Born and raised in Philadelphia, I graduated from Boston University with a BA in art history and urban studies. Post-college, I secured my first position as a graphic designer at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and remained in the field for over 20 years.

When I first started to paint, I found that capturing a likeness came naturally. I focused on portraiture for almost two decades. Eventually, my interest shifted to the colors and forms within the faces I was painting.

Delving into abstraction didn’t feel like a huge leap. I continued to use many of the same systems and explored the same concepts. In both genres intuitive expression evolved into a more formal, contemplative practice of intent.

Process and perception are major considerations in my practice. I employ a number of methods and strategies from graphic design. For example, manipulating photographs of works-in-progress expedites decision-making. Production is advanced by techniques acquired before computers became a thing. Years of assuring color-correct reproduction has led to an exacting sense of color formulation, accuracy and nuance.

Striving for a strong visual aesthetic, I explore concepts such as identity, identification and ambiguity. Shifts occur between two- and three-dimensional perspectives. Grids may overlap what looks like an elevation. There is often uncertainty about boundaries between representational and abstract.

I currently live in Connecticut. My paintings have been in a number of exhibitions and are in numerous private collections.

Exhibitions

ODETTA Digital, Nature’s Way, September 22, 2023 - February 22, 2024 exclusively on Artsy

ODETTA Digital II | Exquisite Codes Berlin, Berlin, Germany, June 16 – August 18, 2023

Black, White and Shades of Gray, Stamford Art Association & Townhouse Gallery, Stamford, CT, May 18 - June 22, 2023

Susan Carson: Abstract Realism - Reflections, Objects & Faceless Portraits, The Art Gallery at Shutter Speed Photo, Middlebury, CT, February 25 - May 6, 2023

Harriet Pattison: Gardens & Landscapes (portrait of Harriet), Harvey & Irwin Kroiz Gallery, University of Pennsylvania, April 19-July 15, 2016

Aldrich Undercover: Secret Exhibition and Benefit Art Sale, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield CT, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006

Persistence of Vision, Gregory J. Peterson's Collection of Contemporary Realist Art,
New York Academy of Art, 2011

CONNcentric, City-Wide Open Studios, Artspace New Haven, New Haven, CT, 2008

Open Juried Show; Connecticut Women Artists, John Slade Ely House, New Haven
CT, 2008

Radius: Professional Practice Series for Artists, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum and The Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Ridgefield CT, 2004

76th Annual Open Juried Exhibition; Connecticut Women Artists, Jorgenson Gallery, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 2004

Publications

Susan Carson: Structure, Perspective And Abstract Realism, https://aatonau.com/susan-carson-structure-perspective-and-abstract-realism/, aatonau.com, 2023
Persistence of Vision, Gregory Peterson, blurb.com, 2011
Realism Now: The Peterson Collection, Fine Art Connoisseur, Matthias Anderson, 2007
The Peterson Collection of Contemporary Realist Art, Gregory Peterson, blurb.com, 2006

Collections

Numerous Private Collections
Portrait of Dr. William Baxt (ER retiree), Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 48”, 2013, University of Pennsylvania Medical School
Untitled, Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20”, 1992, The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center