artist's interview - susan blakeslee

​Thank you Judy Berman for coordinating random interviews with our members for CBAA facebook and our newsletter. She asked Susan Blakeslee the following questions:
What is your position in CBAA? How long have you been a member? What community do you live in? Where are you from originally? 
I’m not a very active member, but I try and be supportive…I can’t remember when I joined. My great-grandfather was the first settler in Rockledge in 1869, and my family and I have lived in Rockledge or Cocoa ever since. I currently live in Cocoa.
What's your inspiration when creating art? 
My inspiration depends on what I’m painting. I’m primarily a nature-landscape painter and when I paint either en plein air or from a photograph, I’m inspired by the beauty of the world.
What's the best art gift you've received or given?  
The best art gift I received was an Escoda Prado cat's tongue watercolor brush, size 20. I've bought several since Ralph (at the art store) gave it to me and I have encouraged my students to use one. Great brush. Great gift.
What short breaks - mental or physical - do you take to recharge? 
I love walking along the Indian River or visiting a nature park…but I’m also an avid reader
Is there something you'd like to add here? 
​One of my great joys has been teaching art, and I’ve recently returned from Uganda where I taught people from the largest slum in Kampala to paint. They had never held a crayon or a paint brush and their enjoyment was palpable!
Susan is willing to do a presentation on her watercolor techniques and also her trip to Uganda at a future