"A Spring Bouquet" by Suzanne Willis, Mixed Media on Hard Paper

DETAILS: 17" x 14"  Mixed Media on Hard Paper Original Artwork 2023 ABOUT THE ARTIST: Suzanne Willis Creating has been an intrinsic part of my life from a young age. I began with crayons and coloring books, progressing to more ambitious projects like designing clothes for my dolls from garage sale materials. In eighth grade, I painted my first oil landscape, which won an honorable mention at the Orange County Fair. However, this achievement also led to my painting being restricted at home. Living independently, I took a watercolor class that deepened my passion for painting. Despite struggling with drawing and mastering watercolor techniques, I persisted through classes at junior and community colleges in Costa Mesa, and workshops with Chris Gwaltney and Lynn Torrini, who introduced me to oil painting. Though I loved the rich colors of oils, the medium’s messiness and fumes led me to explore other avenues. During this period, I became a ceramic decorator, working with high-temperature