. All works will be judged by Mr. Snow and cash prizes will be awarded for Best of Show, People’s Choice and Best in Class. Admission to the reception is by $5.00. There is no admission to the exhibit other than during the Opening Night Reception.

Photos of Susan Torres Art Show at Stonewall Library

2008-02-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Check out the pics from my last show at the Stonewall Library (it only took forever).

This is me (on left) and Noor, the editor/publisher of Irreversible Magazine.

2008-01-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

ArtsUnited Features Susan Torres

Artsunited is pleased to feature the paintings of local artist Susan Torres in a solo exhibit at the Stonewall Library and Archives from January 7 through February 1, 2008.

The gallery is located at 1717 N Andrews Avenue in Ft Lauderdale. The exhibit opens with a reception to meet the artist from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 7Th.

Born in New York, Susan Torres is a self-taught artist who, only recently, decided to pursue her art as a career. At first, Ms. Torres' paintings were very traditional in style. She eventually explored abstracts and felt an immediate connection. Recently, Susan has developed a curious style of capturing her characters and personalities.

Using vivid colors and bold characters, Susan creates a unique and engaging expression of women. She captures the alter egos of these women in a playful and alluring way. Susan now makes her home in South Florida. Visit http://www.susantorresart.com/ for more info.

The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at the reception. Funding for this monthly art series provided by Comcast and ArtsUnited.

Irreversible Magazine Reception a Hit!

2007-12-08T10:15:00.000-08:00

As mentioned in a previous blog, I had the pleasure of being one of the first artists to be included in the Collector's Edition of Irreversible Magazine. The reception was a tremedous hit and we had a fabulous time!

THANKS IRREVERSIBLE MAGAZINE!

You can buy your copy here!

Rolling out the Wine Barrel for Winterfest

2007-12-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

I am currently painting a barrel that will be auctioned off at the Black Tie Ball during Winterfest. The barrel will then be showcased at a local Publix, who is a sponsor for the Winterfest Boat Parade.

I will upload the complete barrel when done...in the meantime...here it is in progress. See more wine barrel pics.

Title: "Gossip at the Wine Tasting"

Upcoming Debut of new Art Magazine in December

2007-11-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

I am one of the artists that will be featured in the First Edition Collector's copy of Irreversible Magazine. A new art magazine exposing emerging artists.

"Until art galleries wise up and see the level of genius in an artist work, then Irreversible will be that gallery."

Invitation:
Artforms Alternative Gallery is very honored to host an evening of cocktails and music for the Miami debut of Irreversible Magazine.

Thursday, December 6th, 2007. 7pm - 10pm
130 N.E. 40th Street
Miami Design District/Atlas Plaza
Miami, FL 33137

Click image to enlarge.

Newest Door - The Backstroke

2007-11-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

My newest piece is a door with 2 swimmers doing the backstroke. I had so much fun painting this one. I feel happy when I look at it.

Art Show at Neighborhood Coffee

2007-11-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 9th will be a day to remember for me as it was my very FIRST Art show held at a coffee shop in Boca Raton, FL called Neighborhood Coffee and Gelato Amore.

Photos taken by a very talented photographer, Karl Kryczynski of K2 Photography http://www.ksquarephotography.com/ .

Me and my good friend Ann Marie holding her new piece, "Perplexed".

Me with Lisa and Carlette

Jamie...my girl.

Trish and Kimberly, 2 emerging artists as well. Stay tuned for their first show.

Horses and the Handicapped Charity

2007-11-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

I recently donated some paintings to a wonderful organization called Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida, Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1982 and located on the North side of Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. They are dedicated to providing effective therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities for children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional difficulties.

A definite worthy cause and the horses are incredible and wonderful! You can learn more about them at http://www.handhmagic.org/.

Frisco

Hallory

My Story

2007-08-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Every artist has a story. We all have a muse, an aspect of our lives that motivates our creativity. And I'm no different. My story however, is not one that most would speak about. But, I will because not only do I feel a need to allow my customers to connect with me, to know what makes me tick. But, also to talk about something that is tabu to most in hopes that others will talk about things they have kept in for fear of how they would judged by society.

At the age of 14, my daughter, Krystal started using drugs and alcohol. At 16 she stole her first car and was arrested. For the past 10 years I have endured the pain of her being homeless and have visited her in ICU too many times to bear. I would even visit her in the streets just so that I knew that my daughter was alive. I have done it all with her, rehabs, therapy, countless suicide attempts and of course unconditional love...but who knows what makes people do what they do.

I choose to paint happiness and positive images instead of the despair that I saw and felt. What's the point in that? I'd rather paint the positive side of it, the possibility of another life, the love and unity that comes from going through a situation like this. This has brought my family together and it has made us look at the family like never before. We saw that it was a problem that was always there and it made us take ownership of it to do something about it. Then it brought us all together and the healing began. There is more love and happiness in our family than ever before. I can't say the same for Krystal, she still struggles but because the family is so strong now, we can really make a difference.

I hope to send a message of hope and love. A message that will touch someone who feels that their situation has beaten them. I also thank God for my daughter Krystal. She is THE most beautiful woman I know. On the outside, you may see scars and despair, but on the inside...there is so much beauty. She is one of the strongest and giving women I know. God will use her experiences to help those with the deepest pain that only someone like her can see.

My goal is to help, through the sales of my art, organizations like Teen Challenge a non-profit rehab that desperately needs monetary help.

When Krystal arrived at Teen Challenge over a year ago, I had just flown to California, checked her out of ICU and flew her to Rhode Island to Teen Challenge. Krystal remained clean for over a year in Teen Challenge and learned to take care of herself. They gave my daughter her life back and I would like to give back to them.

I paint today because God has spared my daughter's life. Today she is alive so I rejoice, I celebrate, I paint. Here is a poem that I recently wrote:

Sisters - Dedicated to my daughter, Krystal Plumey

These are my sisters and together, we are strong.
Sisters crying, dying, trying to put their lives back together again.
Don't throw me away but pick me up, don't give me up.
Sisters in distress, a mess, what's left...but the pain inside.
She is discarded, not regarded because of her problem.
Sisters broken and thrown away, not given the chance to find her way.
Don't throw me away but pick me up, don't give me up.
Look at my heart, look at my soul, you'll see my beauty, don't look through me.
She is your mother, wife, daughter, sister. I know deep inside how you miss her.
But, don't throw her away, pick her up, don't give her up!

- Susan Torres
Art by Susan Torres

The Door

2007-08-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

This is my first door. The red-headed sisters. I like painting on large surfaces and one day I just had the urge to paint a door. It came out so fantastic, I could not have been more pleased.

The idea behind the concept painted on this door is:

1. We are all sisters, no matter what race, color or creed.
2. Each side represents opposite sides of the world they may be from.
3. One of these sisters is always holding the other one up, no matter how you turn it.

Humble Beginnings

2007-07-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my humble beginnings as an artist. This is my studio at home. Florida homes are expensive as heck but have little room. I use my pool table (I knew it was a bad idea from the beginning) as my painting surface. It's so big that I can comfortably paint with lots of room to spare for my supplies. When we want to use it (which is never) I will only have to remove my stuff and uncover it. LOL! We work with what we have, don't we.

Hey, maybe i'll paint it.