Susan E Drennan

About Susan E Drennan

Susan E Drennan, an accomplished artist based in Harmony, Pennsylvania, navigates the realms of impressionism with a deft hand, drawing viewers into landscapes where light and shadow dance in poetic harmony. Born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, and nurtured in a creatively vibrant household in Lynn, her early exposure to her grandmother's art collection ignited a lifelong passion. The seeds of her artistic journey were planted amid a family legacy of artistic pursuit—a great-grandmother who defied her era to attend art school and an uncle who embraced his artistic calling. These familial influences, coupled with encouragement from her educators, shaped Drennan’s artistic identity from a young age.

Despite facing significant challenges that interrupted her formal education at art school in Boston, Drennan’s determination never waned. Financial hardships and personal obstacles could not deter her creative spirit. Instead, they propelled her into a self-directed study under the tutelage of over 25 notable artists, including Patrick Saunders and Matt Smith. This eclectic mentorship enriched her technique and expanded her artistic horizons, allowing her to develop a versatile practice in multiple mediums—oil, watercolor, acrylic, and pastel.

Drennan’s work is a testament to her devotion to light, a recurring theme in her landscapes that often include architectural elements. Her approach is both spontaneous and deliberate, employing techniques such as alla prima and glazing in oil to convey depth, or using wet-into-wet transitions in her watercolors for a fresh, transparent style. Whether capturing the delicate nuances of a pet’s portrait or the grandeur of a sunset, her pieces reflect an intricate balance of order and expressive freedom.

Her artistic achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including awards in watercolor and portraiture, and recognition in plein air competitions. As a member of several prestigious art societies, Drennan's works have been showcased in esteemed exhibitions, drawing the admiration of collectors who appreciate her ability to convey the essence of her subjects. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Drennan's life is rich with diverse achievements, including triumphs in competitive sports, underscoring her philosophy of resilience and continuous improvement. With aspirations to further her reach into galleries and the plein air festival circuit, Susan E Drennan continues to share her vision, inviting audiences to experience the transformative power of art.