My artistic practice began with portraiture, evolving from intuitive expression to a more deliberate and reflective approach. Through several thematic series, I explored the concept of identity, developing a distinctive style characterized by flattened elements within simplified compositions. Because of a deepening curiosity about color, form, process and perception, I decided to turn to abstraction. 

My approach toward abstraction carries forward a good deal of what I learned as a graphic designer and used as a portrait artist. Specializing in fine art reproduction sharpened my sensitivity to color tone and nuance. I use digital tools to refine works-in-progress, streamline decisions, and even create designs for paintings.

While challenging boundaries between representation and abstraction, I also strive for uncertainty of depth, dimension and perspective. My paintings are designed to invite contemplation and interpretation of symbolic resonance and shifting visual hierarchies. 

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

Education

BA in Art History and Urban Studies, Boston University

Exhibitions

Connecticut Women Artists 2024 Annual National Open Juried Exhibition, Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich, CT, September 30 - November 22, 2024

ODETTA Digital, Postcards to Venice (an ongoing exhibition), Hashtag Gallery, Mexico, June 8-23, 2024; Palazzo Pisani Revedin, Venice, September 3 - November 3, 2024, Works available on Artsy

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