SUZ RAINES
After attending a Music Festival in 2020 and participating in a communal painting (auctioned to raise money for the local Fire Brigade) my desire to paint again was ignited after 40 odd years.
Inspiration & Process
The creative process begins with travel and photography, hunting out patterns and textures that occur naturally in objects, and faces and nature. I’ve learnt to see, enjoy and reference to create my art. Compositions are often strong with bold cropping and macro design. High chroma saturation is something I’m currently exploring to release emotion or movement into a previously ordinary object or scene. I find beauty in older, vintage items, light reflections in glass and faces that have a story behind them. I am now ready to expand my artistic circle to wider learning, exhibitions and meeting like-minded people.
Community Involvement
- Volunteer @ Caloundra Regional Gallery (since 2025)
- Fusion Op Shop, Buderim (since 2022)
Education & Creative background
- Diploma of Graphic Design, PIT Melbourne
- Visualizer (pre-digital) Hertz Walpole Campbell Ewald, Melbourne
- Product Designer & Finished Artist (pre-computer era) RJ Studio, Cairns
Maintaining a creative space at home and my ongoing involvement with Art School Co under the guidance of Jess Le Clerc have allowed me to continually develop as an artist. Since 2020, I have studied a wide range of artistic mediums while enjoying the freedom to explore and refine my own creative style. This balance of structured learning and personal expression continues to support my artist growth.
Awards & Recognition
2026
Curators Choice Award, Art School Co Emerging Artists Exhibition (Self-portrait)
Finalist, Best Painting, Art School Co Emerging Artists Exhibition (Self Portrait)
2025
Finalist, The Doyles Art Award
To see more of Suz’s art, check out her Instagram page @suz.art2020
