A native of North Carolina, Suellen McCrary received her degree in art from Appalachian State University. Initially pursuing a career in commercial art, her work was featured in Our State Magazine and received awards from NC/SC ShowFest, PICA and NCAF&E.

Turning professionally to her first passion, oil painting, she has studied with noted artists Tom Edgerton, Mary Minifie, Edward Jonas, Dawn Whitelaw and Casey Baugh. A member of the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, Stroke of Genius Portrait Artist Forum and the Cecelia Beaux Forum, she attended the PSOA Portrait Academy in 2006. She continues to study and is inspired by drawing and painting from life at master artists Scott Burdick and Susan Lyon's Trade Street studio in Winston Salem. She is represented by Tyler White Gallery in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Exhibitions, Awards, and Publications:

• 2015 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
• 2009 Junior League Showcase House Exhibition
• 2008 Summerhouse, Holiday Exhibition
• 2006 Art at The Crown, Group Exhibition

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.

To begin the portrait process, we will discuss the desired portrait composition, size, and format. A series of photos and preliminary sketches will be made by the artist, which will be reviewed and a pose agreed upon by the client. A color study may be made for composition and submitted for client approval. The preliminary sketches, color studies and photos may be retained by the client and are included in the price of the portrait. The final portrait will be painted at approximately life size, using the finest materials on premium linen for a painting that may be cherished for generations.

A 30% deposit is collected when the portrait is commissioned with the balance due when the portrait is accepted.

I look forward to meeting and working together to create not only a beautiful portrait but a lasting work of art to be treasured for generations!

Head & Shoulders    $3,500

3/4 Figure               $4,500

Full Figure               $5,500

Preliminary sketches, color studies and photos are included in the price of the portrait. 30% discount for second and third person on same canvas. Prices increase with complex backgrounds. Framing, travel and shipping not included.

Pet Portrait prices begin at $300.

For more information contact Suellen McCrary at smccrary4@gmail.com.