About the Artist

Suellen McCrary

"Exception portraiture that resonates with each subject's true essence" - Informed Collector

Suellen McCrary is an accomplished oil painter known for seamlessly blending elements of realism, impressionism, and abstract art. With a passion for capturing the essence of individuals, their personalities, and the vibrant world around them, Suellen brings a unique and captivating touch to every painting.

Originally trained in graphic design and illustration with a degree in Commercial Art from Appalachian State University, Suellen embarked on a successful career in those fields. As her children grew up and ventured out on their own she was able to devote more time to her first love: oil painting. This shift allowed her to delve deeper into her artistic journey, exploring her creative potential and embracing the beauty of color.

A notable milestone is her recent series "Faces of Revolution." Comprising 25 painted portraits, this series focuses on the individuals who worked or lived at a historic cotton mill and mill village in Greensboro, NC. Each painting captures not only the physical likeness but also the essence of the subjects, creating a powerful visual narrative. "Faces of Revolution" has garnered widespread recognition and is now displayed as a permanent exhibit at Revolution Mill.

Suellen continues to captivate viewers with her ability to breathe life into their subjects. Whether it's a portrait, a still life, or a landscape, her paintings evoke a sense of emotional depth and draw the audience into the world she has created on canvas.

Her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and has received accolades. Her art resonates with art enthusiasts and collectors alike, inviting them to explore the human experience through vivid colors and expressive brushwork. She is currently represented by O'Brien Gallery in Greensboro, NC.

Exhibitions, Awards, and Publications:

2023 Bold Brush Painting Contest, Finalist in June
2022 American Impressionist Society, Small Works Showcase, Nightingale Fine Art, Taos New Mexico
2022 Bold Brush Painting Contest, "FAV" 15% Finalist in January, June
2021 Faces of Revolution Permanent Installation, Revolution Mill Hall of Fame
2021 September O'Henry Magazine, "Behind the Faces:
2021 Solo Show, Central Gallery, Revolution Mill Greensboro
2021 American Impressionist Member Online Juried Exhibition
2020 Portrait Society of America Juried Exhibition
2019 AWA Spring Online Juried Show
2019 Bold Brush Painting Contest, "FAV" 15% Finalist in January, April
2018 December O'Henry Magazine, "The Faces of Revolution"
2018 Bold Brush Painting Contest, "FAV" 15% Finalist in June, September, October, November and December
2018 American Impressionist Society, Small Works Showcase, Greenwich House Gallery, Cincinnati Ohio
2017 Bold Brush Painting Contest, 2nd Place in November
2017 Bold Brush Painting Contest, "FAV" 15% Finalist in May
2017 Portrait Project Exhibition, Revolution Mill Studio in March
2017 Bold Brush Painting Contest, "FAV" 15% Finalist in January
2016 Recipient Regional Artist Grant, Central Piedmont Regional Artists Hub Program
2016 Recipient Shirl Smithson Memorial Scholarship
2016 Bold Brush Painting Contest, "FAV" 15% Finalist in March
6 Inch Squared Show, Higbee Gallery, Costa Mesa, CA
2015 Bold Brush Painting Contest, "FAV" 15% Finalist in January and September
2013 6 Inch Squared Show, Higbee Gallery, Costa Mesa, CA
2013 Bold Brush Painting Contest, "FAV" 15% Finalist in August and September
2013 North Carolina Museum of Art, Art of the Auction
2012 6 Inch Squared Show, Higbee Gallery, Costa Mesa, CA
2011 Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition, Orleans, MA
2011 Bold Brush Painting Contest, June "FAV" 15% Finalist
2011 Bold Brush Painting Contest, March "FAV" 15% Finalist
2011 Bold Brush Painting Contest,
February Honor Finalist, Marc Hanson, Juror
2011 Bold Brush Painting Contest,
January Honor Finalist, Kyle Stucky, Juror
2011 Salon International, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Texas
2011 Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art, Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
2011 Appalachian Alumni in the Arts Exhibition,
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Boone, NC
2010 "Women Painting Women"
Robert Lange Studios Gallery, Charleston, SC
2010 Salon International,
Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Texas, Jury's Top 60
2010 Bold Brush Painting Contest, December "FAV" 15% Finalist
2010 Bold Brush Painting Contest, September "FAV" 15% Finalist
2010 Bold Brush Painting Contest, July "FAV" 15% Finalist
2010 Portrait Society of America's Members Portrait Competition
Honorable Mention
2010 ArtSee Magazine, Nov./Dec. 2010 "Defining Women"
2010 CharlestonScene, Nov. 4,
2010 "CFADA/s Fine Art Annual is a Collectors' Dream"
2009 RayMar Fine Art Competition, November Finalist
Cathy Dietrich, Juror - Sponsored by RayMar Corporation, Phoenix, AZ

Cathy Dietrich, Juror, RayMar Fine Art Competition, Nov. 2009:

I'm momentarily without words viewing "Cameron" as I force myself to remember I'm looking at a digital image of a flat surface brushed with paint. "Cameron" is sensitively rendered and "lives" through a melodious blend of bold and delicate brushstrokes. The direct straight on head angle shows off her impishness. She also "sits" well in the space and her form melds with the background giving the viewer a sense of atmosphere surrounding her. Some favorite areas I enjoy are her translucent skin tones, her ear in shadow, the pale green highlight beneath her eyebrow, the economy of loose strokes suggesting her top and her hair both in shadow against the light background and in light against the dark background. Another plus is the beautiful edge work. c.d.