An Interview with American Realist Painter Susan Lyon

Become a Master Painter in Just 90 Days

Learn my MOST Effective Techniques (In Only 4 Minutes)

Alex Tzavaras interviews award winning American realist painter Susan Lyon.

Susan Lyon studied art at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She was also a member of Chicago’s Palette and Chisel Club, where she met her husband, artist Scott Burdick and worked alongside other renowned realist painters like Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik.

00:00 Intro
02:02 Susan's Portrait Demonstration
08:54 The Importance of Economy of Brushwork
16:46 Susan's Drawings
20:17 Susan's Recent Paintings
25:39 Still Life Painting
31:04 Colours and Limited Palettes
39:09 Painting from Life
49:49 Being an Artist
55:40 Susan's Education and How She Became an Artist
1:02:33 The Palette & Chisel and Meeting Scott Burdick
1:07:16 Art Education and Realism in the United States
1:15:19 The Resurgence of Realist Painting Online
1:21:16 Advice for Artists Just Starting to Paint.

[SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Become a Master Painter in Just 90 Days

Learn my MOST Effective Techniques (In Only 4 Minutes)

[alesiaarnold]

What an AMAZING interview!!! Love Susan’s work so much!

[kyletwebster]

I had the privilege of attending Susan’s life drawing group a few years ago. The best part was standing next to Susan and just watching her draw!

[featherball]

1:20:16 I’m 18 and my hobby is painting. Ever since I discovered your teaching and method it has changed the way I think about and approach art. Because of your channel I have gained the ability to paint from life.

Prior to discovering your method I used to think “how do I draw the eyes”, “how do I do a nose”. Your method completely changed my viewpoint from seeing symbolic things like noses to simple abstract masses. This procedure of seeing the whole before the parts was a huge breakthrough for me.

Thank you for your channel.

[cherylotero]

Thank you so much for being so open! What a breath of fresh air you are Susan!!

[jnarts]

very generous everything essential has been discussed especially the first part where she talked about how important to see values and not get into details right away ..

[diane-fmfn]

Wonderful interview and exchange of ideas. I have spent my entire career as an illustrator, graphic designer and art director. Now having left staff jobs I am doing more painting and pastels with occasional drawings. I agree with Susan about trying different medias and experimenting with the media the artist is working with ( i. e. playing with pastels, adding water and paint with a brush - Mary Cassatt did that). I had a great art history professor in college that really opened my eyes to the entire history of art and why/how it changed and evolved over time. It really adds to ones understanding of painting and appreciation of any particular artists' work. Thank you Alex for all you offer through your teaching and efforts to help other artists grow creatively!

[grandpa_eric]

Great conversation. Thought provoking. Thank you Susan & Alex for sharing your life experiences.

[seahawk]

That was a Great interview. Nice to listen to an Actual "down-to-earth" Professional artist.
Loved it.

[beadas]

So honest and genuine conversation. Thank you. I have created all my life and 2019 I semi retired and took up my love of painting… and I am on a journey of discovery. I empathise with your journeys.

[judylewis]

Enjoyed the interview. Thank you Susan for speaking about the downgrading and jealousy that some Artist do to other Artist. It just shows their own insecurities, but it's what I hate about being an artist. I also found a really good secure artist does not do that. I believe we are all I'm the same boat, and need each others support. Kudos to you both.

[jimmylamar]

Your work is beautiful hearing you talk about painting really inspires me to paint more both of you are great teachers I really appreciate watching you

[deepindersingh]

I really wanna thankyou Alex for sharing this amazing video. I m halfway through this and really appreciate your insights, opinions on art. There's so much to learn from you guys. 🙏🙏

[simonbryja]

Can't wait. Susan Lyon is one of the best

[sujanithtottempudi]

Extremely extraordinary....very amazing insights👏👏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👌👌🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[jnarts]

One of my fav artists along with Casey Baugh Richard Schmid

This is so cool man

[davidbenasulin]

Thank you for this post and lovely interview / conversation. Loved the opening painting and comments through it.

[williambo]

Great interview. Susan loves to share her skills. Thank you guys

[siddharthyadav]

this is one of the best online resource to learn. thank you

[artbyfawzi]

Thank you Alex for sharing this wonderful interview with wonderful Artist Susan Lyon,
thank you both for the excellent information, very informative and useful knowledge for both beginners and advanced artists.
This inspired me to take steps as described by Susan.
Many thanks.